|
About
Us
Quick
Ref
Information
Real
Lives
Online
Library
Publications
Other
LInks
Contact
Us
|
What is an e-mail group or email list?
An email list is a group of people who
subscribe to an email list or group based on a
particular topic or subject. When a subscriber to
the list sends a message to the group, every member
of the list gets a copy. The number of messages per
day can vary.
Mailing lists (also called email groups)
can be used to share views, news or share
experiences, keep in touch or up to date about
specialized subjects. The discussion on a group
usually focuses on a particular topic or
subject.
If you prefer to receive the messages all
together in one large email, you can get them in a
digest format.
Why would I join one?
Electronic mail lists can be a useful way to
share experiences and gain information amongst
people who share a common experience. They can be a
good way of keeping up with the latest developments
in something you're interested in by belonging to a
network of people who are also interested in the
area. You can share ideas or concerns, ask
questions, find out about research, current
information about treatment or health and discover
what is going on in other regions, states or
countries. For people who are isolated, email
groups are a very useful way of keeping in touch
with other members, supporters and new friends.
How lists work?
When you have subscribed (become a
member) to an email group, you will receive email
messages sent by the other subscribers. The emails
are just like any other email. You can participate
in the discussion by pressing 'reply' and sending
your own email. Your message will automatically be
sent to all the other subscribers.
Each email list usually has one or two people
responsible for the list (list-manager or
list-owner). The list-manager or list-owner
will see that the list runs smoothly, provide any
necessary information files, answer questions from
members, keep conversations on topic, eject
troublemakers, etc. You can always ask this person
for help
Lists vary in the way they are run. Some lists
are open to anyone to join. Others are closed to
the general public. Most email groups keep their
discussion within the bounds of the stated reason
for the group discussion or on-topic, while
other email groups accept a wide range of subjects
for discussion whether they are on-topic or
off-topic.
There are many thousands of email lists on the
Internet. Most lists are formed around particular
topics.
What does it cost?
Most email groups are free. You'll have the
usual cost for your own personal email connection
(or hourly rate if you connect at an internet cafe)
- and your own time.
Do I have to post (email)? I'm usually a very
quiet person.
You are completely welcome to just listen (read)
in on a list without ever sending messages. This is
called "lurking". Lists usually have a majority of
lurkers and just a few people posting emails. This
is normal, since if everyone talked all the time,
the volume of messages would be enormous.
When you first join a new list, it is good
manners to read the messages for awhile first
before jumping into the conversation. Even better,
locate the list "archives" if they exist, and read
the past weeks' messages.
Where else can I find other Email Groups to
join?
One of the most popular is Yahoo!
Groups. Use their 'Find a Group' search box to
search for groups on the topics you're interested
in.
Another provider is Google
Groups. They also have a search facility to
help you find the groups you are interested in.
Contacting the list manager
- if you have any questions about the group or
what to do
- if you are bothered by someone or something
on the group
- when you need some technical help with the
list
- if you have any suggestions, comments or
complaints about a member, a posting, or the
list itself.
You can always contact
Craig on email.
|
Subscribing (joining) and Unsubscribing
(leaving)
Different email groups handle the subscription
process in different ways. For some lists you must
ask the owner to add your address to the list. For
others, the process is automated.
When you subscribe to a list you will usually
receive an automatic "welcome" email message. Save
this message, since it usually contains
"Unsubscribe" instructions, rules, and the email
address of the list manager who can provide you
with help if you need it.
What are the different ways to get the
messages?
Daily Digest – a number of email
messages are sent to you bundled together in one
large email each day. "Digest mode" keeps your
inbox from being filled with many email messages.
Since the digest are sent to you once daily, this
might mean you receive messages slower and prevent
you from timely participation in discussions.
Individual Emails – email messages
are sent as they are sent to the group.
Special Notices – used rarely. In
four years of running email groups, Craig has only
ever used this once to contact group members.
No email – please use this option
only if you're on holidays or not going to be able
to access your email for a short time.
What does the Email Group Manager
do?
The list manager is the guide, manager or
facilitator for the group. The role is to keep the
list focused on-topic and to help you solve
any technical problems you may experience using the
email list.
Some manager duties include:
- Welcomes new members by email
- Posts friendly messages when
appropriate
- Invites and encourages new members
- Encourages discussion.
- Encourages list members to introduce
themselves
- Ensures the discussion remains on-topic
- Reminds members of list courtesy
- Stops discussions that are turning into
personal attacks, debates or are in any way
deemed counter productive to list guidelines or
standard netiquette
- Encourages discussion by posting open-ended
questions
- Provides "starter content" for
discussion
- Posts relevant resources.
- Helps list members with list technical
problems.
What does "Moderated" mean?
When a list is "moderated", all of of the email
messages are read by the list-manager before they
are passed along to the group.
"Moderated" lists usually have a particular
focus. When email lists form around health issues
or other matters that are particularly sensitive to
the members, discussion on a list can become
heated.
If you've not used
a email list before, the following webpages about
'Netiquette' (internet etiquette) could be useful
|
