Why use Listservs?
 | Listservs work like a mailing list. Anytime that
you want to mail a single message to a large list of recipients listservs work well.
Listservs work especially well when structured around a group with a common goal. Classes
of students often use listservs to communicate ideas, thoughts, for brainstorming, and
discussion. Sometimes it is necessary to moderate these listservs -- a moderator reads the
messages and decides whether or not the message is suitable for sending. Listservs are
examples of asychronous communication. In other words, all the users don't have to be
online at the same time. |
|
Advantages of Listservs
| One message can be shared with possibly a large
audience. |
| Not all of the recipients have to be online at
the same time to receive the mailing. |
| It's a great place to exchange ideas. |
|
Disadvantages of Listservs
| Many times message that are meant for one person
are sent to the entire list (using the REPLY button). |
| Flaming can occur when messages aren't clear or
goal-directed |
| Listservs can be confusing when a person first
subscribes. |
| If you lose the unsubscribe message, you're a
member of the list forever. |
| Sometimes a list needs a moderator but none is
available. |
|
Listserv Etiquette
| Make sure that what you send is going to the
correct recipients (either to the listserv or the sender). |
| Don't get all worked up when someone accidently
sends a message to everyone that was only intended for one person. |
| Make sure that your grammar, punctuation,
spelling, and sentence structure are correct. |
| Sometimes it's best to be an observer for a few
sessions to see how things work. Then once you see how it runs, join in. |
|
| Want to check out some of the lists available
through Listserv? Here's the address for a catalog of all of the listservs offered through
Listserv: http://www.lsoft.com/lists/listref.html |
| Visit the LSoft website to find out more about
Listservs, comparisons with other email discussion groups, and how businesses and schools
use listservs. http://www.lsoft.com/listserv.stm
You can also read about Listservs
at:
http://www.world.topchoice.com/~psyche/lists/index.html |
