Introduction

Mailing lists work as follows. Software on a computer run by the organizer (or moderator) of the list sends mail to all members of the list when it receives mail. For obvious reasons, the term mail exploder is sometimes used for such software. On some lists, the moderator will approve mail to be sent to all list members. Thus, to send mail to all members, you need only write to one address: the list address.

When using a mailing list, please follow "netiquette:"

• Use a meaningful subject line. A subject of "help", particularly when received by those on more than one list, is not likely to elicit much of a response.
• If you're responding to a previous post, quote accordingly, but judiciously. This helps put your comments in context, yet avoids messages that are too long.
• Enclose a short note (or "signature") at the bottom with at least your email address. Some mailing systems mangle the information in the header with your address.
• If you have a response, consider responding directly via email if you think no one on the list will be interested.
• Watch your temper. Email sometimes makes tempers flare. If you think you should wait or tone down your note, you most likely should.
• Don't type in all capital letters.
• Finally, employ common courtesy. If someone helps you out, a thank you will be appreciated.

While not part of netiquette, the value of mailing lists should be approached like other many other sources of information, such as a newspaper or a journal. Much of the material may not be of interest, but occasionally something very useful may cross your path.

Note that in ALL cases, you subscribe and unsubscribe from a list NOT by sending email to the list itself (which means it goes to ALL the members of the list), but to some special address that deals with subscriptions. Sending mail to the list itself marks you as a novice who hasn't taken time to carefully read directions. It also irritates list members (numbering into the hundreds) who receive useless mail. One hint: when subscribing to a list, you'll receive information on how to unsubscribe. Keep it and use it.

The following is a list of email discussion groups. I have organized the following mailing lists around the type of software (listserv, listproc, majordomo, mailserv, mailbase, Internet-style, and other) used to run them so that directions can be put in one place.

In general, I know little about these lists other than the fact that they exist (in fact, this list is basically an edited version of the email I received in acknowledgment when I subscribed to the lists). Traffic varies; in fact, on some, it is very close to zero, on others, it varies, and on others, it is substantial. Where I do know something more, I've added it beneath the name of the list and its address.

If you need help on subscribing to a list, most mailing list software supports the "help" command. Thus, if you're uncertain on how to subscribe to Pol-Econ, send email to listserv@SHSU.edu and type the word help in the body of your message.