Module 2: Lists

I have chosen to not join any new lists (groups) at this time as i have just removed myself from most of the ones that i did belong to as i no longer had time to read the information.

I have in the past belonged to what i would class as all 3 types of lists...

The first type is where information is recieved. For this i belonged to the flylady yahoo group. This sends out daily reminders, uplifting quotes, testimonials, and information but is a read only group and normal members cannot post. From this group you can expect around 20 or more messages a day so it is easy for it to get out of control.

The next type of group is where members can post but each message is moderated before posting and must adhere to strict standards. An example of this is www.freecycle.org For each area freecycle uses yahoo groups to keep members in touch with each other. Messages are strictly moderated with members getting warnings if they don't adhere to the standards. (I was the "owner" of the Ipswich Freecycle group in 2006 and was responsible for the running of the group, making sure we stuck to Freecycles rules, and training up new moderators)

The third type of group is a more general grup that has many posts and topics. Although they stick with a common theme (an interest, hobby etc) there tends to be more freedom in what is written with posts that will deviate from the main theme to the users lives, kids, health and musings. I have belonged to many of these in the past including Slow Cooking, Cross Stitch and Gaming.

• What are the pros and cons of email lists versus discussion boards?

Email lists work well when you want to ensure that the messages are read, or that you know when someone has posted, however they can quickly clog up your inbox if you do not keep on top of them.

Discussion boards are easier to scan the main topics and to read what is relevant to you, but if you don't remember to log in often you can quickly fall behind and they can become overwhelming by the pure volume of posts.

• Are there certain kinds of communication or purposes more suited to one than the other?

I think that email lists work better when it is important that messages are read as soon after posting as possible (this can include reminders (flylady), trade listings (essential baby trading post), or when there is a small number of members.

Message boards work better when not all messages are relevant to you, when you are often logging in at different computers, or when you have a small inbox.


I think it is important when signing up to either to read the rules, check the number of members, and even look at the number of recent posts to give you an idea of how busy the group might be, and what to expect. When trying out a group it is best to try it out for a week before throwing it away as it may be an unusually busy or quiet day. Also it is good to rmember that with most groups (well with yahoo and msn groups) that there are a number of different options as to how you want to receive your posts including digest, as they happen, or to just read them online.