Using Electronic Mailing Lists to Gather Helpful Information

What is an electronic mailing list?

An electronic mailing list is analogous to the more familiar mailing lists in that someone maintains a list of names and the same mail goes to everyone on the list. The difference is that the list and the mailing are maintained on a computer connected to the Internet, called a file server. In addition, electronic mailing lists have other functions than just the distribution of mail. There are at least three major competitors for elelectronic mailing list software. LISTSERV was the first, majordomo and listproc came later.

How can I find useful LISTSERVs for educators?

To get a list of all listservs, compose a message to listserv@bitnic.educom.edu In the text area type list global (It's a big list!) To narrow down the search, specify a subject, for example, list global/chemistry

How does one subscribe to a listserv electronic mailing list?

To subscribe to a listserv list, send mail with no subject to
LISTSERV@SERVERADDRESS
with the following message in the body of the message
SUB LISTNAME FirstName LastName
For example, to subscribe to the list
CSRNOT-L@UIUCVMD.BITNET
I would send mail with no subject to
LISTSERV@UIUCVMD.BITNET
with the message
SUB CSRNOT-L JIM ANDRIS

To unsubscribe send the message

UNSUB LISTNAME
Finally, when you receive your subscription, it is very important that you copy the longer message with instructions under the name sublistname (a different name for each list) to your personal directory so that you will remember what lists you are subscribed to and be able to unsubscribe when you are through.

How does one subscribe to a majordomo electronic mailing list?

To subscribe to a majordomo list, send mail with no subject to
majordomo@serveradress
with the following message in the body of the message
subscribe listname your email address
For example, to subscribe to the (imaginary) majordomo list
grass@pasture.com
I would send mail with no subject to
majordomo@pasture.com
with the message
subscribe grass jandris@siue.edu

To unsubscribe send the message

unsubscribe listname

What is a LISTSERV?

LISTSERV is a computer program (or a computer with such a program) which allows people to connect to a computer which offers several services. According to the helpful LISTSERV User Guide, LISTSERV can be broadly categorized into four functional areas. These are the Please note that all the commands used in manipulating LISTSERVs are contained in the above documents.
Through LISTSERV, you may meet interesting people, find information or answers to questions, and start up individual e-mail conversations. Since LISTSERVs are organized by interest, there is a good chance of this.

Here is an excellent on-line FAQ (frequently asked questions) file on majordomo type lists.

Revised by Jim Andris, July 7, 1997.