Introduction to Discussion Groups & Listservs

Prepared by Julie Still (still@crab.rutgers.edu)

A. How to find discussion groups:

1. Check to see if your local system makes a list available

2. For a comprehensive file of all bitnet listserv lists (about 6000)

send email to listserv@bitnic.educom.edu
message: list global

or use the World Wide Web: http://tile.net/listserv/

3. For a guide to scholarly discussion groups

send email to listserv@kentvm.kent.edu
message: get acadlist readme f=mail
(it will give you instructions)

or use the World Wide Web: http://www.n2h2.com/KOVACS/

4. For a list of newsgroups

ftp to ftp.uu.net
path: usenet/news.lists

or use the World Wide Web: http://tile.net/news/

B. How to join discussion groups:

Send a message to the listserv or other subscription service. Leave the subject line blank.

example:

send to listserv@suvm.syr.edu

[LM_NET@suvm.syr.edu, the library media specialist information exchange]

In the body of the message type

sub listname yourname

example: sub LM_NET Melville Dewey

To leave a list, send

unsub listname

example: unsub LM_NET

If you will be on vacation and don't want email messages to pile up, send

set listname nomail

On your return, send

set listname mail

C. Tips and Netiquette:

• Follow the same netiquette for email
• Read your mail daily to avoid overflowing your computer space
• It is a good idea to "lurk" (read and not speak) on a list for a few days before sending a posting
• When replying to an individual send an email message to that person; if you "reply" to a list posting it may go to the entire list
• You may have the option of receiving postings in a digest form
• Save the information you receive with your subscription confirmation; it is very useful
• Many lists have archives of previous postings that you can search
• Many lists also have FAQ (frequently asked question) files that you can retrieve
• Some institutions will have "newsreaders" that allow you to access list postings without getting an individual subscription

• More about Mailing Lists