Listservs for Beginners

A listserv is a network of individuals connected by e-mail through a server such that messages of common interest are automatically sent to everyone on the listserv. Successful listservs need to have a focus narrow enough to target common needs of those participating, and yet broad enough to encompass a "critical mass" of people who are willing to post messages.

The protocols of each listserv are determined by the person or organization managing the list. The general guidelines below are protocols common to many listservs.

How do I Subscribe or Unsubscribe?

Individual requests to Subscribe or Unsubscribe are generally made through an automated process on the listserv web page, or by inquiry in an e-mail to the list manager.

What is generally accepted listserv etiquette?

Messages posted on a listserv become public record. Once your words are posted, you cannot avoid people receiving them. Corrections can certainly be sent out, but they will be as public as the original errors. On the other hand, none of us is perfect. Please be tolerant and sensitive to colleagues who, in their enthusiasm and pressured lives, post their own errors.

All communication should be respectful and professional. Keep in mind that virtual strangers will be reading your messages. These are people who don't know you and who can't respond to a wink, a smile or body language. Raw words take on new and unintentional meanings in this sterile setting. It's all too easy to become unintentionally offensive and it's also too easy to take offense when none was intended.

In general members should avoid writing in all capital letters as it can be compared to shouting in verbal communication. Judicious use of appropriate punctuation (!) *is* preferred.

Messages and other postings should be signed by the person posting them. A brief "signature file" telling who you are, where you live or work, and your professional affiliation(s) is suggested. (See your e-mail software instructions or ask us for help in setting up your own "signature" file.)

These listservs are not to be used for commercial purposes. However, professionally useful resources may certainly be noted. Some educators make money from Earth science education related projects. This can be a difficult issue. While we like to highlight the professional activities of our participants, this is not a forum for advertising.

If images are posted, please reduce them to less than 200k (100k or less is ideal.) Remember that many participants may be on home dial-up accounts which are slow in downloading large files.

Personal (one-on-one) messages should not be posted for all to receive. Personal messages should be sent outside the listserv.

Please post only messages that meet the common needs and interests of listserv members.

Keep messages short. If you need to post more than a few short paragraphs, please start with a summary that will make it clear to those reading the message whether or not they need to read the whole posting. If you wish to offer a large file or image, ask those interested to contact you directly so you can send the file to them outside the listserv.

Rather than posting a whole article, it is suggested that you briefly tell people why you think an article is useful or important and tell them where to find it if others want to read the whole text. If you post entire messages lifted from another listserv, consider suggesting that people join that listserv instead of adding unnecessary traffic.

If the listserv is busy, avoid frequent postings of personal opinions. Encourage responses from others rather than just "showing off" your own knowledge.

How are listservs organized?

Who may join?

Most listservs will make this clear in a web page or e-mail introductory message. Prospective members should read the mission statement to assess their interest and eligibility. Questions may be addressed to the listserv manager/moderator.

Subscription protocols:

Closed List-Moderator Gateway
Membership may or may not be restricted to those with professional affiliations/qualifications. Send your request to join to the listserv manager/moderator.

Open List - Web Page Gateway
Join by following the instructions on the web page.

Message posting protocols:

Manager Posting
Messages will be posted only by the manager/moderator. Those wishing to submit messages should e-mail them directly to the manager/moderator.

Member Posting
Messages may be sent to the server for automatic distribution to everyone on the listserv.

What else should I know?

The accuracy of information posted on any listserv is dependent on the person posting it. The 'net is very democratic. Any member can post any response, whether it's correct or not. So caveat emptor. (Let the buyer beware.) This is another reason that messages posted by members should be signed.

Many listservs allow you to access messages that others have sent out previously. If archived messages are available, you should be able to access them from the listserv web page, or from communication sent to you by the listserv manager/moderator.

This list of listservs is collected and updated by Thomas McGuire: cavecreekdigital@msn.com

The pages are hosted on the DLESE Community Issues and Groups site at Carleton College.