1. How a Listserv (e-mail list) Works Members of a listserv are called subscribers. Note: Subscriptions to a listserv (e-mail list) are free, however, some organizations limit their subscribers to members of their organizations. Others are open to the general public.

2. A listserv, or email list is managed by software that resides on the list host computer.

3. A List Host Has Two Functions 1. Manage administrative functions, such as subscribing, unsubscribing, or determining how you want your messages delivered, e.g. one at a time, or as a group once a day (digest mode). The address to access these functions is different than the address for posting messages. An example is: listserv@email.usomewhere.edulistserv@email.usomewhere.edu 2. Receive and post messages from subscribers. An example of a posting address elist@usomewhere.edu List Administrative Functions listserv@email.usomewhere.edu elist@usomewhere.edu Receive and post messages AdministrationManage messages List Host

4. List Administrative Functions listserv@email.usomewhere.edu elist@usomewhere.edu Receive and post messages AdministrationManage messages List Host An individual who wants to subscribe sends a message to the administrative address A reply is sent with instructions to confirm the subscription. Once a member, information about which is the administrative and which is the posting address is sent to the new subscriber. KEEP THIS INFORMATION!!!

5. List Administrative Functions listserv@email.usomewhere.edu elist@usomewhere.edu Receive and post messages AdministrationManage messages List Host A Subscriber who wants to unsubscribe sends a message to the administrative address. A subscriber who wants to change to digest mode sends a message to the administrative address. The administrative address is also used by:

6. List Administrative Functions listserv@email.usomewhere.edu elist@usomewhere.edu Receive and post messages AdministrationManage messages List Host A subscriber who wants to posts a message, sends to the message address for the list

7. List Administrative Functions listserv@email.usomewhere.edu elist@usomewhere.edu Receive and post messages AdministrationManage messages List Host Subscriber The message is sent to all subscribers to the list.

8. Selecting Reply to a message, for most lists sends the reply to all subscribers! List Administrative Functions listserv@email.usomewhere.edu elist@usomewhere.edu Receive and post messages AdministrationManage messages List Host Subscriber

9. If you want to send a PRIVATE message to an individual who has posted, you need to be sure that it is addressed to the individual and NOT the list address. Some lists have a Reply, and Reply to the list option, but for many the default is for any replies to go to the list. For a list that has the default set to reply to the list, to send a private message to the individual who posted, right click on the senders name and select the appropriate choice from the menu. The Create Filter From option can be used to automatically direct mail from the list to another folder

10. Oops, now I have exposed private business to the whole list… This applies to messages to change your status on the list too! If you want to unsubscribe, use the administrative address.

11. Tap the knowledge of other subscribers. Share your experiences and knowledge. Contribute to discussions. Enjoy your membership!

12. © Linda Q. Thede 2013