DISCUSSION LISTS: WHAT & WHY?

A discussion list is simply a list of e-mail addresses of people interested in the same subject. Someone sends out a message and it is distributed via email to everybody on the list. Members can reply to the messages, send new messages, or just lurk, reading the messages without participating.  There is no better tool for overcoming problems of geography & time when collaborating.

Each time any list member posts a reply, it's distributed via e-mail to everyone else on the list.  This email traffic is managed by programs called Mailing List Managers (MLMs).  The two most frequently used MLMs are Listserv and Majordomo.  These are not the best discussion list software packages for business use; both are used frequently because they have been around for many years and are either free or very inexpensive.

How do discussion lists work? To subscribe, one sends an e-mail message to the list administrator (this is not actually a person, just an automated process) and one's e-mail address is added to the list. A reply is sent that gives all the details one needs to know about the list and how to participate. Soon, one begins receiving mail from other list members. Discussion lists are often used to give subscribers current information. For music fans, that might include upcoming concert dates or ticket purchasing details. Discussion lists can be public or private and involve as few as two people or as many as thousands.

Promote or grow your business with discussion lists:

• Create a support forum where customers can help each other with product or service support, so that it reduces operating costs.
• Board of directors discussion list.
• Sales team discussion list.
• Any working committee or team that needs to solve a specific business problem or issue can work collaboratively using a discussion list.
• Start up a list to discuss industry topics.  Invite competition from all over the world to join in. Position yourself as a leader, and receive invaluable information from colleagues.
• Discussion lists cost a fraction of the price a consultant will charge for the same advice a discussion list can provide.