While traditional email is ideal for one-to-one interaction, email lists go further by disseminating a single message simultaneously to a group of people. Email lists are typically configured for use either as one-way announcement lists or discussion lists. Darwin-Ghana is our two-way discussion list for project members, Darwin-Gh-Announce is the one-way list to send out messages to everybody on the Team!
These lists are 'managed' mainly by automatic software (in the case of the University of Liverpool by a software package called 'Listserv' )
Once an email list is created, its email address is used to post messages to the list. Once a message is sent, it is delivered to the central server where the email list management software resides. The software then automatically distributes the message to all subscribers on the list. List modifications as well as subscribing and unsubscribing to a list can be done through the list's Web interface. The email list management software automatically updates the list's records and sends a confirmation email to the person who requested the changes.
The Web address for the archive of the Darwin-Ghana discussion list is: listserv.liv.ac.uk⁄archives⁄darwin-ghana.html
The management software provides an easy-to-use interface for group members to automatically subscribe, unsubscribe and change their email addresses or subscription settings. The software also automatically handles bounces or delivery errors, maintains message archives and provides security features that keep the groups free from viruses and spam.
Why use a Discussion List?
We are using this discussion lists to improve internal communication and information flow among the team members. Discussion lists are supposed to be good for interactive discussions, expertise sharing and remote collaboration. After we have gained experience in how this works for us, we may try alternatives.
LISTSERV is a registered trademark licensed to L-Soft international, Inc.
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