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Question: What is a listserv?

Answer: A listserv is the Ed McMann of e-mail! BULK MAILING - but it's not always a bad thing.

A listserv is a small program that automatically send the same message to all of the names on a specific mailing list. This mailing list is created by people signing up or subscribing to the service because they are interested in a certain topic or have some common bond. Users can subscribe to the service by sending an e-mail with the message of "subscribe YourEmail@your.domain". The program adds you to their list and you will start receiving messages from the listserv.

There are literally thousands of different listserv.

There are two main types of Listservs - moderated and un-moderated. On un-moderated listserv all messages are automatically broadcast to all subscribers to the service. On a moderated listserv, the owner or administrators of the listserv reads all of the messages and determines which messages are appropriate.

Requests to subscribe and un-subscribe are usually sent to a special address so that everyone on the list doesn't get the message. If you want to un-subscribe, don't send a message to the listserv - look up the correct address.

some basic tips

  • save the first message you receive from the listserv - it contains information on how to un-subscribe and other features available
  • read messages frequently
  • do not reply to the listserv (unless you intent to send it to the entire list)
  • delete messages that you do not WANT to keep - list serve messages can accumulate fast and take up valuable drive space.
Question: I never signed up for a listserv but now I started getting a weekly mailing from someone/somewhere.

    Answer: Many surveys and request for information off of the web have a little box that is usually checked by default. This little box asks if you would like to receive updates, news breaking info, tips, etc. By submitting that form you are requesting to sign up to their listserv - unless you don't check that little box. Don't worry - I'm not going to sign you up for anything.
Question: Why do I get personal messages to someone else on my listserv?

    Answer: Someone replied to a message that come to them from the listserv.

    To avoid this ALWAYS look to see where you are replying to. If you want it to go to the whole listserv - that's fine. If you just want to reply privately to a message that came to a listserv - LOOK at the address and change it to the PERSON that you want to send the message to. It can be pretty embarrassing sometimes if you send a message to everyone that was intended for just one person.

Question: I'm on a listserv that is too time consuming and I just don't have time to go through all of those messages.

    Answer: Some listserv's have an option of receiving a single e-mail (digest version - sometimes they even contain a table of contents) at the end of the day that has all of the posts from the day. If that's reduces your time great - if not, you might want to un-subscribe from the list.
Question: How do I un-subscribe from a listserv that I do not wish to be a part of anymore?

    Answer: When you subscribe to a listserv, they usually send out an e-mail to YOU that has a list of options. You should always save this message or print it out so that when the day arrives that you want to be removed from the listserv you can see how they accept the un-subscribe command.
Question: How do I find a good listserv?

    Answer: Read your professional magazines, ask co-workers and search on the internet for topics of interest. Make sure that you really want to subscribe before you sign-on. Some Listservs are full of garbage and a waste of time.

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