Mailing Lists

An electronic mailing list is a list of names and email addresses of people who usually share a common interest and wish to communicate with each other.  One email address is used to send a message to all persons on the electronic mailing list. A program called a listserv is used to manage this process.

A mailing list allows you to use electronic mail (E-mail) to exchange information with other people who share your interests. Participants subscribe to the list and can then send mail to that list. All subscribers receive copies of all the mail sent to the list.

A "LISTSERV" is a software program that manages the list, handling subscriptions, sign-offs, distribution of mail, etc. Commands of how to handle your mail, including subscribing are sent to the LISTSERV. The LISTSERV has a special address, often "listserv@machine.institution.type." The messages you send go to the LISTSERV, which is a machine, and not to a person, though some LISTSERVS are moderated and all incoming mail is monitored. (The LISTSERV address for the mailing list GA-INFO is LISTSERV@UGA.CC.UGA.EDU.)

A second address you will use is the address of the list itself. Your messages will be sent to that address and not the address of the LISTSERV (a LISTSERV can handle many mailing lists). All messages sent to this address are distributed to the E-mail boxes of all of the subscribers. Commands go to the LISTSERV; messages go to the list. (The E-mail address for the above mentioned list is GA-INFO@UGA.CC.UGA.EDU. Any messages to the group go to that address.)

To establish a local list account call The Office of Technology Support for Instruction at 353-5277.

Following are some links to places on the W3 where you can find information on mailing lists:

Mailing Lists  

Catalog of Listserv lists

SSU Local Mailing List Manager

Directory of E-mail Discussion Groups