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Technology: Listservs What kind of listserv should my organization use?
QMy organization is looking for a way to keep our members and clients connected. We are looking at using a listserv do accomplish this. What should we consider before making a final decision?
A
Determine what the listserv will be used for. Is it only open to a select group of invited participants (which requires someone to manualy subscribe and unsubscribe participants) or is it open to everyone, in which case an automated subscribe and unsubscribe function is very helpful. Will it automatically relay messages to everyone or will someone moderate and approve the messages first? Will you send messages and replies one at a time, journal everything into a single communication of a daily or other frequency, or both?
Also, be sure you understand all the responsibilities and potential liabilities in operating a listserv. As an example, antitrust laws can prevent people from comparing prices or fees on a listserv. What type of content can, and will, you allow, and how will you enforce that? How will you handle the inevitable spam that will hit your listserv?
Finally, what resources do you have to run the listserv? Will you run it yourself, or hire a hosting service? It is often safest (and least expensive) to host it through a 3rd-party who specializes in such services. Memberclicks.com is one such service, and these services can often provide additional features that help establish the community.Last Updated: 17-Feb-2006
