Module 2 Tasks - Lists

Go to the main groups page and choose a category that interests you.

While there were many lists covering many topics, I refined my search to cover gardening. then was faced with the tedious task of trolling through pages and pages of lists to find public lists and a list that was truly dedicated to gardening.

Surprisingly there were many lists that were of different subject matters and singles and dating seeming a common thread. The majority of lists required membership.

craftsmanlawn@yahoogroups.com, was one of the few lists that the subject matter was relevant to the title and was a public list. The questions and responses seemed quite genuine but my concern would be that the advice being posted is unregulated and unsubstantiated.

What are the pros and cons of email lists versus discussion boards?

Email Lists Pro's

• asynchronicious
• widely used format - many people are comfortable with email communication
• allows file attachments
• Users remain ' anonymous' or unidentified.

Email Lists Con's

• asynchronicious
• Unregulated, postings are not controlled.
• All previously lists Pro's could be argued to be a con also.

Discussion Board Pro's

• Maintained by the owner.
• Mass communication forum.
• Can provide expert comment on specific subject.
• Response is not immediate.

Discussion Board Con's

• Response is not immediate.
• Content regulated by owner.

Are there certain kinds of communication or purposes more suited to one than the other?
Discussion boards are better suited to large groups, in situation where you may not know the person you are in communication with.

Email lists are better suited to smaller groups where entry is gained by the shared interest, and therefore all other members know who they are communication with.