A short explanation of Listserv and Usenet

A listserv list is basically just an automated mailing list. You interact with it using your regular email software. Each list has a designated ``central'' email address. If you are subscribed to a given list, you can post a message to its address and your message will go out to all the list's subscribers. If you choose to set up a listserv list for one of your classes, you and all the students in the class will be subscribed automatically, and you will all receive an introductory email message telling you what address to use. You will also get a password-protected, html-ized archive for the list; I will send you the URL at which you can get an overview of all the postings. [details]

A usenet newsgroup offers a ``central location'' in which postings from the group members are stored and accessible. Unlike a listserv list, the postings do not arrive in your email inbox -- rather you access them when you wish, using a newsreader. Many email programs can also act as newsreaders but you can choose to use different programs for the two functions. For instance I use pine for email but netscape for reading the newsgroups. Netscape (like many other readers) gives you a nice ``threaded'' view of the stream of messages to the group: you can see at a glance the various topics in play, and which messages are replies to which others. This contrasts with the (usually) linear format of email programs.

If you choose to set up a newsgroup for your class you and your students will be given permission to read the group in question, and you will all be notified by email of the name of the group and how to access it.

So which is better? Each format has its advantages. I like to be able to see the ``shape'' of a discussion on a newsgroup. This format also saves on your disk space (you read the postings off a central server, downloading them only if you particularly want to), and does not clog your inbox with messages. The complementary benefit of listserv is its immediacy -- since the postings go straight out to all subscribers, they may be noticed more quickly.

In each case, you have some flexibility. When you receive a message from a listserv list, usually the default is that a reply on your part goes back to the list. But if you think an individual email reply to the person who wrote the message is more appropriate that is easily arranged: the header of the message gives the individual's address as well as the list address. Similarly, when you're replying to a usenet posting you can choose to direct your reply to the group, the individual to whose posting you are responding, or both.

Probably most of you have had some experience with a listserv list. If you'd like to take a look at usenet before making a decision for your class, here are a couple of samples: sci.econ is a general economics discussion group, and comp.text.tex is a discussion and mutual technical help group for the TeX typesetting program. Allin Cottrell
4/29/97