Web Wise

Mailing Lists, Newsgroups & Bulletin Boards

The flow of information on the Internet has limitless capabilities. Besides traditional person to person e-mail there are many other ways to communicate over the Internet using: mailing lists, newsgroups, bulletin boards, chat rooms and many variations of each.

Mailing Lists
A mailing list is an automated way to send e-mail to groups of people. Commonly referred to as a ListServ, which is actually a brand of mailing list software, it enables people to subscribe to lists in order to send or receive information on a given topic. Since it is e-mail-based, Web access is not necessary to join a mailing list. Mailing lists are computer scripts driven by commands communicated by e-mail.

Chris Rockett, a Network Engineer/Webmaster at Business Information Network (BIN), gives an overview of the differences between distribution and discussion mailing lists and defines open and closed attributes.

In distribution lists a select person or group sends messages to the list. So, Rockett says, in an open distribution list, anyone can join, only certain people can post, and anyone can get the email addresses of list members. In a closed distribution list membership is either moderated or programatically generated, only certain people can post, and no one can get a list of members.

Open and moderated discussion lists allow anyone to join and post, but posts in moderated lists are first sent to the moderator, who then forwards them to the list with a password. Closed discussion lists have moderated or programatically generated membership and only members of the list can post.

ASA's new mailing list, Image Network, is an open distribution list where ASA informs the public about automotive industry news. To join the Image Network, you can send an e-mail to: asalists@lists.asashop.org with "join image-network your@e-mail" on the first line of the e-mail's body. Then you will receive a list instructions on how to use the mailing list.

Newsgroups
A significant part of the pre-Web Internet was newsgroups, which could be accessed through mainframe host accounts, like Unix. Now, newsgroups can be accessed through Web browsers, as well. There are thousands of newsgroups on the Internet covering every topic imaginable. Posting information in a newsgroup is like a posting a message on a Web bulletin board, but Web access isn't needed.

Each newsgroup is very unique. Most are tight-knit communities and newcomers should become familiar with the group before posting a message. If you post something slightly off-base you risk the chance of being spammed (Internet logo for insulted) perhaps by hundreds of people.

Deja News is a Web-based search engine for newsgroups and offers an easy way to find and use newsgroups. If you go to the "cars" heading you will find this newsgroup for auto technicians: rec.autos.tech. You can read and post messages from Deja News or you can add the newsgroup to your news browser window.

Bulletin Boards & Chat Rooms
Most communication on the Web in bulletin boards and chat rooms is in 'real time.' This means that once you type in a message it will be on-line instantly. This enables people to communicate over the Web almost as easily as they would over the telephone, but without the high phone bills!

Web chat rooms and bulletin boards can be intimidating when you first visit, so take your time and don't post a message until you feel comfortable. If you post a message and no one responds, remember that this is normal and just move on to another group or try again later.

Benefits
Before the Internet came along, communicating with people in this fashion was unrealistic. Now, sharing ideas and knowledge with others on the Internet happens everyday! If you need personal or business advice, the answer is just an e-mail away!

Geek Speak
CyberFiber Newsgroups:is a directory of newsgroups that brings up your news window when you choose the group you want to see.

ASA Web Ways

The ASA Web site has a great new look!
Do you have any comments about the all new ASA Web site? E-mail me at: alissa@asashop.org

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