Mailing Lists |
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DrugSense hosts a number of mailing lists for various regional
and topical focus groups.
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What is a mailing list? |
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A mailing list is simply a single email address which redirects mail to
many other email addresses. To be a bit more precise, an automated
process accepts mail sent to that address, processes it, and resends it
to a list of addresses. Internet mailing lists are most often used for
discussion groups centered on a specific topic, in which case every
subscriber can post to the list. For newsletter distribution, only the
author can post and the subscribers just read.
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An Internet mailing list IS NOT a collection of email addresses sold for
the purpose of solicitation (as the term is normally used in advertising).
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An Internet mailing list IS a group of people who have voluntarily
joined together to discuss a subject of common interest. The key word
is "voluntarily".
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How do I subscribe and unsubscribe? |
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To subscribe to (or unsubscribe from) any DrugSense mailing list, use the handy form below
or send a message to
containing the command:
subscribe <listname>
or
unsubscribe <listname>
Example:
From:
To:
Subject: doesn't matter
subscribe dpfca
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What is a "private" list? |
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Many of the mailing lists hosted by DrugSense are not open to the public.
Requests for subscription should usually be sent to the mailing list owner.
Most of the lists offer explanatory web pages and a few provide online
forms for subscription requests.
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What is a "one-way" list? |
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To reduce list volume, a few of the mailing lists hosted by DrugSense will not
accept messages from subscribers. Some are "moderated",
meaning, selected messages from subscribers are forwarded to the list by the
list owner. Other one-way lists simply provide periodic news and updates from
the list owner.
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What is a "digest"? |
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A digest is a periodic compilation of list messages. In the case of the
DrugSense lists, the digests are actually separate mailing lists. Email sent
to the list is compiled in the list's digest and sent out to digest subscribers
in a single email containing between three to ten list messages.
Digests are great for people with Email management problems and for
"lurkers", subscribers who read more than they write. Digest frequency
is a function of list volume. If the list is busy, one or more digests
may be sent out per day. If the list is not busy, the digest may go out
every few days so digest subscribers risk being a bit behind list
subscribers.
If you are on a list and would like to switch to the digest, unsubscribe
from the list before subscribing to the digest. Similarly, if you are
subscribed to a digest and would like to switch to the list, first
unsubscribe from the digest.
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Are list messages archived on the website? |
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Some mailing lists are automatically archived on the DrugSense web site but
most are not.
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Are there any rules for Subscribers? |
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Yes. Please see our Acceptable Use Policy. |
Will DrugSense host my list? |
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As you can see, we host a number of mailing lists and provide complimentary
web space to various groups. We provide these important services free
of charge, though we will accept donations.
If you would like to create a regional or topical drug policy forum,
please see our
order form.
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What software do you use? |
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DrugSense uses Brent Chapman's
"Majordomo"
mailing list manager, version 1.94.
majordomo - n: a person who speaks, makes arrangements, or takes
charge for another. From Latin "major domus" - "master of the
house".
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What commands does Majordomo know? |
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In the description below items contained in []'s are optional. When
providing the item, do not include the []'s around it.
Majordomo understands the following commands:
- subscribe <list> [<address>]
- Subscribe yourself (or <address> if specified) to the named <list>.
- unsubscribe <list> [<address>]
- Unsubscribe yourself (or <address> if specified) from the named <list>.
- get <list> <filename>
- Get a file related to <list>.
- index <list>
- Return an index of files you can "get" for <list>.
- info <list>
- Retrieve the general introductory information for the named <list>.
- lists
- Show the lists served by this Majordomo server.
- help
- Retrieve this message.
- end
- Stop processing commands (useful if your mailer adds a signature).
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