Northeast > Resources > Topic Specific > Technology in Prevention > Free electronic mailing lists

How can I set up my own cost-free electronic mailing list?*

Traditionally in using an electronic mailing list, users send various commands to the server stating what they want to do (subscribe, unsubscribe, etc.) and which list they want to join. Behind the scenes an electronic mailing list administrator must have access to a server, or a dedicated computer with Internet access, as well as the necessary software. This can be cost prohibitive for organizations with limited revenue streams. However, many mailing lists can now be created and administered via webpages and these are simpler to administer, require less maintenance, and are less expensive. Several free web-based mailing lists are now available that offer a variety of administrative and user options, as well as list privacy. Here are three examples of such services.

Web-based services:

Coollist is a free web-based system designed to easily create mailing lists. The Coollist system is easy to use and is accessible from any computer with Internet access. Coollist guarantees not to sell or give out the email addresses of any mailing list members; it does not tolerate junk mail, and will ensure that all user's email addresses are protected. Coollist claims that its servers are secure and reliable, with a web interface for list administrators that is user-friendly. For more information go to its homepage at http://www.coollist.com/

eGroups is a free e-mail group service that allows users to easily create and join email groups. eGroups lets you customize welcome and goodbye messages to group members when they join and leave your group, request to be notified by email when members join or leave your groups, and control posting rights to your groups. You can assign multiple moderators to your group and label your group as "private" so that it will not show up in eGroups general mailing list directory. For more information go to their homepage at http://groups.yahoo.com

As these are free services, email addresses cannot be personalized to your organization’s name and there are limits on the number of lists and subscribers. Still, these services offer many advantages.

Electronic mailing software:

Another method of administering an electronic mailing list is by using electronic mailing software (requires a server or dedicated computer). LISTSERV® Lite, a freeware example of this type of software, is for the benefit of people who want to run interest-based discussion groups, strictly on a non-profit basis. The software allows you to manage and control e-mail lists on your private network or on the Internet. It is available for most operating systems (please check the website). The freeware version of LISTSERV Lite is limited to a maximum of 10 mailing lists with up to 500 subscribers each. You can download the Free Edition, and get a more detailed explanation at http://www.lsoft.com/products/default.asp?item=listserv_lite

Please refer to the FAQ entitled "What is an electronic mailing list and how do I use one?" in this series for a detailed description of how to use electronic mailing lists.

Please contact the Northeast CAPT at capt@edc.org for more information.