How to Find and Use Email Lists, p. 2
A well-managed list Sometimes it's difficult to know if a list is well-managed or not until you actually subscribe. Here are some signs I look for:
"Subscribe here" page - This should include a clear description of who can subscribe, topics discussed, any rules, and at least a mention about the size of the list.
- If the list is open to advertisements, professional searchers, adoption agency representatives and/or adoption attorneys, this should be stated here.
- The list should offer the option of receiving mail in detail (every message separately) or digest (messages grouped together) format, with a good description of each option.
Confirmation - This is certainly optional, but something I personally appreciate. Before the welcome message, a confirmation message is sent to double-check that you actually did subscribe from the email account where the message is addressed. It will not allow your subscription to start until you respond. It's an extra step when you do sign up for a list, but this is a good indicator that the list owner is cautious and interested in making the list available to those who need/want it, and not leaving it open to SPAMmers.
Welcome Message - No more than one! A system that sends duplicate messages may mean that list owners aren't paying attention. And if an automated response is arriving more than once, what will happen when messages begin to flow between list members?
- Clear instructions on how to unsubscribe!
Handling your list mail When you find the list(s) of interest to you and complete the subscription process, watch out!
I subscribe to dozens of lists... literally! One has more than 200 messages on a normal day; another sends out messages in digests of 25 each - and I get as many as 10 digests every day! Yet another may only have three messages in a day, but I want to be sure to read each of them the minute they arrive!
Every email client has its own options for handling mail, like filters, downloading headers only, and storing messages in separate folders, and many email clients allow you to set up more than one "identity," which can be used for email list subscriptions. Many also prefer to use free email accounts from services like HOTMAIL or YAHOO just for email list subscriptions.
- Now that you're becoming an email expert, how about adding a great signature to your messages? From CoolSig.
...message boards, try these
...or if you want to chat, here are some great rooms © Nancy S Ashe
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