CGNET List Setup Procedures

There are many types of lists you can create. This template outlines some of the options you have in setting up a list. Please fill this out and mail it to support@cgnet.com. Here is an example of how one list administrator completed the template. Once we have this information, we can set up the Listserver and send some preliminary training material to the list administrator at your site.

 Here are the key decisions to make when filling in the template.

Which type of list would you prefer?

There are three basic kinds:

1. A closed list: only the moderators can subscribe users to the list, and list members can submit messages to the list. This is generally best for working groups. As a security feature, you can restrict the list so that only list members can submit messages to the list. However, since members may use more than one mailbox or may have secretaries that submit messages for them, this "feature" can sometimes result in legitimate messages being rejected. Generally it's best to set up working groups where only the moderators can subscribe members, but anyone can submit messages.
2. An open list: anyone on the Internet can subscribe themselves, and anyone can submit a message to the list. This is best for open discussions on topics of broad interest.
3. An announcement list: anyone on the Internet can subscribe themselves, but only the moderators can submit messages to the list. This is best for public-relations or large group information lists, where the content is controlled from one source, but anyone who is interested can "listen in".

Who will be responsible for the list?

Running a list requires the time of a list "administrator" and at least one "moderator". Both can add and delete people from the subscription list and can send messages to the list. There can only be one list administrator, and there can be more than one moderator. Here is some additional information for list moderators.

The list administrator receives copies of list error messages, such as delivery failures due to bad addresses and messages sent to the list from unauthorized sources. In addition, a common error occurs when users hit reply in certain mail programs instead of either typing in the name of the list or selecting it from the CGNET directory. In this case the administrator receives the message and must decide if it's appropriate for the list.

CGNET support staff will help administrators and moderators learn their roles.

What should be the first message list users receive when joining?

Each listserver must have its own "welcome message." It should describe the purpose of the list, who is responsible for it, and how to remove oneself from the list. Here is an example of one lists' (INMAREN) welcome message as a model.

Who are the initial members of the list (if any)?

You can include their email addresses on the form if you wish. You can also add their addresses later yourself, if you prefer. It is important that these e-mail addresses are checked before list subscription, or else the list administrator will automatically receive error messages (and often quite a few before the problem is resolved).

Once we hear back from you, we can set up the Listserver and send you the materials for the list administrator mentioned above. Also, we can help you subscribe the first set of users to the list.

Please contact support@cgnet.com if you have any questions about this document. We are happy to answer any questions you have.

For more information about CGNET, please contact info@cgnet.com.