What Is a Moderated Mailing List?

Moderated mailing lists are online topic discussion groups in which one or more members take responsibility for keeping the group on topic, enforcing common Internet courtesy and encouraging active discussion while preventing misuse of the group for commercial purposes. Group members can become very close, to the point of having real life meetings, planning special events together, and supporting one another through difficult times.

History

The earliest online discussions were a series of messages between computer users who had the ability to directly contact other computers. Servers made message storage space available, and the system operators were the first moderators of these lists, which were first called bulletin boards. Messages were not threaded at first, as most modems had very slow connection speeds and the companies providing Internet service often limited the time available to the user. Early computer users tended to be male, and messages often contained obscene references. System operators gradually enforced a PG language rating by reminding users that minors may be using the server.
As connection speeds raised and servers became more reliable, Internet etiquette developed. Those who felt that a kinder, gentler Internet should be available took responsibility for reminding users to consider one another when leaving messages. Moderators had the ability to delete entire threads if necessary, as well as to edit messages to remove expletives and insults.

Significance

Moderated mailing lists exist for nearly every interest, and are easy to find. Yahoo, Hotmail, and Expert Village are three of the most common places to find interest groups. Simply type "groups," "discussions" or "forums," followed by a search term such as recipe exchanges, and you will be on your way to forming a common bond with others who are interested in the same topic.
Moderated mailing lists can be especially useful to those who are new to an area, as group members will be sources of information on what to do, where to go, and what local quirks may affect the quality of life in a given city. The best way to make friends is by joining an interest group and attending local events. This eases the social isolation of being in a new community.
Moderated mailing lists can also lead to professional references. Once you establish your competence in a given topic, you can refer to that role in the group on resumes. Networking is much easier when you are a member of a moderated mailing list. By watching the threads and keeping track of each member's area of expertise, you will be able to solicit assistance when that skill set is needed.

Misconceptions

Some moderators fail to realize that their role is to encourage discussion and foster cordial relations between members. Instead, they begin controlling the exchange of information according to their peculiar point of view. Becoming too religious or political or having too many off-topic conversations going can kill a group. Allowing members to make personal attacks is also a big issue. Once someone becomes offended, members start leaving the group. Some leave because they are insulted, others because they have no desire to participate in name calling and pointless argument.
Moderators need to strike a balance between too much regulation and too little. Spammers and list farmers must be immediately banned when discovered, or the group will lose its appeal very quickly. Let members know the rules of the group and enforce them as needed, with fairness to all.

Size

Very small lists with restricted memberships are fine between people who know one another in real life, but small lists typically dwindle due to lack of interest. Very large lists generate so much email that many members become overwhelmed. Reminding members that a digest version of the messages is available can prevent membership loss. It is also important to remind members to truncate replies so that the entire message that prompted the reply does not get copied over and over.

Benefits

Moderated mailing lists provide an instant group of acquaintances to someone new to an area or interest. Expert advice is available when you encounter a problem in a new hobby. Throw a topic into the mix and wait for the replies, then decide what part of the information you receive is the most useful to you.