Sunday 17 December 2006

Module Two - Lists vs Discussion boards

What are the pros and cons of email lists versus discussion boards?

Email lists
I belong to a few email lists/groups on yahoo.

The benefit of yahoo groups is that you can choose whether or not to receive emails, an individual email, a daily digest, or to just have web access only. see image below


This is an image of a group (Southern Cross Quilters) I belong to click on image to see details



Discussion boards

A discussion board/forum is usually web-based. It can have several different areas. Usually you need to be a member to post, but can often view boards/threads without being a member or logging in.


Are there certain kinds of communication or purposes more suited to one than the other?

I feel discussion boards are best suited to technical interests, web design etc. where you need a dynamic interaction. Or if you are actively looking for information.

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