Subscribing -

Leave the subject heading blank unless otherwise stated.
For those with servers that do not allow the subject line to be blank, like AOL, type one x in the subject line or try typing a dash.
Also, be sure nothing else is in the body of the message but the subscription message. Therefore, remember to delete any signature lines.
To subscribe to listservs you send the subcription request by email. Usually you can just copy and paste some or all of the subscription message to the email.
To subscribe or unsubscribe to a mailing list you usually send the subscription message to the mailing list's "administrative address" (this email address often begins with majordomo@ or listserv@). Also, all commands should be sent to the "administrative address".
To send a message to all the people currently subscribed to the mailing list, you send an email to the "list address". The "list address" is a different address than the "administrative address". Try to be careful with these addresses since when you subscribe or unsubscribe from a list you do not want that information to crowd the mailing list and it should just be sent to the administrative address.
If you have problems subscribing try typing the word help in the body of the message.
Be sure that once you are subscribed, to save the mailing list instructions that will be emailed to you. These instructions will tell you how to post, how to access the archives, and how to unsubscribe. People sometimes have a problem unsubscribing from mailing lists because they don't save these instructions. I suggest that if you plan to belong to several mailing lists that you create a special mail folder for mailing lists instructions. This way the information will be quick and easy to find.
You might decide that you would rather get the mailing list in a digest form (a daily log from the List containing all the individual messages), rather than individual messages sent throughout the day. The information on how to receive the digest form should be included in the mailing list instructions that you receive.

Posting -

If you have time, you might want to read the posts for a few days to give yourself a feel for the list before posting a message yourself.
Remember to address your message to the "list address".
Some mailing lists are moderated, meaning that messages are screened ahead of time and not all messages will necessarily be posted. Most lists are not moderated.
When you reply to a message on a mailing list the default for the reply is set up differently depending on the list. With some lists the default is the "list address". With other lists the default will be the messenger and if you want to also reply to the list then you can send a "Cc" to the "list address". Also, if you post a message on a list where the replies go automatically to the list but you prefer for the replies to a particular message to automatically go to you, then do the following. Before you send your email to the list, click "view", then click "reply to" and then send your email.
You can add the "list address" to your address book for quick access.
It is good mailing list etiquette to not send personal type messages to the list but rather to the individuals unless it contains information that is helpful to others on the list.
Also, try to avoid repeating entire posts when you reply to a message. Instead "copy and paste" excerpts from the post that you're responding to.
Try to be specific with what you type in the subject line of your message. This will help others decide whether or not to read the post. Some people are on several mailing lists and receive hundreds of emails to screen through each day.
Most of all remember that mailing lists are a great resource of information exchange and support.

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