Expand Communication Efforts via the Internet, Use eGroups.

Help/General Information:

eGroups is a free email group service where you can easily create and join email groups.  Email groups offer a convenient way to connect with others who share the same interests and ideas.  eGroups has hundreds of thousands of email groups that you can join, all in a free, easy-to-use, privacy-protected and spam-protected environment.  You can interact with the eGroups service at the Web site or through any email program.

Q:  Does eGroups cost anything to use?

A:  eGroups is free to both members and moderators.  Our service is advertiser-supported and is

      partially sponsored by discreet advertisements inserted into the email messages you

      receive.  Here’s a sample text ad:

                                    -----------eGroups Sponsor-----------------

                                       eGroups:  Free, easy email groups

                                                ---------------------------

      In addition, eGroups offers an affordable no-adds option to moderators of groups.

Q:  Can I use eGroups without web access?  What commands can I send via email?

A:  Many members of eGroups have limited Web access, but still enjoy using our service via

      email.   The following are email commands:

      To join a group:

      Send a blank message to groupname-subscribe@egroups.com

      Unsubscribe from a group:

      Send a blank message to groupname-unsubscribe@egroups.com

      Put your email message delivery on hold for a group:

      Send a blank message to groupname-nomail@egroups.com

      Change your subscription to daily digest mode:

      Send a blank message to groupname-digest@egroups.com

      Change your subscription to individual emails:

      Send a blank message to groupname-normal@egroups.com

·        where “groupname” is the actual name of the group,

n            e.g.   pastry_chefs-subscribe@egroups.com

Q:  Do I need any special software to use eGroups?

A:  All you need to use the eGoups service is Internet access and a basic email program. 

      to access the Web site, we recommend that you use Netscape Navigator 3.0 or later,

      or Microsoft Internet Explorer, version 3.0 or later.  You can also use egroups from

      AOL, WebTV, and other internet services.

Q:  What do you do with the personal information I give you?

A:  With your permission, eGroups gathers basic demographic information when you

      register, and uses this information to better tailor service to you.  eGoups has a strict

      privacy policy and is endorsed by TRUSTe, a 3^rd party organization devoted to consumer

      privacy.  Your identity will never be given or sold to anyone without your permission.

Q:  What is your spam policy?  How do I avoid spam?

A:  eGroups has a very strict policy about spam:  members may not use our service to send

      unsolicited or unauthorized advertising, promotional materials, spam, chain letters,

      multilevel/pyramid schemes, or any other form of solicitation.

      Although no email-based group is completely safe from potential spam abuse, eGroups

      monitors groups constantly and takes swift action to remove any members who violate

      the Terms of Service.

Q:  Is there a no-advertising option?

A:  Yes, eGroups offers a no-ads option.  For $4.95 a month (payable in a single annual

      payment of $59.40), a moderator can designate that a group be excluded form the standard

      eGroups email advertisements.

Q:  OK, I’m sold-how do I transfer my email list to eGroups?

A: 

n            Gather all the email addresses for your group members.

n            Register with eGroups if you haven’t already done so.

n            “Start a new group” button on is on every page of eGroups Web site.

n            Once you’ve set up your group, go to the Members section, and click Add to

enter your members’ email addresses.