What is a Listserv?

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A listserv is a means by which a person can send an email message out to a large group of people. If, for example, you wish to send an email to all the West Central Cluster Phase 1 teams and Cluster staff requesting a certain self-management tool, you can compose a message and send it to one email address and all those subscribed to that list address will receive it and be able to respond. It's a fabulous tool for sharing and relaying information!

Our listservs are conveniently set up so that a regular "reply" goes only to the original sender, preventing unintentional broadcast messages. Upon receiving a message that has been broadcast via one of our listservs, there are two options in responding. Selecting the "Reply" button in your toolbar will send a message only to the author. Alternately, if you wish to post a reply to the entire mailing list, select the "Reply To All" button. You should notice that your reply is addressed to the author and also to the entire Listserv. Messages will be distinguished by brackets in the subject line, for example: [WCCPhase2].

A few things to remember concerning listserv etiquette:

1. Personal messages should never be sent to a listserv, but should instead be restricted to direct, private communication. Advertisements, chain letters, jokes, or other similar items should NEVER be sent or forwarded to a listserv. Such items are considered “spam” and will be blocked by our system administrator. Forwarding information that is pertinent to the Health Disparities Collaborative such as funding opportunities, or availability of medical items at a discount (like glucose monitoring equipment) is permitted and encouraged. Please use good judgment in decisions about what should or should not be broadcast to a list.
2. Refrain from sending attachments larger than 700 Kb, as many subscriber email accounts have a limited storage space. Large attachments can make for lengthy download time into an inbox. Additionally, email "fluff" such as animations and web art can cause "bounce-backs" from some subscriber hosts, preventing users from receiving the message.
3. Be very specific in the subject line of broadcast messages. It should always be clear what segment of subscribers it is intended to reach, in case the information contained is not something relevant to every subscriber. Good example: "PHQ for Depression diagnosis" or "Looking for diabetes nutrition video". Bad example: “Help needed”.
4. Messages containing ".exe" (executable attachments) will be scrubbed or blocked by our server, as many viruses contain this command and are deemed unsafe. In most cases the body text of such an email will remain intact, but will contain a message at the bottom stating that the attachment was not allowed through for various reasons. Always keep your virus protection software updated on a monthly basis!
5. Use the listserv to network and ask for tools or advice from other teams; it is a very effective method of initiating communication with others to discuss what has and has not worked. If someone already has a successful strategy, it could save you the time and trouble of reinventing the wheel! A listserv can be a link to resources such as pharmaceutical freebies, notices of available grant funds, as well as a way of receiving important updates and information regarding Cluster Learning Sessions, conference calls, web events, etc.

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