INTRODUCTION:
LISTSERV stands for "listserver"; it was originally a mailing-list server designed to make group communication simpler. LISTSERV has evolved into a more powerful tool, but serves the same basic needs. When people subscribe to a LISTSERV, they are placed on a mailing list and receive messages sent by other subscribers. Messages are sent to a central address where they are disseminated to all the subscribers.
A LISTSERV allows everyone to read and then respond to everyone's messages. It is similar to a conversation. Of course, private mail can always be sent to a person's private address.
People with Internet access will be able to subscribe simply and with no cost. Those of you with CompuServe, Prodigy, America On-Line, etc., can subscribe using the Internet mail gateway.
The RESNA LISTSERV is an unmoderated discussion list meant to facilitate discussions and exchange of ideas.
WHO CAN SUBSCRIBE:
All RESNA members and employees of institutional members. You must follow the process below to subscribe as only subscribers may post messages.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE BY WWW:
Enter you name and email address on this webpage to join or leave the RESNA LISTSERV. To confirm your identity and prevent third parties from subscribing you to the list against your will, an email message with a confirmation code will be sent to the address you specify in the form. Simply wait for this message to arrive, then follow the instructions to confirm the operation.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL:
To subscribe to the RESNA LISTSERV by email, compose a mail message to:
Leave the SUBJECT field blank and include a one line command in the following format in the BODY of the message:
subscribe listname yourfirstname yourlastname
A specific example is:
subscribe resna lisa simpson
Those who must pay for each Internet message, such as CompuServe subscribers,might want to combine all the posts into one daily message or just receive an index of the posts. These options are available by subscribing with the following additions:
To combine posts into one daily message:
subscribe resna bart simpson mail digest
To receive an index of the posts:
subscribe resna homer simpson mail index
SENDING TO THE LISTSERV:
Once subscribed, you can send messages to the LISTSERV. Address your email to:
Your message will then be distributed to all the subscribers. Notice that the address to subscribe is DIFFERENT from the address to post messages.
Appropriate postings include:
Basically, anything having to do with RESNA or the assistive technology field can be discussed freely.
REPLYING TO A LISTSERV MESSAGE:
Please remove the List address when you 'reply' to a list posting as some mailers include the entire mail header including the List address. This generates bad addresses which are bounced to the LISTSERV coordinator.
OTHER LISTSERV COMMANDS:
You can configure your account in several ways. Changes are made by sending a SET command to:
In the BODY of mail include one or more of the following:
| set resna digest | Sends you all of the RESNA messages for the day in one message instead of individual messages | |
| set resna nomail | Turns your mail off; you may want to use this if you have a mail system that automatically responds to every email message sent to you when you are on vacation or out-of-town | |
| set resna mail | Turns mail back on | |
| set resna ack | Gives you an acknowledgment RESNA received your message | |
| set resna repro | Sends you a copy of the message you've posted | |
| set resna index | Sends you the subjects of the messages posted to RESNA, rather than the entire message | |
| set resna nohtml | Use this setting if you are having trouble receiving HTML in email messages |
UNSUBSCRIBING:
If you no longer want to subscribe to the RESNA LISTSERV, send the message:
signoff resna
to:
CONFIGURING YOUR ACCOUNT VIA THE WEB:
Your subscription options can be easily changed via the web:
Select List Management Preview.
You will be asked to enter your email address - enter the one you used when you subscribed to the RESNA listserv and enter a password of your choice. Your email address will be checked against those of the subscribed list members.
NETIQUETTE
Some posts request replies or elicit comments meant only for one person. Please sent these messages directly to that person rather than to the list. An example: requests for reviewers. When you select 'reply', your mailer may be posting to the list; please check the address before sending.
Many people use signatures at the end of their posts; while these are handy for personal messages, they take up significant room in our archives. RESNA list requests that signatures do not exceed 5 lines.
ARCHIVES OF PAST DISCUSSIONS:
A website containing the archives of RESNA listserv discussions has been established, making it easy to review or search for past discussions:
Enter your search terms or select a month. You will be asked for your email address - enter the one you used when you subscribed to the RESNA listserv and enter a password of your choice. Your email address will be checked against those of the subscribed list members. If you are a member of this list, you can access the archives - simple.