MODULE 2 TASKS- EMAIL LISTS

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

Email Lists
I am a member of a Marriage Celebrancy Association which uses an email list for sharing information between its members. The interaction between those on the list helps develop a working relationship between groups of people who share the same interests.

The Cons would be –

• We have to have a Yahoo account to be able to add or comment on treads
• An email account is required.
• If the server is down, then no immediate access to incoming emails
• At times “information overload”, with too emails generated for the same topic
• Members forgetting to delete previous threads or responses thus have to read through repetitive information

The Pros would be –

• Information comes to you automatically once joined.
• Most of us check our emails on at least once a day if not more often
• Less time consuming to access
• Information is always available at the same place(Inbox)
• New threads and messages are updated and sent to all on the list regularly so the line of communication is always open and new information delivered.
• Members can take their time to research and add to a thread.
  

Discussion Boards
Curtin’s webct discussion board comes to mind instantly. I will attempt to base my cons and pros on the experience of using webct so far.

The Pros would be –

• Email account is not a requirement.
• “You” decide which thread to read or follow
• No need to delete what is not of interest to you
• Past messages or topics of interest can be searched and accessed easily
• No missed messages due to server issues
• Less chance of acquiring a virus from an attachment as is the case with email lists
• No need to learn “how to unsubscribe” as no subscription to thread is required as in email lists.
• Allows interaction with other users by exchanging tips, ideas and opinions

The Cons would be –

• Need to go and seek information or topic of interest
• Can forget to check regularly
• Available views can be varied and not formalised.
• May take longer to access
• Make go off the topic

Are there certain kinds of communication or purposes more suited to one than the other?
Members of groups with similar interests and needs will benefit more from “Email Lists” as the information on offer will be of equal interest to everyone. Also there are no concerns with identifying the source/s of the threads or information. Those that wish to seek information while remaining anonymous will find the Discussion board more their style as a need for identification does not exist.
On a personal level, I find both mediums helpful as I belong to an association that is a provider of services and information for my marriage celebrancy business.
The association has me on an email list so I receive daily digests containing both new and continuing threads. The email lists contains members that share valuable experience and views with me daily and are happy to address my issues if required.
Discussion Boards are a great source of information that are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Discussion boards are useful when I need immediate information as I find that a lot of the information can be searched and sourced regardless of age.

To conclude, I would say that the major decider between choosing the method of communication would be based on the individual and the information required. If the information sought is such that it is been continuously updated or changed then an email list would be a more convenient method of keeping on top of the changes as the information will come to you automatically. If the information is purely opinion/view based then discussion boards are the definite choice as you can visit the ones that interest you or share similar topics of interest.