|
|
|
Internet Mailing Lists
Auto Responders FREE Newsletter
|
Mailing List ToolsLISTSERV and MajordomoBoth of these widely used programs use a perl script to automate the management of Internet mailing lists. The script is executed via electronic mail. When a user sends an e-mail to Listserv or Majordomo with instructions in the body of the message, the perl script executes. Check with your service provider on the availability of these programs. What is a Listserv? Article
provides information about what a listserv is, a few
listserv definitions (what are emoticons and frequently used
acronyms), ten tips for sending messages, as well as a
suggested list of educational listservs that you can join. GroupMasterGroupMaster is a web-based email list management system. For moderated discussion groups and one-to-many subscription lists, GroupMaster lets list managers schedule the delivery of web content, attached files and email by calendar date and by join date. The product automatically delivers digests and keeps accurate membership and read-rate statistics. and manage lists without technical assistance. For a service provider or user, GroupMaster takes the hassle out of list creation and management. It is a browser managed program that let's even non-technical managers set up a list in about 3 minutes without assistance from tech staff, and with little or no training. Subscribers can be imported from other lists or enrolled directly from a website. Bounces are handled automatically and invisibly for the manager. GroupMaster is offered as both a service and as software for Windows NT servers. Contact info@revnet.com or visit http://www.revnet.com for information.
E-Mail ProgramsWhile most e-mail programs were not designed for bulk e-mailings, these programs can send e-mail to multiple recipients. The manufacturers typically don't support this feature so you are on your own to experiment. Pegasus Mail can be used to handle a mailing list. Pegasus Mail can automatically reply to a message when your system is online. Pegasus Mail is available on most download sites without charge. Eudora Pro's nickname feature makes it easy to store multiple email addresses. In addition, it has a filter feature for incoming mail which allows you to automatically transfer e-mail messages into separate mailboxes according to the information in the mail header. This feature is only available in the Professional edition. Netscape Mail can also be used to send e-mail to multiple addresses using the blind carbon copy command. AutoRespondersA new subscriber to a mailing list is typically greeted with a welcome letter. The purpose of this letter is to acknowledge the subscription and provide information on the mailing list and instructions for posting and unsubscribing. If you are maintaining your list with an email program, you may want to automate this process with the use of an AutoResponder. An AutoResponder is an automated server that responds to e-mail requests on demand; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Upon receiving an incoming e-mail, it uses either the e-mail address or subject field to immediately e-mail the sender a specified document. An AutoResponder is usually limited to one e-mail document response per e-mail address. Therefore, you may want to incorporate one for each service that you offer, e.g., additions and deletions to the list. AutoResponders appear to be the Internet's answer to fax-on-demand. Test a few AutoResponders from our AutoResponder Resource List. HTML FormsAn easy way to solicit new subscribers is through an HTML form. (The viewer must be using a forms compatible browser to respond via the form.) The user simply types in their e-mail address and clicks on the Submit button to e-mail the message. When the message is received by the site owner it can be processed with a perl script and stored in a database, spreadsheet or word processor file. Online marketing professionals know that they can considerably increase the probability of a future visit, a continuing relationship, or even a sale, when a visitor is given the ability to offer feedback or request additional information. Fill-out forms that can email feedback require Common Gateway Interface (CGI) programming. Some website developers find that they may not necessarily have access, permission, ability, or desire to use CGI on their provider's web server. Some providers charge additional fees for this ability, and web programmers certainly charge a premium to write these scripts. Sarnat WebSuccess lets you use their scripts and their server, so you can add fill-out forms to your website for free.
Newsletter: I-BIZ TIPS Monthly by E-Mail Tech Direct Services: Web Site Design - Announce Your Site - Web Site Promotion Marketing Resources: Advertising & PR - Internet Events - Mailing Lists - Web Demographics - Web Marketing Web Design Links: Basic Web Design - Webmaster Links © 1997 Tech Direct, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Tech Direct, Inc.
|
