February 2004

Remember when the Internet was being called the "Information Superhighway?" The highway analogy may have faded away as the Internet evolved, but information is still the primary commodity on-line. Two of the most popular formats for interactive, dynamic exchanges of information on-line are listservs and Usenet newsgroups.

What are listservs?

Listservs are topic-oriented on-line discussion groups that use e-mail as their primary mode of communication. Messages posted to a listserv are automatically sent to everyone who has subscribed. Subscribers can actively take part in ongoing discussions, known as threads, asking questions, answering others' questions, or simply observing—an acceptable practice known as lurking.

What is Usenet?

Usenet is a worldwide electronic communications system. Although it is commonly accessed via the Internet, Usenet actually predates the Web by quite a few years. Usenet is made up of topic-based forums, known as newsgroups. There are thousands of newsgroups covering a vast range of subjects, most of which can be accessed by the general public.

The Usenet system is basically a decentralized collection of these forums, some moderated, others unmoderated, where people can post and respond to messages on a specific topic. Most new computers come equipped with a newsreader that can be used to access newsgroups.

So what's the difference between the two?

Listservs and Usenet newsgroups are similar in many respects, to the point where the terminology has become blurred. Listservs, however, rely on e-mail as a medium of distributing information, whereas Usenet functions more like a giant collection of electronic bulletin boards. Many listservs post an ongoing archive of their discussion threads, thereby taking on what is basically a newsgroup format. Both listservs and newsgroups can be excellent sources of information for nonprofit professionals.

Listservs for nonprofits

There are a number of informative listservs to be found on the Internet, many of which focus on issues of interest to nonprofits. Before signing up for any listserv, make sure you read the instructions and rules for proper participation. If you'd prefer not to have listserv messages delivered directly into your in box, check to see if the list keeps an archive of messages.

The national super site for philanthropy-based listservs is Charity Channel. Charity Channel features more than 50 different listservs on topics ranging from volunteer issues to prospect research. Charity Channel recently instituted a small subscriber fee of $2 per month to cover their expenses but states, "We will not turn away any individual without means to pay this subscriber fee."

Other listservs for nonprofits include:

• ARNOVA-L: The Nonprofit Organization, Voluntary Action and Philanthropy Discussion List–ARNOVA is an international membership organization "committed to strengthening the research community in the emerging field of nonprofit and philanthropic studies." ARNOVA-L is an active, unmoderated list touching on a wide variety of subjects.
  
  
• CyberVPM at AVA–CyberVPM is a moderated list for managers of volunteer programs. It is hosted by the Association for Volunteer Administration, an international membership organization for "individuals working in the field of volunteer resources management."
  
  
• CASE Listservs–The Council for Advancement and Support of Education sponsors more than 20 listservs. The lists are designed for advancement professionals, with topics ranging from alumni relations to matching-gift coordination.
  
  
• N-TEN Groups–The Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network (N-TEN) offers a variety of affinity groups with a focus on technology for nonprofits.

Using Usenet

As mentioned above, there are literally thousands of newsgroups available on-line. They can be viewed using a newsreader, a basic program built into most browsers and e-mail systems (including Outlook, AOL, and Mozilla). An easy, alternate way of accessing Usenet groups is through Google's Group Search.

Google allows you to search specific groups by keyword, or you can search all groups to find one that meets your needs or matches your interests. You can also post to groups through Google. Perhaps the best group for nonprofits is soc.org.nonprofit.

If you're new to Usenet, be warned. Because newsgroups are often unmoderated, you're bound to encounter all sorts of messages, ranging from the unpleasant (flames) to the irrelevant (spam). It's best simply to ignore these distractions and concentrate on serious posts.

The Internet is bursting at the seams with information. If you can't find what you're looking for, you may want to turn to listservs and newsgroups. You can ask your unanswered questions, receive diverse opinions and viewpoints, and possibly connect with some of the most knowledgeable and helpful people in your field.

Patrick Ferraro, 2004
© Philanthropic Research, Inc.

Patrick Ferraro is the Editor of the GuideStar Newsletter.