A listserv is basically an email address that you use to send what you would like for all the other recipients on the list to receive. One email goes out to everyone authorized to use the listserv. If you reply to a message on the listserv, everyone on the list will also see it.
To receive authorization to participate on the listserve, you must contact Eric Van Horn at the NDP office in Lincoln. All you need to do is send him an email at vanhorn@nebraskademocrats.org and request to be invited onto the listserv. Once Eric receives your message and authorizes you to become a member, you will receive an email from him explaining what you need to do to get started. Just for your information, the sign up process may take several minutes since you have to wade through several pages of offers for other services provided by commercial partners of the listserv host. The reason for that is that Topica, the host, is a free service and that is how the service is financed. Be patient, this will be the only time you get subjected to their sales offers.
If you have any difficulties with getting registered please contact the 3rd CDO webmaster at ndpcd3@gmail.com for assistance.
What follows is the original message sent out by Eric Fought, past Communications Director of the NDP, at the time the listserv was established:
December 14, 2006
Subject: NDSCC Email Distribution List
Good morning.
At last Saturday’s NDSCC meeting, the body voted to direct me to create an email distribution list or listserv to increase communications among members and alternates of the committee. I am in the process of creating that tool as we speak.
Later today, you’ll receive an email inviting you to join the list. Simply follow the instructions included in the email to join the list.
We are utilizing the services of a company called Topica. They offer email distribution lists free of charge. You’ll be asked to register with the website. As Maribeth Milner stated on Saturday, you are not required to register with Topica to join the list and receive messages – simply click on the link in the email that you receive and you’ll have joined. However, if you wish to read list archives, or join other lists hosted by Topica, you’ll need to register with the site.
Should you decide to register with the site – be aware that because the services are free, they do work with a number of companies to offer services to you. Unless you want to hear from these companies, simply decline by not checking any of the offers. You are not required to sign up for any offer to join the list.
Once you have registered, you will receive a welcome message giving you instructions on how to post messages, unsubscribe and read messages and archives on the website. Remember, when you post a message to the list, or reply to a message, your message will go to the entire list.
I will not be involved in moderating the discussion – it will be an open forum for you to discuss whatever you believe to be pertinent to each other as SCC members and alternates. I will look to party officers to be active on the list and moderate the discussion should the need arise. My only involvement will be to set up the list and pass along information from the State Party when appropriate.
One other note: some of you have given us multiple email addresses. I’ve sent this message and the system invitation to all emails we have on our list. I’ll let you decide individually which email you prefer to use for the discussion. If there is a different email address you’d prefer to use than the one(s) this message is sent to, please let me know.
Please contact me should you have any questions or concerns.
Best,
Eric S. Fought
Communications Director
Nebraska Democratic Party
Subject: NDSCC Email Distribution List
Good morning.
At last Saturday’s NDSCC meeting, the body voted to direct me to create an email distribution list or listserv to increase communications among members and alternates of the committee. I am in the process of creating that tool as we speak.
Later today, you’ll receive an email inviting you to join the list. Simply follow the instructions included in the email to join the list.
We are utilizing the services of a company called Topica. They offer email distribution lists free of charge. You’ll be asked to register with the website. As Maribeth Milner stated on Saturday, you are not required to register with Topica to join the list and receive messages – simply click on the link in the email that you receive and you’ll have joined. However, if you wish to read list archives, or join other lists hosted by Topica, you’ll need to register with the site.
Should you decide to register with the site – be aware that because the services are free, they do work with a number of companies to offer services to you. Unless you want to hear from these companies, simply decline by not checking any of the offers. You are not required to sign up for any offer to join the list.
Once you have registered, you will receive a welcome message giving you instructions on how to post messages, unsubscribe and read messages and archives on the website. Remember, when you post a message to the list, or reply to a message, your message will go to the entire list.
I will not be involved in moderating the discussion – it will be an open forum for you to discuss whatever you believe to be pertinent to each other as SCC members and alternates. I will look to party officers to be active on the list and moderate the discussion should the need arise. My only involvement will be to set up the list and pass along information from the State Party when appropriate.
One other note: some of you have given us multiple email addresses. I’ve sent this message and the system invitation to all emails we have on our list. I’ll let you decide individually which email you prefer to use for the discussion. If there is a different email address you’d prefer to use than the one(s) this message is sent to, please let me know.
Please contact me should you have any questions or concerns.
Best,
Eric S. Fought
Communications Director
Nebraska Democratic Party
