Listservers, Part 1: Introduction to List Handling Software
Issue 108, January 8, 2002

I'm often asked, "What e-mail program should we use to distribute our company's newsletter and e-mail marketing campaigns?" It's not an easy answer, since there are many capable programs to choose from. In this issue, I'm including two articles that explain the basic features of e-mail list handling software or "listservers." 

• Introduction to E-Mail List Handling (Listserver) Software
• Using Listservers to Drive E-Mail Discussions

In February and March I'll be considering popular programs, reviewing some and weighing the pros and cons.

If you already use a listserver program, you could help me a great deal by completing my 11-question survey on E-Mail List Handling Software (www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=8956290768). I'll be sharing some of the results of that survey in future issues.

I've published a brand new e-book, The Shopping Cart Report. In this 213-page e-book, I provide a basic introduction, feature worksheets, head-to-head comparison of the most popular small business e-commerce software, and in-depth reviews of some of the best programs. In addition, I've included links to hundreds of reviews that discuss the more than 150 shopping cart and store-building programs that are available. The Shopping Cart Report is the most comprehensive of its kind available anywhere. See more at www.wilsonweb.com/ebooks/carts.htm

I wish you a happy and fruitful New Year.

God bless you,
Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, Editor

P.S. If you're trying to figure out how to use the Internet to increase your business, then you need my book Planning Your Internet Marketing Strategy (John Wiley & Sons). Take a look at the table of contents and sample chapter. The book lists for $19.95, but Amazon USA is selling it for only $13.96. Buy it at the Amazon site nearest you. US | UK | Germany | France | Japan. http://amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471441090/ref=nosim/wilsoninternetse

Introduction to E-Mail List Handling (Listserver) Software

If you're looking for a listserver program to send out your e-mail newsletter or e-mail marketing campaigns, you may be confused by the jargon. This article explains the terminology, describes exactly what listservers do, and helps you decide which features your company needs. Read the Article.

Using Listservers to Drive E-Mail Discussions

This article explains how an e-mail discussion list works, the features that are available, and how to use one to advance your business. Read the Article.

New Ecommerce and Web Marketing Articles

Each month our team of link editors scours dozens of online periodicals and resources to find key information on e-commerce and Web marketing. With so much new literature available to you, how do you find what you need quickly and painlessly? Here's a selective and searchable database of article and resource links to help your research and keep you up-to-date in the field. (Links gathered in a given month are usually available during the second week of the following month.)

Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Day, Feb 14

Join me and my friend, Dr.Mani Sivasubramanian, an Australian heart surgeon, in promoting Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Day, on Valentine's Day, February 14. You can learn more about how congenital heart defects can be corrected -- and pick up an CHD awareness button for your website -- at www.drmani.com/chdaware/chdspecial.htm