Difference between listserv and email group

A blast from the past! Both Listserv and Email Group are ways to communicate with a group of people via email, but there are some key differences:

Listserv:

1. Centralized management: A Listserv is a software application that manages a mailing list, allowing subscribers to send emails to the list, which are then distributed to all other subscribers.
2. Moderation: Listservs often have a moderator who reviews and approves or rejects messages before they are sent to the list, ensuring that only relevant and appropriate content is shared.
3. Archiving: Listservs typically store all messages sent to the list, making it easy to search and access previous conversations.
4. Subscription management: Subscribers can join or leave the list, and their email addresses are managed by the Listserv software.
5. Format: Listservs often use a specific format for messages, such as a subject line prefix (e.g., "[LISTNAME]").

Examples of Listservs include:

• JISCmail (UK)
• Mailman (open-source)
• LISTSERV (commercial)

Email Group:

1. Simple email forwarding: An Email Group is a group of people who share a common email address, where messages sent to that address are forwarded to all group members.
2. No moderation: Email Groups typically do not have a moderator, so messages are sent directly to all group members without review.
3. No archiving: Email Groups do not store messages, so conversations are not preserved.
4. Subscription management: Subscribers can join or leave the group by sending an email to a specific address or using a web interface.
5. Format: Email Groups do not have a specific format for messages.

Examples of Email Groups include:

• Google Groups (free)
• Yahoo Groups (free)
• Microsoft Groups (part of Office 365)

In summary:

• Listservs are more structured, with moderation, archiving, and centralized management, making them suitable for formal discussions, academic or professional communities, or large groups.
• Email Groups are simpler, with no moderation, no archiving, and easy subscription management, making them suitable for small, informal groups or personal networks.

While both options can be used for group communication, Listservs are generally more suitable for formal or professional settings, while Email Groups are more suitable for casual or personal use.