Some users prefer listservs over blogs

Published on July 14, 2006

To blog or join a listserv, that is the question.

Amherst Town Meeting blogger Stephanie O'Keeffe explains the advantages of a blog.

She has an analysis of two differences between the two communication methods at her blog (Stephanie.TownMeeting.blogspot.com).

''Consider the email listservs. They spread info also, but have several drawbacks,'' she writes.

First, she points out, ''They are not open to the public, so the people we were elected to represent aren't aware of the info and discussion occurring there and have no ability to weigh-in.''

Also, they are ''kind of clunky,'' she writes. ''Following discussion threads can be a mess.''

She also says people complain about all the emails clogging up their mailboxes, and ''unless one vigilantly saves and categorizes the mail by topic, it is difficult to find the info you want later.''

O'Keeffe points to the discussion of genetically modified crops at the Town Meeting listserv as an example of one weakness with the format. The debate has ranged so far and wide, that some listserv members are ready to cry uncle.

Writes O'Keeffe: ''If the folks on both sides of that issue had blogs where they explained their views and posted links to relevant articles and Web sites, they would be creating valuable information resources available to all TM members and the public, and they would be accessible when we want or need them. Very valuable.''

_ MARY CAREY