Listservs

FAQ

What is a listserv? A listserv is a topical electronic forum conducted over email where list subscribers may post announcements, participate in discussions, and pose and answer questions. A list server automatically distributes an email message from one member to all other members on that list. When a person replies to a message, the reply is also sent directly to everyone on that listserv. This is a tool to allow professionals and colleagues to communicate with one another quickly over email.

Is the listserv moderated? No one approves the messages before they are sent out to members. However, persons who disobey the rules and expectations explicitly or implicitly set for this listserv may be removed without warning. For example, spammers or persons who advertise commercial products will be removed.

What information can/cannot be shared on the listserv? Questions about how other utilities are dealing with specific situations and similar requests for information, passing along articles and websites to explore, and other information exchange are welcome and are likewise a critical function for the group. If you ask for information and receive many responses, it would be appreciated if you could compile the responses and post the results back to the listserv so that others will not have to ask the same question later. Since the listserv is hosted and managed by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a public institution, all listservs are open to be viewed by any visitor. Anything you post to the listserv is considered a public document and can be viewed by the public at https://mail.unc.edu/lists/.Commercial advertising, junk mail and political endorsements should NOT be posted to this listserv. In the unlikely event a member fails to observe these standards, they are subject to be removed from the listserv. Those making posts and responding to posts are also encouraged to remember that your postings to the list go to all members and are viewable by the public. Consider sending an individual message when you have a personal message to send.

After I subscribe, how can I post a message to the listserv? Send your email to ncwater@listserv.unc.edu or stormwater@listserv.unc.edu depending on which listserv you are using. Your message will then be sent out via email to all other members. All emails sent to the listserv are open to the public (including those not on this listserv).

What happens when I reply to a listserv email? Whether you hit Reply or Reply All, your response will be sent to the listserv and to every subscriber on the listserv.

Can I send a private reply to just one person on the listserv? By default, any email sent to the listserv address, including replies, will be sent directly to all subscribers of the listserv and will be publicly visible to anyone, even non-subscribers, who view the archived messages on the webpages linked above.

If you wish to privately reply to just one person, make sure you delete the listserv email address from the “To:” field and copy and paste the individual person’s email address instead.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the listserv? Contact the EFC Deputy Director or any staff member of the EFC.

Are there other listservs in North Carolina serving other areas of local governments? The UNC School of Government manages multiple listservs for North Carolina local governments. View the list and subscribe here.

Do you manage listservs for similar purposes for communities outside of North Carolina? Not at this time. Please contact the EFC if you wish to discuss.