Types of List-Server Mailing Lists

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Mail that is received by a list-server mailing list and re-sent to the list subscribers is "posted." Those who can post to a particular list are determined by the type of list. The list type is set on the list's Security tab. Below are descriptions of the three types of lists.

• Open lists (to which anyone can post a message; they do not need to be subscribed to the list)
• Subscriber lists (to which only subscribers can post)
• Moderated lists (to which only the list owner can post)

Open Lists (Anyone Can Post)

The characteristics of an open list are:

• Anyone can post to the list by sending a message to an address in the form of listname@domain.com.
• If Use Password is turned on, all posters must enter a password to post. (See "Using a Password".)
• The Enable Posters List option does not apply for open lists. If this option is enabled, anyone can post to the list even if they are not in the posters list. However, if this setting is used in conjunction with the Use Password option, all users will be required to enter a password, even those in the posters list.

Subscriber Lists

The characteristics of a subscriber list are:

• The list is made up of subscribers. An individual becomes a subscriber by sending a message addressed to the IMail list server (imailsrv@domain.com where domain.com represents the mail host); in the body of the message, the intended subscriber enters the subscribe command and the list name. For more information, see "Requesting Information and Subscribing".
• Subscribers can post by addressing a mail in the form of listname@domain.com.
• If Use Password is selected, users must enter a password to post. (See "Using a Password".)
• If Enable Posters List is selected, only subscribers and users in the posters list can post.
• If both Use Password and Enable Posters List are both selected, a subscriber must enter a password to post. Users in the posters list must enter a password as well.

Moderated Lists

The characteristics of a moderated list are:

• The moderator can post by sending a message to an address in the form of listname@domain.com.
• If Use Password is selected, the moderator must enter a password in order to post to the list. This prevents others from "impersonating" the moderator by using the moderator's mailing address. (See "Using a Password".)
• If Enable Posters List is selected, users in the posters list can post directly to the list, and the moderator will not receive their mail. The moderator will only receive mail from those who are not in the posters list.
• If both Use Password and Enable Posters List are selected, the moderator only receives mail from those not in the posters list. The moderator and those in the posters list must enter a password in order to post to the list.

Using Passwords and Posters Lists

The posting of messages to each type of list can be further restricted by enabling one or both of the following:

• A password requirement. (See "Using a Password".) If a password is required, anyone not using the correct password will have their mail returned. The list owner (or moderator) will also be notified of the failed attempt to post.
• A posters list. If a posters list is enabled, anyone in the posters list will be able to post directly to the list regardless of the list type.

Note: If there are only a few individuals who will be allowed to post to the list, you can simply give them the appropriate password. However, if there are more than a few individuals who will be allowed to post to the list, it may be more efficient to use a "posters" list.

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