List Tasks

1. What are the pros and cons of email lists versus discussion boards?

Email lists are generally more informative than discussion boards. If you subscribe to an email list then you receive updated information on the topic of choice. I have subscribed to many lists and find them clearer to read and it is easier to find the content you’re interested in rather than searching through a discussion board. They are both excellent ways to communicate with people who have similar interests and they’re a fantastic source to educate people. Discussion boards tend to be more interactive than the Email Lists. In a discussion board people can directly reply to post whereas with email lists it’s not so simple. Email lists don’t give you other people’s feedback.

Are there certain kinds of communication or purposes more suited to one than the other?

Yes. Email lists are best suited to sending more extensive information on a topic. They’re more an informative source of communicating and where there is no need to reply or leave feedback. Discussion boards are a more interactive way of communicating with others about a topic. Whilst is provides information on a topic it is not as extensive as an Email List and people can leave their opinions on the discussion board.