Module Two: Email Lists Task

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

DB seem more accessible to me than email lists. The speed of reply is faster on DB's. Topics are easier to scan. Email lists take some time to show your topic posting. Whereas Db's are instant (or require you to refresh your browser). The Internet affords its users alot of time saving features. As many statistics show, users want their desires or requirements met ASAP. DB see to do this much more effectively than email lists.

As a student, thie unit DB has been invaluable to me in answering questions or getting me 'unstuck' so I could move on at any hour of the day. It makes available archived messages at a glance and a click. I guess email lists could do this to. I dont think many ppl would use their personal email address for an email list so by the time you log in then find the topic you're after, a DB could have answered several questions. That's just what I think. I could be way off like I was with newsgroups (well not way off....they are a bit....draconian)

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

I dont see an email list being as useful a tool as a DB for student in our position (for the reasons listed above). Perhaps email lists are useful for private groups...trying to think of an example that doesn't involve porn......a group that requires membership, perhaps a subscription to a journal where the subscribers want to discuss journal issues.