The main kinds of list are listserv, listproc, mailserv, majordomo, usenet and mailbase. As soon as you join the list, you should be sent an automatic message, which explains how to send messages to the list, and the option for accessing archives, how to leave the list, etc. Your name will remain on the subscription list, but no mail will be sent to you until you use the set mail or set digests command. Useful if you wish to do all your reading at one sitting and keep your mailbox relatively uncluttered with new messages. Toxic-L Allows you to see which settings are in effect for your subscription.
Different lists have different polices on archiving of old messages.
The message you are automatically sent after subscribing to a list should give you more information on these and other commands. The subscribing and unsubscribing commands are similar, but other options differ. As soon as you join the list, you should be sent an automatic message which explains how to send messages to the list and the option for accessing archives, how to leave the list, etc. Further information on Mailbase and archives of messages sent to list and other materials are available on the Mailbase WWW server. Most are socially rather than academically orientated.