Ferguson and Rigdon had been searching for a vehicle to break through this isolation since hosting a small interdisciplinary SEM conference in Atlanta in early 1992, but few options looked promising. Electronic bulletin board services required an investment in equipment and time. Commercial services were too expensive, given the specialized nature of the field. Establishing a new professional association for SEM was too much work to contemplate, except as a last resort. In early 1993, Ferguson learned that the Seebeck Computer Center at the University of Alabama would be willing to play host to an Internet discussion group.
All disciplinary affiliations are welcome.
This willingness comes from the subscribers' perception that the postings are worthy of their interest and their precious time. Junk postings erode that perception, and threaten the vitality of the list. Remember also that, just like an ordinary letter, once it's gone, it's gone. So be careful. That's really embarrassing.