How Mailing Lists Work Mailing lists operate through e-mail, so if you would like to join in the discussions you will need to join or subscribe to the mailing lists you are interested in. Although there is no cost to join, you will need some time to manage and read your e-mail. If you haven't used mailing lists before, then before you start sending messages you may like to read some of the messages sent by others over a two-week period. This will give you an idea about the sorts of discussions taking place and the formality or otherwise of the list.
Mailing lists are an effective way of reaching many people in one go.
However, please remember that many people may read your message and there are certain conventions which people ought to follow so that messages are clear and understandable, therefore please observe ' netiquette '.