The key advantage of a mailing list over a newsgroup is that instead of having to go somewhere to read or retrieve the contents of a discussion, it is automatically sent to you via e-mail. You'll receive a reply that gives you all the details you need to know about the list and how to participate. Soon, you'll begin receiving mail from other list members. Mailing lists are often used to give subscribers current information. For music fans, that might include upcoming concert dates or ticket purchasing details.
Mailing lists can be public or private and involve as few as two people or as many as thousands.
With announcement-type lists, you receive messages, but don't post to the list yourself. Unlike Usenet newsgroups, which require additional software to run, all you need to participate in a Mailing List is an e-mail address. This process is handled by sending a particular type of e-mail message to the list administrator with your request. In the body of the message you type something like unsubscribe followed by the name of the list and your e-mail address. The process varies from one list to another, depending on what Mailing List Manager the system uses.