The groups are particularly useful to people who want to discuss issues with a large or diverse group. When you communicate with an email discussion group you send messages to the list by using the list address. Commands and requests for service are usually sent to the administrative address. You use this second address to join the group, leave or unsubscribe from the group, request archived files from the group, and get a list of the members of the group. Be sure you use the correct address when you communicate with the group or list.
Most lists also have a person designated as the list owner, list administrator, or moderator.
That person is in charge of the list, and you send him or her email if you have problems using the list or questions about the operation of the list. Some lists are moderated. The email discussion groups can be thought of as communities of people sharing common interests. There are generally accepted rules of behavior or etiquette for list members. These include providing appropriate, thoughtful, and concise messages to a group, providing a summary of the responses received in answer to a question, and communicating with other group members in a civil and respectful manner.