message boards vs mailing lists

Oops, wrong board. Sorry!

Well, since Helen didn't repost on ile...

I like message boards a lot more, it's a lot closer to the give and take of a real conversation. That said, one problem is that it's not possible to killfile someone who's annoying --- not a major one, but it does get a bit annoying after awhile.

well this thread can be for music-related message boards/mailing lists discussion, and then Helen can repost the more general question on ILE (keeping things tidy!)

i really like a well-run mailing list - i.e. one where all the members are mature enough to keep arguments civilised etc, not post spam, chain letters etc. unfortunately i think mailing lists change greatly over time, as key members leave etc. (and then half the discussion is about how things aren't like they used to be)

in general message boards are dreadful - slow and hard to use etc, however the greenspun.com ones are great (as are all the other sites he does) and IL* have a big enough readership to balance everything out and prevent stupid arguments. they are all relaxed enough for people to post silly or obscure questions

I prefer message boards. With my mailing lists I tend to have the mail go to a specific folder and then I rarely read it. I don't like reading all the email headers, stupid signitures, and spam that populates a mailing list.

Those who know me know that I have a fondness for both.