Topic: List Services
Comparison of free list services other than Yahoogroups
Smartgroups is a YGs work-a-like, very similar features, pickier over content, smaller attachments, and Scandium is a somewhat quirky list server. Probably 1/10th the size of YGs, so a much smaller pool of potential members. Support is friendly, if not always capable of solving the problem.
MSN Groups now offer email delivery, but YGs owners will find it far less flexible as a list server. A large pool of potential members, maybe 1/4 the size of YGs. You need a MSN or Hotmail address to join, but you can change that after you subscribe.
Topica is a basic email list server, no web space, cookie cutter home pages (these could use some design work), max email size 100k. Good customer service. The visible part of Topica seems to be a little smaller than Smartgroups. There are problems with ISPs blocking for spam.
Domeus, intermittently intermittent. I have two lists here but they seem so far away. Talkin Mit der Gruppen Meister: staff @ domeus.com
VPMail, basic list server based in Australia. Pretty good reliability as a list server. Email moderation. All my archives are named "Server Error."
Coollist, basic list server located in Singapore. Good reliability. "Archives unavailable." Everything management is done at the website here, except you can post by email. No email moderation.
Freelists is good, reliable and fast. Technical lists are favored. Each new list is vetted by a human being. Good support. Runs Ecartis (Lyris) software, which has lots of features but is not quite as easy as firing up a YG. Archives and custom home page space.
(Comparison done by Bill Holmes, December 2002)
FreeLists.com fast reliable service, lots of features
Posted by: at December 13, 2004 01:59 AM