The Email List System Overview

SYC email lists are managed using a software product called MailBoxer.  All management is done through pages on the SYC website, you don't need to install anything on your computer.

An email lists is created by adding a MailBoxer object to a folder on the SYC website.  By convention MailBoxer objects live in the www.seattleyachtclub.org/lists folder.  They are not normally visible when viewing a folder, so if you browse to www.seattleyachtclub.org/lists you will not see them listed.  You must use a special view of the folder called the Zope Management Interface (ZMI).

Only user accounts with the appropriate permissions can access this interface.  If your account has been granted the appropriate permissions you need only add '/manage' to the end of the folder URL.  For the list folder that would be www.seattleyachtclub.org/lists/manage.  Recipients can be changed in the Properties tab.

Creating a New Email List

Creating new email lists is a topic of its own and is covered in a separate document.  That document covers all the details this one does, so if you are interested in creating a new email list go ahead and read that document now.

Maintaining an Existing Email List

In the lists folder you will see a number of existing MailBoxer objects.  You must have appropriate permissions to view or make changes.  Send permissions requests to webmaster@seattleyachtclub.org with the URL to the MailBoxer and why you need to view or change it.

Once you have permissions simply open the MailBoxer and click on the Properties tab.  You will see the subscribers list and a number of other properties that you may want to change.  Details of these settings are covered on the MailBoxer website.  The Internet Committee can help you with any questions you may have.

Subscribers

One of the major advantages of the MailBoxer solution is that people can manage their own subscriptions to the email list.  They can subscribe or unsubscribe by sending 'subscribe' or 'unsubscribe' from the email address in question.

As the manager of an email list you can also make subscription changes directly.  On the Properties tab you will see the current subscriber list.  You can add, remove or change entries there.  Once your changes are saved the list is updated and any mail sent to it will reflect your changes.

Conclusion

This is a brief introduction to a fairly complex system.  If you have further questions feel free to email the Internet Committee.  They can direct you to answers.

The MailBoxer system shifts management focus to the right group of people and should help ensure that SYC email list subscriptions stay current and accurate.  I hope you find them useful.