A listserv [that's right! no final 'e'] is a device that manages
subscriptions to electronic groups automatically. (A rival program
is call 'majordomo' and achieves the same goals.) Typically you
read about a discussion group that you want to join and see the
listserv address for the group. You then have to send the appropriate
commands to the listserv before you can be on the list.
Thereafter you must use listserv commands whenever you leave. You
will also find it useful to know the commands that allow you to
suspend mail, force digest format (or reverse it to receive messages
individually)....
This is Eric Thomas's standard review of the major listserv
commands.
Revised LISTSERV System Reference Library, release 1.7f
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(c) Eric Thomas 1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993
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* *
* LISTSERV command reference cards: *
* *
*-> LISTSERV REFCARD: General user commands *
* LISTOWNR REFCARD: List and file management commands *
* LISTMAST REFCARD: Commands for the LISTSERV maintainer *
* *
************************************************************
Commands are listed in alphabetical order, with the minimum acceptable
abbreviation in capital letters. Angle brackets are used to indicate
optional parameters. All commands which return a file accept an optional
'F=fformat' keyword (without the quotes) that lets you select the format
in which you want the file sent; the default format is normally
appropriate in all cases. Some esoteric, historical or seldom-used
commands and options have been omitted.
List subscription commands (from most to least important)
---------------------------------------------------------
SUBscribe listname Subscribe to a list, or change
your name if already subscribed
SIGNOFF Remove yourself:
listname - From the specified list
* - From all lists on that server
* (NETWIDE - From all lists in the network
SET listname options Alter your subscription options:
ACK/NOACK/MSGack -> Acknowledgements for postings
CONCEAL/NOCONCEAL -> Hide yourself from REVIEW
Files/NOFiles -> Toggle receipt of non-mail
files from the list
Mail/NOMail -> Toggle receipt of mail
DIGests/INDex -> Ask for digests or message
indexes rather than getting
messages as they are posted
REPro/NOREPro -> Copy of your own postings?
TOPICS: ALL -> Select topics you are
<+/->topicname subscribed to (add/remove
one or replace entire list)
Options for mail headers of incoming postings (choose one):
FULLhdr or FULLBsmtp -> "Full" mail headers
IETFhdr -> Internet-style headers
SHORThdr or SHORTBsmtp -> Short (default) headers
DUALhdr -> Dual headers, useful with PC
or Mac mail programs
CONFIRM listname1 > Confirm your subscription
(when LISTSERV requests it)
Other list-related commands
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INDex listname Sends a directory of available
archive files for the list, if
postings are archived
Lists