Many organizations ask how Tempe does the functions of running a list server.  Enough that we have created this page to give a general overview on how and why we have done this.

Because we are a government operation and have the need to distribute agendas, employment notices, road construction, parks information, etc. to our citizens.  List servers generally are set up for two way communications where subscribers can post to any list they subscribe to.  We don't do that in most cases.  People can subscribe to get postings but NOT post themselves.  This is a very important control device.  And, if virtually eliminates spam and miss-use.

Specific employees are assigned to a list and are responsible for posting new information.  For example, we have a list called 'TempeJobs' where we announce new jobs available in the City of Tempe.  Many thousands of people have subscribed to that list.  Several staff in Human Resources can simply send one email message addressed to the tempejobs list on the list server and that message is instantly sent out to all who have subscribed.

We feel the list server function is actually as important, if not more important than the web server itself.  The list server is considered 'push' technology were information is sent out rather than waiting for a visitor to come view the information as is the case in web technology.  Most people check their email much more often than any particular web site.

We have a dedicated server that has a web server and list server built into one box.  Hosting our own list server went hand in hand with the fact that we do all of our own hosting.  There are services out there that can host lists for you if you are not in a position of hosting your own.  Be aware that many tend to sell email addresses of subscribers so make sure you read the small print and maybe ask them directly to assure you that your subscribers are secure..after all, they are entrusting you to their privacy.  Here's where a 'free' list isn't really all that free.

We selected a product called listserv by Lsoft.  There are many companies that have products like this one but after looking at the various features, especially list management options, we selected Listserv.  We've seen a lot of change in the product in the last 10 years and are happy to say it's a much improved product.  It is, also, one of the most expensive available.

The reason we have a combination web and list server is because much of the management of the list server is web based today.  There are even features that allow users to manage their own accounts via the web interface available.

The best part of a list server is that we do not maintain the subscriptions to lists.  These are done by the subscribers themselves.  They can subscribe or unsubscribe easily through a web interface.  We have created a way to do that at /lists/.

Another feature we like is the bad email address issue.  As people abandon their email address, change it, or their ISP remain subscribed with their old address.  Listserv has a feature that monitors bounced messages and after a set number of bounces it automatically removes that subscriber.  This keeps the lists fairly clean and causes no extra maintenance issues.  We spend virtually minutes a month making adjustments.

That should answer your questions on how and why we provide a list server service to our citizens.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Webmaster using the email link below.