Section 5 Introduction to Hosted Mailing Lists

Once there are defined datasets in the warehouse, mailing lists can be created for each dataset. Datasets with many lists can use categories and sub-categories that act like folders to help organize the lists for users and subscribers alike. Categories and the lists they contain are displayed in the left frame of the Recipient Dataset Details screen.

LISTSERV Maestro can create two different types of mailing list – hosted recipient lists and hosted LISTSERV lists. Each list type is denoted with its own icon style in the dataset so it can be easily identified. There are different features and functionality for each type of list. Deciding what the purposes are of the mailing lists in a dataset will help determine which type of list is best to create. Depending on the types of fields in the dataset, it is possible to have both types of list in one dataset.

Important: If there are selection menus in a dataset, it will not be possible to create hosted LISTSERV lists in that dataset. In order to have both types of list in a dataset, selection fields can be added to the individual hosted recipient lists instead.

Table 5-1 Features of Hosted Recipient Lists and Hosted LISTSERV Lists

Hosted Recipient List Features	Hosted LISTSERV List Features
Easy to use and no extra set up involving LISTSERV is required.	Requires extra setup within LISTSERV so that LISTSERV knows how to access the LISTSERV Maestro database.
Allows subscriber data fields where the subscriber can select values from a drop-down menu ("select one" or “select all that apply“).	Provides the special features of LISTSERV lists: - Discussion lists - Digests - Archives - Auto-delete configurable per list
Lists are controlled completely by LISTSERV Maestro.	List data is available and may be changed by LISTSERV.
Limited to announcement-only lists.	Lists can be announcement lists, moderated discussion lists, or unmoderated discussion lists.
Can only send messages using the LISTSERV Maestro interface.	Can send messages using any email client as well as the LISTSERV Maestro interface. (Tracking is limited to LISTSERV Maestro mailings.)
Powerful filters are available using a special target group definition wizard to segment recipients. The Target Group Definition wizard makes it possible to define the subset without worrying about SQL syntax.	Can segment standard list mailings using topics. Can segment special list mailings based on mail delivery settings, such as whether digest mode is selected or whether the subscription is set to “suspended” status. Special mailings can also specify an SQL query for selecting a subset of recipients.