guesbook/mailing list programs

[Stephen Bawa]

Am doing a spot of web design for my own purposes - was wondering if anyone could recommend good freeware/shareware guestbook and/or mailing list programs?

I'm aware after some looking around that there are so many out there, and a recommendation from one of you guys would be great. Naturally, I dont want to pay if there's good free versions, but I will if I have to.

Many thanks

[francis]

Were you plannig on running these on your own server or using someone elses? For example, David runs this system on his server running a supplied database. If it's your own, what server side technology are you using (PHP, ASP etc)?

I don't know of many external systems, but I've seen Boardhost (http://boardhost.com) used on occaisions. The rather fine Erin McKeown (http://www.erinmckeown.com) uses it on her site. I can't decide whether the reply system is flaky or it's the users.

With mailing lists, I think you'll be paying for the service. Lyris (http://www.lyris.net/) offer a service, but I've got no idea how good they are other than they "host" the This Is True (http://www.thisistrue.com/) newletter which turns up regularly. There's also Biglist (http://www.biglist.com/) who "host" an XSLT list I'm on (that I should read more of).

If what you're after is a low usage mailing list (eg a once a week mailshot), you could manage this using Outlook/Express. Set up a mailing list on that and then send yourself a mail and BCC the list in. That way everyone gets a mail, no-one knows who else gets it and you don't pay anyone. If you do that, you best make sure your PC is very up to date with anti-virus software and Windows patches.

[David]

Originally posted by francis@Feb 24 2004, 7:14 pm
If what you're after is a low usage mailing list (eg a once a week mailshot), you could manage this using Outlook/Express. Set up a mailing list on that and then send yourself a mail and BCC the list in. That way everyone gets a mail, no-one knows who else gets it and you don't pay anyone. If you do that, you best make sure your PC is very up to date with anti-virus software and Windows patches.
Also, make sure that your outgoing mail server (SMTP) is happy dealing with emails to large numbers of recipients. I have had problems recently sending mails to my class lists - apparently, some ISPs are restricting the number of multiple recipients that SMTP will process in an attempt to reduce spam.

I've never used mailing list programs but there are plenty about, especially in PHP. Have a look at these (http://www.hotscripts.com/PHP/Scripts_and_Programs/Mailing_List_Managers/) to see if there's anything to suit.

[Stephen Bawa]

thanks guys,

I intend to use someone elses server - I guess I can have a brief chat with you guys this afternoon at class. see you there.

by the way David, Shu asked me to remind you today that the scope and overview we produced was a collaborative effort...and dont you forget it! (someone's not had the chance to read your response...) ;)