A mail list allows you to send a message to a single address -- the "list address" -- and the list processing system assures that it is distributed to all list subscribers. When you subscribe to a list, the list server will often respond by giving you information on the technical aspects of your subscription. There are two things you really need to understand, as a subscriber, about mail lists. First, there is the "list address" (that's the address to which you send your messages so that they can be distributed to other subscribers). Second, there is a list server address (that's the address to which you send commands like "subscribe", "unsubscribe", etc.). These are two separate addresses.

List servers are very powerful work tools that allow users to exchange information on specific subjects using email. If you would like to participate in this type of discussion will have to first subscribe to a list of their choice. You'll then have to choose from thousands of different subjects. For example, suppose you're an educator interested in chemistry is able to find a list with this as its main topic of discussion. First off, you'll have to send a message to the list owner (someone who takes care of the distribution list), stating that you would like to subscribe.

From there on in, you can participate in the discussions by sending messages to the distribution address. As well, all messages that are sent by other users to the central email address are conveyed to your email box. We can compare the list server to a virtual place on the Internet where people who share the same interests and ideas are able to meet and discuss!

[PalmPower and DominoPower use list servers to run our tips of the week and issue announcements. The subscribe and unsubscribe mechanisms are similar to most classic list servers. However, we've set up our servers so only messages being sent by our editors are transmitted to all readers. -- DG]

Affiliate programs
Affiliate programs, sometimes termed referral, associate, or partnership programs, offer a great way for you to easily put your Web site's traffic to use, and begin generating income. Affiliate programs are generally used by companies which sell and promote their goods and services on the Internet. A classic example is Amazon.com's affiliate program which sends loads of book buyers to their site.

In return for you sending traffic to their Web sites, they offer to pay you commissions based on the sales you generate. Most affiliate programs offer an easy (and completely free) way to sign up, providing you with a partner ID with which their system recognizes you. This allows them to give you credit for sales you refer.

Commissions can range from 1% to 30% and even higher, with some affiliate programs even providing a second layer of commissions based on the sales of new associate you sign up. The best affiliate programs even provide online tracking so you can see how many sales you have generated, and what your commissions are.