Hi all,

The basic functioning of the mass-email is not hard too replicate and there
are free services to do this. However, from what I've seen, listserv still
may have an edge in archiving. No doubt at this point, having a decades
worth of posts in the same spot as what we currently use is of
great benefit. However, there is also no doubt that the listserv model may
be getting a bit dated, and it has never worked well for truly gigantic
lists of people. As the birding community grows, it really is unfortunate
that some are shut out of the ability to communicate. Other states with
large birding communities, have adopted more local lists and of course
maintained a overall state list to communicate bird sightings of importance
at that level. Also, if done correctly, forum-based models can be quite
good. ( http://www.ilbirds.com/ for example). Sub-forums dedicated to
rare-bird reports, trip reports, ID discussions etc. help keep things
focused and actually encourage a lively discourse. In my opinion, sometimes
a listserv may hinder discussions since some are off-put by having to email
the entire group. With the right setup, folks could still receive posts via
email for the topics of their choosing and it would have additional
benefits like embedding photos, etc. This option would cost money, however,
and require the time/skill of several. Again, I know we are all very
grateful for this listserv and the time/money spent, by Norm, on
maintaining it. Any criticism I have comes down to Listserv licencing which
I think charges way too much for what it does. In the meantime, I think
opening up avenues of communication on social media for both local bird
clubs and MOS statewide is a great idea.

Jared Fisher
Bethesda, MD



On Wed, Jun 6, 2012 at 9:43 AM, Ross Geredien <>wrote:

> As a general discussion question, are there any other listserve-services
> to which MDOsprey could migrate that have better usage terms that might
> accommodate more users?
>
> Ross Geredien
> Edgewater, MD
>
> Follow Me on Twitter
> @goodmigrations1
>
>
> ________________________________
>  From: Jason Berry <>
> To: 
> Sent: Wednesday, June 6, 2012 9:26 AM
> Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] MD Osprey Limit?
>
> Hi All,
>
> I'm glad my original post stimulated some discussion.  By no means should
> it be meant as a criticism of Norm or his selflessness of setting up (and
> paying for) the listserve.  It's also interesting to hear that others have
> setup local bird lists.  While this is fine and might even be necessary due
> to the membership limit to MDOsprey, I'm concerned that it could end up
> splintering communication too much.  If folks in DC were to setup something
> like this, I wonder if people would always cross post to MDOsprey.  I'm
> sure we wouldn't want sightings to fall through the cracks.
>
>
> While George mentions that he doesn't think it's good if everyone can
> post, I think there's more to gain from increased participation than to
> loose with clutter.
>
>
> In this online age, it just seems like there are free options that can
> accommodate all those interested in MD/DC Birding (e.g. yahoo groups, etc.).
>
> Respectively,
>
> Jason Berry
> Washington, DC
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: George M. Jett <>
> To: 
> Sent: Tuesday, June 5, 2012 5:30 PM
> Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Don't Reinvent the Wheel Re:MD Osprey Limit?
>
> Kurt
>
> But not everyone can't post.  Perhaps this is a good thing.
>
> My 2 cents worth.
>
> George 
> www.georgejett.net
> -----Original Message----- From: Kurt Schwarz Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2012
> 4:49 PM To:  Subject: [MDOSPREY] Don't
> Reinvent the Wheel Re:MD Osprey Limit?
> For those who haven't figured it out, EVERYONE can get to the MDOsprey
> sightings, just go the website and click on Archives.  And it you don't
> like the alphabetical listing, they use.
>
> Type birdingonthe.net into your browser, click on Regional/Specialties,
> then MDOsprey.
>
> You don't need an account to do either.  So you don't have to create yet
> another password. Sure you can't post, but ask somebody on it.
>
> And as always, thanks to Norm for all he does!
>
> Kurt Schwarz
> HowCo
> Goawaybird at verizon dot net
>
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