Ask HN: Simple plain text email lists/newsletters?

4 points by osel 8 years ago | 3 comments

I am involved with several charities than need a super basic email/notificaiton service for contacting members. Simple stuff like announcing upcoming events etc.

Currently we use gmail contact groups with BCC, but it's cumbersome and prone to mistakes. There is also the constant fear of passing google's permitted messages limits.

In looking for alternatives almost everything I search for is totally marketing focused with complicated 'campaigns'. I would much prefer an old style listserv/mailman service - craft your email locally, send it to list@mydoma.in and everyone receives a copy.

Does such a simple thing exist anyway in a form I don't have to manage myself?

brudgers 8 years ago |

To me, time spent making a better email distribution might be better spent developing a social media presence. Making it easier to blast emails makes your life easier, it does not necessarily broaden communication or reach more members. Some people are sending your emails to spam but might feel guilty about hitting the unsubscribe.

Social media gives people an ability to connect with your organization rather than just receive notifications. It lets an organization meet people where they are...nobody wants to be "on email".

osel 8 years ago | |

Thanks for the suggestions, definitely something to ponder.

Email is the fallback as a lot of our members don't use social media, but there is an interesting idea in something akin to TinyLetter for notificaiton/events that can be subscribed to.

brudgers 8 years ago | | |

I am not suggesting getting rid of email. I am suggesting that it is COBOL, a legacy system not a direction in which to grow communications. Maintain it, sure.

Hopefully, the percentage of members who only use email is shrinking due to attrition and the organization attracting younger members.