o Is there a need? Do you want to meet that need?

Think through how much time you might want to spend, what level of polishing and support you might want to provide.

o Find a computer host.

Learn the list management software you will be using. Subscribe to the list for that software's owners.

                Lyris, LISTSERV and Majordomo are often used.

o Do preliminary work

Create an information statement, set up the initial configuration, test with a few subscribers only, announce on NEW-LIST.

Choose whether the list will be open or closed, moderated or not, whether you will use the software to help manage bounces, ...

Consider creating a netiquette, an FAQ, and other basic resource files.

o Do ongoing work

Handle bounces and technical requests.

                Participate in the list's exchanges.