I've run one small list, a few hundreds subscribers, a long time ago. I used a now defunct service based on free software... mailman? I can't remember. One idea

I've run one small list, a few hundreds subscribers, a long time ago. I used a now defunct service based on free software... mailman? I can't remember. One idea: see what popular open source projects are using. I wouldn't self-host it, mail is a PITA to configure. Much better to use some service. Technically it's very easy. Some lessons learned: - Configure it so when someone replies to a message, it's sent by default to the list. Some think it's better to reply to the person that sent the message you're responding to, but that's terrible: a lot of messages get sent privately when that wasn't the intention. - Resist to the temptation of moderation. You'll become a slave. - No messages accepted except from subscribers. - If at all possible, avoid automatic subscription. Force people to write to you and acknowledge that there's a person maintaining the list and that there are rules. Write down the rules, publish them and sent them in a private message to every new subscriber. - Have a web page for the list, bonus points for a private file-exchange space. The worst part is people. Some of them are a piece of work. If a few dozens are reunited, you're guarranteed to have some guy that doesn't want to be your friend. As soon as you notice someone is overly confrontational with you, just drop the conversation with a closing "maybe you're right, there are several ways to look at it" and limit yourself to a referee role. If the discussion of this person with others gets too hot, then have some rule to stop it. The silent majority wants a calm conversation, so be confident that they will support you.