There are many examples on the web which cover all options - only forums - only mailing lists (although I haven't seen a distribution for average users without a user forum) - both without bridge - both with bridge
I have handled my mailing lists and usenet groups with mutt and (later) Emacs/Gnus; I have been administrating a forum myself and I'm member of some large and not so large forums, technical and non-techie. All this for quite some years. This said I think I know what I'm talking about: If you know how to work in a forum and in mailing lists, there is only one difference between a forum and a mailing list: - a forum is a graphical communication platform while the mailing lists are not. Period. So, the mailing list has but one advantage over a forum: it is easier to handle than a forum when you are on a system without graphical environment. The rest is nothing but individual taste, individual workflow, individual habits. Knowing both sides of the coin I haven't yet read any real argument in favor of one side. But back to the initial topic: The issue here is the request to have another list which covers exactly what the forums are made for. Is this really necessary and - the main question - would this list have a chance to be living along a forum? Mind that a users support list would NOT be the same as this list here, you can't judge what would happen in a user support list by looking who is posting here in this list! 'nuff said -- wobo
