Mailing List Requirements

Required

1. Embeddable Signup box that can be embedded in any site via HTML - so that capture of emails is very easy
2. Function is broadcasting announcements. Simple one way communication, for ongoing OSE activity.
3. Ability to manage multiple lists readily: announcements, news, etc. The regular email list for regulars. One should be for dedicated followers (true fans, etc) and another for the general public, media.
4. Allows users to unsubscribe themselves, via a link at the end of an email.
5. Infinitely scalable, and immediately usable with 100,000 users
6. Well documented and well-supported software, with good potential of long life (decades into the future)
7. An OSE-specific instructional is available for managing the list
8. Allows unlimited sending of messages
9. Once a person signs up themselves, email spam filters do not catch emails
10. Allows a backup dump of all subscribers
11. Allows plain text
12. One way list
13. Bounced message reports are available via interface

Optional

1. Easy interface for managing message composition, preferably with a standard template for emails
2. Allows HTML embed in email
3. @opensourceecology.org domain name - if possible

For Discussion

1. Removes users automatically if mail address fails permanently (no longer a valid email)