Technology

Configuring a Listserv for Moderation

Last modified 2/14/2022

A moderated listserv requires moderator approval before messages are delivered to listserv members.

As a listserv owner, you can configure your listserv for moderation by logging into Listserv Management.

Logging in to Listserv Management

When one of your subscribers sends an email to your listserv, they will get an email back that says, “Message forwarded to moderator.”

To configure your listserv for moderation, you must designate at least one moderator. The moderator(s) of your listserv will be responsible for approving or rejecting postings made by subscribers.

You may also want to designate one or more Editors. Editors are allowed to bypass moderation and can post directly to your listserv.

Note:

To avoid needing to have your own emails approved by a moderator, you should make yourself an editor.

How Listserv Moderation Works

When subscribers send emails to your listserv, their messages must be approved by a moderator before they will be delivered.

Subscribers

When one of your subscribers sends an email to your moderated listserv, they will get an email back that says, “Message forwarded to moderator.” This email informs the subscriber that his or her email has been sent to the listserv, but has not yet been delivered. Once the moderator approves the message, it will be posted to the listserv and all subscribers will receive it.

Moderators

Moderators must approve messages posted by your subscribers. If you are a moderator, you will periodically receive messages with subject lines like “LISTSERVNAME-L: approval required (6B2F338).” These emails contain the subscriber’s original post, which you should review before deciding to approve or reject the message.

To approve the message, click the APPROVE link in the email you receive.
To reject a message awaiting moderation, do nothing. The approval email will expire on its own.

Configure Listserv for Moderation

To configure your listserv to be moderated, do the following:

Log in to Listserv Management with your ISU email address and Password.
Expand List Management in the left side menu.
Click List Configuration.
Once a list is selected from the first field, you may scroll down to view the List Header Details. You can either manually edit, or edit with wizard by clicking the related button above the current header.
Locate the Editor= field.
- Enter the email address of the person you want to make an editor of your listserv (This is optional). You can specify more than one editor, but if you do, make sure you only have one email address per line.
- Editors are allowed to post to your listserv without needing approval from a moderator. You should consider making yourself an editor so messages you send do not need to be approved by a moderator.
- Only the first editor will receive emails sent to the listserv, by default. Additional editors can be made moderators or subscribers (in addition to their editor status) if you want them to receive messages posted to your listserv.
Locate the Moderator= field.
- Click the drop-down menu, and select either All or Round-robin. Selecting All will cause all emails posted to your listserv to be sent to all moderators, whereas selecting Round-robin will cause emails posted to your listserv to be sent to each moderator in turn.
- Enter the email address of the person you want to make a moderator of your listserv. You can specify more than one moderator, but if you do, make sure you only have one email address per line.
Click Save.
Click Subscriptions from the top menu.
Click the drop-down menu and select Editor in the Send= section.
9a. This means that only listserv editors can post directly to the list. All other subscribers must have their posts approved by a moderator before they will be delivered.
Click Save.

Needing Assistance?

For Technical Assistance, Submit a Help Ticket, or contact the Technology Support Center by calling (309) 438-4357, or by email at SupportCenter@IllinoisState.edu.