On every successful mailing list, somebody inevitably suggests replacing it with "a forum" or "a facebook page" or some proprietary website that acts as a middleman (Google, Meetup and Linkedin are three of the usual suspects). Such suggestions usually go nowhere, and when they're followed, communication usually ceases and the the community becomes a ghost town. When it comes to having a lively group discussion that focuses all minds into a supermind greater than the sum of the parts, a mailing list is the best tool. Especially if those who use it trim properly and make sure they're not being ambiguous.
Very true. The main reason that I like email is that I get an easy to see notification about a new message. And I only need to go to _one_ place to find it.
Another mailing list benefit: Most of these other types of "community communicators" sooner or later disappear from the Internet, just like mailing lists. But with mailing lists, individuals can keep their own archives. I have archives from my first LUG, even though that LUG's mailing list went defunct in 2002.
so, you're saying you're a LUG nut? [ I just couldn't stop myself. It's a disease! ]
Because my email folder hierarchy was designed by me, I can usually find emails of any age very quickly. Responding is as easy as replying to an email.
Another plus.
One assertion in the original post was that email communication is "so 1990's". That's neither a compliment nor an insult, and has prompted me to write an essay, for which I'll provide the URL when it's finished.
Agree. I guess the OP doesn't every use paper or pen/pencil for anything.