While the World Wide Web is the hands-down glamourpuss among the computer elite these days, one of the earliest forms of Internet communication - text-based Internet mailing lists - is getting a second look. The reason: Despite all the fanfare over Internet graphics, simple yet exquisitely efficient text communication still rules the Net.

Indeed, Internet mailing lists have grown steadily in popularity over the years due to a simple truth. Internet users are much more likely to check their e-mail everyday than use the Web everyday. Unlike the Web, the e-mail medium generally is lightning fast and very easy. And also unlike the Web, e-mail is much more personalized and fine-tuned to the needs of individuals sending and receiving messages.