Since there is more to the internet than surfing websites, this month's column introduces a few Buffalo mailing lists which allow you to read and contribute news and opinions. Once you subscribe to a mailing list, messages from other subscribers appear in your mailbox, and you can read, reply, or delete as desired. Any reply you send goes to the mailbox of every member, so restraint is often necessary. Some mailing lists have publically-accessible archives, allowing anyone to read past messages. Remember to read and save the "welcome" message from the list, because it should give instructions for unsubscribing when you go on vacation or lose interest.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BuffaloHistory/
BuffaloHistory List
For those who are as fascinated as I am with local history, this active mailing list presently has 133 members from across the country. Members often debate current events--if it happened yesterday, it qualifies as history. Diagnosing and treating Buffalo's ills is a recurring topic. List founder Chris Andrle says, "Discussion and announcements regarding local history, genealogy, folklore, historic preservation, research, libraries, archives, etc. related specifically to the Buffalo, New York metropolitan area are appropriate to this list. Memories of life in Buffalo, of weather, people, businesses, stores, restaurants, and, of course, food are also appropriate." BuffaloHistory subscribers recently met at a local diner for a BuffaloHistory breakfast. List archives are public.

http://www.buffalonian.com/forum/forum.html
WNY History Discussion List
To go beyond the city limits when talking about local history, subscribe to the Buffalonian.com's new mailing list. List founder Steve Powell says, "The WNYHistory e-mail discussion list is a forum for individuals interested in the history of Buffalo, N.Y. including the Western New York area and the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada. We talk about our interests related to area history, ask questions, post findings, and argue them. Subjects include local genealogical, military, industrial, social, and political history." List archives are public and searchable.

http://dir.groups.yahoo.com/dir/1600467401
More Yahoo Buffalo Metro Lists
If local history bores you, here are a couple dozen more Buffalo mailing lists, including such specialized topics as Larkin Company, GoGuerilla ("Wage slaves revolt in Buffalo"), the New Millenium Group, BuffaloCB (Citizens Band radio), and "BuffaloLuvShack" (need I say more?). If the URL above doesn't work, lop off the last ten digits in the address to get to the directory, then search on Buffalo. Most list archives are restricted to subscribers.

http://lists.cgim.com/archives/webgrrls-buffalo-ny.html
Webgrrls, Buffalo
Webgrrls bills itself as "the women's tech knowledge connection" and offers mailing lists for female tech-weenies like me all over the world. The website offers tutorials, career advice, a job bank, and local chapters where members can meet face to face. The Buffalo list boasts 79 members. To join, click on "Post to the list." You will see a link for first-time users. List archives are restricted to members.