American Theatre & Drama Society Annual Report

August 4, 2010

Sarah Bay-Cheng
Listserv Moderator

Newsletter Update

As of our business meeting In August 2009 (New York), we agreed to eliminate the format of newsletter in favor of a more robust listserv and website. The website has been developing steadily and I think will eventually replace many of the former functions of the newsletter.

Listserv Update

At our last meeting, we also agreed to allow the listserv to be open to non-members. The updated statistics for the newsletter are as follows:

• 107 new/renewed listserv subscriptions (Aug 4, 2009-July 16, 2010)
• 301 total listserv subscribers (July 16, 2010)
• 2 cancellations


Heather has been excellent in providing a steady stream of updates and information via the listserv that has been far more timely than the previous semi-annual newsletter format. While Heather has graciously taken on this role (amid her many other duties) in the future, I should think that it would more properly fall to the listserv moderator/editor.

In the reorganization of the website, we had previously tabled discussion of the listserv as a discussion forum. I reiterate my previous suggestions that we might better use the listserv (or a forum via the website) for moderated discussion relevant to the field. I offer again my suggestion that the listserv function primarily, though not exclusively, as a discussion board for questions relevant to the field. The function of the listserv would become an active, rather than a passive source of information and could include threads on teaching, areas of research, and questions of professional development. This could be a more stimulating use of the listserv, as well as providing greater connection among members during the academic year. We could also solicit guest moderators, who would pose questions and respond to topics as they arise.

There may be some concern among members that this will generate too many messages in our already over-crowded inboxes. Please note, however, that there are several digest options on the listserv. One need not receive all messages as they are posted, but can receive either a daily, weekly, or monthly digest.

In terms of my other suggestions regarding the use of the website with blog and/or wiki functions, I await the final version to know best how to proceed with the use of the listserv.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Bay-Cheng