Email

Everyone knows how to email, but more advanced functions such as saving, archiving, setting filters, and attaching files are essential extras that should be in the repertoire of physical activity and health professionals. Help features on many clients explain how to properly do this. Also, users should understand how to copy (cc:) and blind copy (bcc:) emails as well as forward emails to single and multiple recipients. Sending copies to multiple interested parties not only increases effective communication, but also provides a string of documentation. This is yet another reason that emails should properly be archived for a number of years in the event information needs to be recalled for legal or past reference reasons. The "Reply All" feature should be employed for most emails where multiple recipients get the message. Another important consideration is whether to use a software based (e.g. Outlook, Eudora, Outlook Express) or web based email (e.g. hotmail, yahoo, gmail) browser. For flexibility, web based email is preferable, but often these do not lend well to archiving email.

Listservs & email groups

A listserv is an organized collection of email addresses that allows members to send an email to the entire group via one email address. The list is organized and updated using software programs, usually with one or more people allowed to administer or moderate the list. The disadvantage of a listserv is that, in many cases, the past messages are not archived or available for anyone to view at any time, like with a forum. However, some listservs offer archive and search features for past emails. Another concern is that most listservs are exclusive and generally not as open to external viewers like a forum. Many listservs have multiple emails that come through each day. This can create a glut of information in your inbox. Usually you will have the option to sign up in digest format, which puts all the emails from each day into one email. Email groups (Google Groups, Yahoo Groups) are more popular today because of their enhanced features.

Forums

An online form is a place to post messages that are available to view at any time by those interested. This is often referred to as asynchronous communication. Generally someone will start a "thread" on a certain topic within each forum. Further information related to this thread should be in the form of a reply to the thread. The forum software will employ a tree of information that creates a good visual representation of the discussion. To start a new topic, just "post" a new "thread." Most forums have search features that allow you to look up discussions on a certain topic. This is a very useful because if you have a question, it has likely been discussed in the past and you can look up the discussion and answer your own question.

Online communities and social networks

Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace have become major platforms for communication, including professional communication. Many other online communities, such as the Wikipedia professional networks like Linkedin, are also examples of communication venues.

Websites

Developing your own website will help communicate with your constituents.