Methodology

Descriptive statistical methods are used to analyse trends identified within the dataset of the 35,852 messages to an email distribution list over a period of twelve years. The postings are analysed for size, origin and by date of posting, allowing for the accumulation of data into varying timeframes to allow for a range of analytical approaches. Given the twelve years of data available, the longitudinal aspects are examined and described with some degree of reliability.

The “years” of the list activity are described as 1 July to 30 June, reflecting the July 1989 origin of the list. While a 1 January to 31 December “year” might create a different set of figures, no significant differences would result.

The information inherent in electronic mail addresses, including the nature of the associated domains, are examined and compared to distinguish changes that have occurred over time in both the postings to this list but also within the Internet generally.

Measures of central tendency, based upon different sampling periods, are used to identify significant differences in posting numbers and relative average sizes of the postings. “Running averages” are used in some cases to provide a set of activity measures that are more effective for items of greater variability.

Trends and patterns within the range of measures related to list activity are identified and discussed in reference to the list's history and to that of the Internet generally.