My experience:

The discussion on this list all goes through Ann Barker, the teacher. She forwards members' messages to the list with her comments added. So although people do respond to each other sometimes, there is much more emphasis on her expertise.

Since Ann requests people to read two books before they start participating, and I wanted to see what it was like, to decide if I really felt it was relevant to my situation (with my disabilities), I asked Ann if I could lurk while I was getting & reading the books.

My first impression was that TheravadaNet was too focused on formal practice for me. But as time went on, and I saw the compassionate ways Ann deals with other people's unique situations, I got drawn in. TheravadaNet became one of the most important parts of my support network.

I recommend TheravadaNet for anyone who would be interested in contact with a teacher, and can't get to one easily in person.

Recently Ann has not been well, and since everything goes through her, TheravadaNet has been inactive. But in a post dated 18 February 2000, she has announced that she is about to resume the list.

Check out the TheravadaNet's website, and contact them if this interests you.