by John Tomasino (FL)
The NCACC has always thrived on connection—sharing ideas, questions, solutions, and the occasional chuckle over the daily realities of appellate court life. For years, we’ve relied on tools like the Washingtonlaw.edu listserv and, more recently, Microsoft Teams to stay in touch. But let’s be honest: neither has quite hit the sweet spot.
The old listserv served us well in its time, but it’s a bit like trying to run a modern court with a fax machine—technically functional, but showing its age. Teams, for its part, promised more, but guest access headaches and inconsistent user experiences across jurisdictions made it more frustrating than helpful for many of our members.
So, after careful evaluation, the Technology and Communications Committees are excited to announce that we’re making the leap to Groups.io.
Why Groups.io?
Groups.io gives us the best of both worlds:
- Email-first simplicity for those who prefer the traditional listserv experience.
- Modern web interface for those who want to search past threads, share files, or manage their notifications with a few clicks.
- Centralized user management, so no more begging your IT department to get Teams to cooperate.
- Archives and digests, so you’ll never miss a post—or be buried by them.
In short, Groups.io gives us a single, flexible communication hub that meets everyone where they are.
How to Join
We’ve made it as simple as possible to get started.
- Go to: https://appellatecourtclerks.org/member-area/groups-io/
- Enter your email address in the box and click Join the Group.
- You’ll be redirected to Groups.io to confirm your email. Check your inbox and click the confirmation link.
- After confirming, your request will be sent to the moderators for approval.
Once approved, you’re in. You can post by email or log in to the Groups.io site to browse past discussions, manage your subscription settings, or upload files.
Looking Ahead
Our goal is simple: make it easier to connect, collaborate, and support one another. Whether you have a procedural question, a tech issue, or just want to hear how other courts are handling new challenges, Groups.io is designed to make those conversations easy and inclusive.
So join us. Let’s make our digital conversations as strong and thoughtful as our in-person ones.
Groups.io Quick FAQ
Q: Do I need to create a new account to join?
A: Yes, but it’s fast and free. Just enter your email at https://appellatecourtclerks.org/member-area/groups-io/, then follow the prompt to confirm your email and complete setup.
Q: Can I still post via email like the old listserv?
A: Absolutely. Once approved, you can send and receive messages entirely through email—no need to log in to the website unless you want to.
Q: Will I get too many emails?
A: Only if you want them. You control your settings—choose real-time emails, a daily digest, or no emails at all. You can always log in to browse messages online.
Q: Can I search past messages and find old conversations?
A: Yes. The Groups.io web interface includes a powerful search tool and a full archive of past discussions.
Q: Do I need to install anything?
A: Nope. Groups.io works in any browser and via your regular email—no app or software required.