The BPI Networking List Story

Many of you have asked about how the BPI Networking List got started. Here's the story as we remember it.

The Networking List started out as a small paper list with contact information for about 40 people associated with the Institute back in 1992. The idea came out of one of Betty Cannon's consultation groups. We were brainstorming how to create more community and to promote cross referrals. We decided to create a list of BPI affiliates to further that project. The List grew over the years and is now an automated daily email digest where over 700 local therapists of all persuasions and orientations (and some coaches) post psychotherapy related messages. Messages are still monitored and approved by us to make sure that spam doesn't get through and that messages are psychotherapy related.

As word got out about the original Networking List, other people asked to join - and we saw no reason to exclude anyone. The List grew and became an email list. Betty forwarded messages from her computer. Originally we were able to share the names and email addresses of the members with one another. But as the number of users and the volume of email increased it became clear that no one wanted emails coming from every direction. Also the danger of the list escaping into the hands of spammers became a concern.

So we were introduced to Internet security, responsibility and list management. Originally messages were few, but involved many topics - everything from workshops and trainings to job postings, referral requests, and announcements about office space and furniture. As the List got larger, Reed took over its management. Eventually the list messages were going to so many people that internet service providers were bouncing messages as spam. We arranged for an automated service that guaranteed delivery called Mail Chimp. Reed pasted the messages individually into the Mail Chimp form.

Messages again proliferated and people started to suggest a digest. Our Web site designer, Ray Snead, created the present tool and format for us. Messages are entered by clicking the Post to BPI NetList button on the home page and entering your message. Reed no longer has to paste messages in, but only to approve them. They go out automatically as a digest at 2 am each morning. There is a place for the title of your message, your email address and a link to another Web site. By double clicking on messages in the index above the digest, participants can go directly to the message they wish to read - or, on some computers, find it by scrolling down slightly.

BPI Expanded Listing Therapist Directory participants are also able to send out individual HTML flyers on Tuesday only - by emailing them to Reed. This method of presenting your information has the advantage of standing out more dynamically alongside the text only Daily Digest. You can create an Expanded Listing by clicking here.

The Networking List indirectly inspired the BPI Networking Party. We found that people liked the community we were developing. And we decided to invite you all to a party. That was some years ago. This year we will be hosting our Eleventh Annual Networking Party. We usually have over 200 area therapists, graduate students, and their family and friends. Coaches are also starting to join us. You bring practice materials and we provide a table for materials, food and drink. We hear that a great time is had by all.

Other Networking opportunities followed, including Find a Local Therapist Directory and the Community Calendar. We are still looking for ways to expand and develop services to our local therapist community, such as free business classifieds, online video and more.

We are deeply grateful to our participants for your suggestions, continuing enthusiasm and support for what we do.