The big advantage of mailing lists over a web based message boards is that the content gets to you rather than you having to go to the web to get it.

We do realize there are many good 'community' sites out there that rely on nothing but web based systems, and that works well for them. However, Orchid’s current format is in our humble opinion easier to follow and 'digest' if one chooses, while providing more accountability and 'get to know your neighbor' type interactions.