The international community in and around Tsukuba area has several facilities for exchanging opinions and information, discussions, moving sales, etc. TAIRA came first and now has several hundred subscribers. TAIRA is essentially aimed at rapid exchange of information of general interest. Livetalk was created to cater for those who want a livelier channel of communication. Whereas discretion is essential on a large public mailing list such as Taira, the purpose of Livetalk is to provide a venue where one can enjoy more freedom of speech.