We recently ran into a need to create custom lists in SharePoint that send emails when an item is assigned to a person. By default, a custom list does not offer the ability to send an email when a list item is assigned. However, the “Tasks” list type does, so we used it in a simple – but clever – workaround. Here was our approach:

1. Create a new Task list
2. Go into the List Settings and remove all of the columns other than Title, Assigned To, Created By, and Modified By
3. Save the list as a template called “Custom List with Assignment Email”

Now when we need to create a custom list that emails users when they have an item assigned to them, we simply start with the new list template and add the columns and views we need, rather than starting with the standard “Custom List” template. Simple, effective, no code, and easy for users to implement on their own.

The Wall Street Journal just published an article stating that IBM is in talks to buy Sun Microsystems. That would be an interesting development for a wide range of reasons, not the least of which being the future of MySQL and other open source projects at Sun.

The FrugalPod podcast has really started to take off thanks to some hard work by David Podley and The Acuff Group. Episode 9 was just posted, which is a special guest interview with Dr. Joe Dilley; David and Dr. Dilley discuss the complex interactions of psychology and personal finance. You can subscribe on the FrugalPod.com site or via iTunes. We have been fortunate to be listed prominently in the iTunes podcast store, and would love to hear any feedback from the audience. Drop us an email or leave a comment on the blog with your thoughts.