Mailing lists vs Forums

So, I really don't understand mailing lists, it is hard to search inside them? And they don't look so good.
What do you think is better Mailing Lists or Forums? And why?

There are several programs to move the contents of a mailing list to webpages with similar looking to forums. So the presentation is the same. The difference is that you participate mailing questions and answers, not just writing on a webpage form (as here). But, for sure, there is or will be a program/script that allows to you write a post on a mailing list without sending any mail.

So the differences are on installation methods. And here there are so much solutions... Just search, learn, try and compare.

Thanks for your comment. But what I mean is, if you have a website or project, what makes you choose a mailing list instead of a discussion board. I don't see the point, this are some of the things I feel that you miss in a mailing list:

1. If you post in the wrong list, you can't move it (You could resend the message)
2. Attachments, images, emoticons, user profiles even if some of this features are not functional, some are.
3. Added functionality, this board for example, this is not just a forum board, you can grow a lot if you use this system.
4. Following threats!!! It is crazy, you get mixed up all the time. If someone just changes the subject it is all gone.

There should be more, but this is what I can come up with at the moment.
If I am wrong in any of his, please correct me.

Thanks.

Forums and mailing lists are different--only you can decide which is best for you. To me, the real advantage of forums is that someone else keeps everthing organized, and nothing shows up in your mailbox unless you request it.