mailman problems

[User QUADRANT]

Sorry, but this is probably a rudimentary question
for some of you. Using mailman, I've created a
list. But when I do (as root) a
python mailmanctl -u start
I get a
Warning! You may encounter permission problems.
Site list is missing: mailman
and it exits.

I've tampered with this program for hours now,
trying every possible combination. How do I get
this friggin thing up and running?? I'm
running 5.1 RELEASE, but had the same problems with 4.8
RELEASE. I'm ready to toss my box out the FUCKING
window!!! Excuse my language!!!