|
A Newsgroup refers to a discussion group on a specific topic that is maintained on the Internet. Originally implemented in 1980 at Duke University, Usenet was the first newsgroup service. By 1993, Usenet hosted over 1200 newsgroups. Today, Usenet hosts 120,000 unique groups on a range of topics. Moderated Groups vs. Unmoderated Groups
In a moderated Usenet group, all messages submitted for posting are automatically directed to a moderator. The newsgroup moderator is responsible for reviewing and editing each post before it is made available to other newsgroup members. In an unmoderated Usenet group, any member of the newsgroup service can post a message in the group discussion. Such messages will not be filtered or edited for content or language. How Newsgroups Work
There are many newsgroup services that offer access to Usenet newsgroups, including Usenet, Giganews and Newsgroups. Each of these services charge a fee for access and provide the necessary tools and software that newsgroup members need to read and post messages, as well as download music, movies, games and software from Usenet. Newsgroups are repositories of posted messages that are saved for a period of time, generally 5-6 months, then deleted. Newsgroups are organized in a hierarchy and some of the most common categories are: | comp | Discussion of computers | | humanities | Discussion of literature and philosophy | | news | Discussion of Usenet itself | | rec | Discussion of recreational activities, games and hobbies | | sci | Discussion of science and nature topics | | soc | Socializing and the discussion of social issues | | talk | Discussion of contentious issues, including religion and politics | | misc | Anything that does not fit within the other hierarchies |
Each of these categories includes many subcategories. For example, a newsgroup dedicated to the discussion of books would be titled rec.arts.books. Likewise, a newsgroup that focuses on the planning of social events like weddings would be called soc.couples.weddings. A more detailed listing of newsgroup hierarchies are available at Giganews.com. If you are interested in creating your own newsgroup, see the published guidelines. 24HourSupport.com also provides more information on newsreaders, the software needed to view and post messages.
|
