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A newsgroup, also known as 
Newsgroups (screen 12 of 20)
Usenet(1), is a discussion group on the Internet devoted to a particular topic. But isn't this what email distribution and discussion lists(2) are all about?
Well, yes. But there are some differences between a newsgroup and an email distribution and discussion list, although as far as the user is concerned these differences are not all that great.
Actually, the role of newsgroups, which cost nothing to join and use, was much more significant in the past than now. While they are still enormously popular they have been replaced somewhat by distribution or discussion lists.
Part of the reason for this replacement is that distribution and discussion lists can be read using email software, while newsreader software is usually needed to view a newsgroup.
Threads
Newsgroups are devoted to a topic. But within this topic people may submit a message, called 'posting', about a particular issue. For example, the Australian theatre newsgroup, found at aus.theatre, may have a series of postings about a single topic such as costuming for a certain play. Such a set of postings on a single issue is called a thread.
A thread is a strength of a newsgroup. Related postings on a topic can easily be read without having to look through unrelated postings.
Lurking
By the way, if you want to join a newsgroup without contributing, this is not a problem. This is known as 'lurking'. Fortunately, on the Net, the connotations of this word are not what they are in the offline world.
Moderation of newsgroups
Some newsgroups, like some discussion lists, are moderated. That is, anything that is posted to the newsgroup is first checked to make sure that it is relevant, or that its content does not somehow breach the guidelines for that newsgroup.
The advantage of this for the user is that you don't have to wade through a lot of irrelevant information to find what you want. Nor do you have to put up with abusive postings.
To some, the problem with a moderated group is that it is against the spirit of the Internet, and amounts to a form of censorship.
You may want to know whether a newsgroup is moderated or not before you join.
Newsgroup naming conventions
The naming of newsgroups follows a pattern.
Within the name of the newsgroup is the general subject matter of the newsgroup, such as rec. for recreational (which covers arts as well as recreational activities), and soc. for social issues.
After this a further set of characters defines the group, such as rec.arts.books, rec.arts.cinema, rec.arts.dance, rec.arts.fine (for fine arts and artists), rec.arts.theatre, rec.crafts.textiles, and rec.music.classical to name just a few of the many which may be of interest to cultural workers and organisations.
Australian newsgroups include aus.books, aus.culture.china, aus.culture.ultimo, aus.education, aus.films, aus.music, aus.photo, aus.radio, aus.theatre, aus.tv and soc.culture.australian.
The name of each newsgroup for the most part explains its purpose.
The next thing is to work out how to find the newsgroup you want.
Finding newsgroups
With so many newsgroups, how do you find the one you want?
Newsreader software
You could get newsreader software(3). This is generally provided as a part of the major browser applications, but also can be obtained as stand alone software.
When you start up your newsreader it reveals a list of alphabetically arranged newsgroups. There could be thousands of them. From this list you join the ones you are interested in, after which the newsreader will display their postings in date order.
Newsgroup etiquette
The first time you use your newsreader you may be directed to a couple of sites that explain newsgroup etiquette(4).
You could also look at a list of newsgroups in Australia(5).
The server which carries your newsgroup lists may not carry the entire range of available newsgroups. If you cannot find the newsgroup you want, that does not mean it does not exist. It only means that you may have to talk to your ISP about expanding the number of newsgroups they make available.
A simple alternative is to go to the Deja News website(6) which provides a Web-based method to access news and discussion groups. This method is easy and does away with the need for newsreader software.
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References
- Usenet Info Center Launch Pad http://sunsite.unc.edu/usenet-b/home.html
- Discussion lists http://culture.gov.au/lists/
- MacOSArchives http://www.macosarchives.com/news_readers.html
- Newsgroup netiquette http://site.aol.com/netfind/scoop/newsgroup_etiquette.html
- Newsgroups in Australia http://www.lsoft.com/scripts/wl.exe?XC=AU&C=Australia
- Deja News http://www.dejanews.com/
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