November 11, 2004

Curious George: Posting to Usenet. What are some good ways for posting to Usenet for free, not counting Google Groups?

I prefer a Web interface for convenience reasons since I'm not a die-hard Usenet junkie. I was fine posting via Google Groups but lately I've been unable to log in (service temporarily unavailable, etc). Since I post about one message every week or two, I can't justify shelling out $10/month. I guess I could get a news client and use a "free Usenet server" but I am not sure whether this opens up another can of worms (e.g. a perpetual hunt for a server that's online). My main concern is maintaining my anonymity, and NOT exposing a real E-mail address (which Google Groups continuously encourages and is a great way to get unwanted spam).

posted by rolypolyman 20 years ago
  • *blinks* Why would you want to post on Usenet? Hasn't it pretty much been strangled by spammers? And why not use a throwaway address? And why is it pitch black at 5:15 in the evening?
  • I recommend using a standalone newsreader rather than a web-interface. Don't, don't, don't use Outlook Express! I recommend Microplanet Gravity. Although it's no longer supported, it's still a really good little program. It's small and easy to use, but also powerful and flexible if you want it to be. Anonymity is no problem either. Just munge your email address (yourname@NOSPAMTHANKSyourdomain.com) or put a fake one in. As for a server, doesn't your ISP offer newsgroups? Most of the ISP's I know of offer at least a text-only Usenet service. If they don't, you can use news.individual.net (text only, but free: sign up) which I hear is reliable and fast. If you want binaries, you'd probably have to pay. On preview: Despit the rumours, Usenet is still alive. There are some pretty good groups still around that haven't been spammed to death. And of course, the binary groups are where you find all the best pr0n :-D
  • I hear you, PatB, about Usenet, but there are a few niche Usenet groups that are still lively and not hit by spammers, and I haven't yet seen a suitable phpBB (or other) replacement. Your guess is as good as mine why spammers leave these groups alone.
  • My favorite newsreader is 40tude Dialog. It's free and loaded with features. And bianary groups rule.
  • I swear by the German server, it's run by a German university and is very reliable. Although it filters out all the pr0n binary groups. I would second the 40tude recommendation.
  • I wholeheartedly second the German server, and although I don't know of a web-based newsreader, FreeAgent by Forte is very good. And free. And what rolypolyman and afx245635vi said: there are some corners of usenet that are worth exploring. If I had the time, I'd still be regularly posting in my favourite newsgroups. And definitely mung your email address.
  • i like xnews for a newsreader ... and usenet is NOT dead ... meow