Learn How to Post on Usenet
Since it was introduced in the late 1970s, Usenet has been a popular, flourishing platform built for discussion and sharing ideas. However, it can seem confusing or daunting to get started with the service if you’ve never used it before. Today, we’ll help you learn how to post on Usenet so you can share information with other users, participate in discussions, and experience everything that Usenet has to offer.
An Introduction to Information on Usenet
Everything you see on Usenet, from recent articles to archived discussions, has been shared by users just like you. Usenet operates on a decentralized network, which means that there is no central entity controlling the platform or what is posted to it. As a result, there is no moderation or censorship within the service, giving users more freedom over what they share and engage with. All of this engagement takes place within specialized discussions called “newsgroups.”
Newsgroups give users a dedicated forum to discuss a wide range of ideas. From politics to sports, Usenet newsgroups have something for everyone. These newsgroups foster a great deal of communication between users, allowing them to share thoughts and related articles based on the topics they love.
If you’ve ever wanted to get in on the Usenet action but didn’t know where to start, your first step is to find a Usenet provider that meets your needs. From here, you can begin preparing to post information on Usenet for the first time.
Learn How to Post to Usenet
There are two different ways to share information on Usenet: Posting to text newsgroups, or by adding binaries to the Usenet platform. Below, we’ll discuss each of these options so you can easily learn how to post on Usenet.
Sharing to Text Newsgroups
To post to one of the thousands of newsgroups on Usenet, you’ll first need a newsreader. From here, you can subscribe to any newsgroup of your choice and it will appear in your newsreader. You can also configure the settings in your email client, like Outlook Express, so that you can post to a newsgroup via email. With this email configuration in place, you can post to a particular newsgroup by selecting it from the list of newsgroups you’re subscribed to and choosing the option in the top left of your newsreader that says either ‘Post to Newsgroup’ or ‘Write Message,’ which opens up a new message window.
Fill in the subject line with relevant information, like: “What kind of wireless mouse should I use?” Then, populate the body of the message with additional questions or information. To post this same message across multiple newsgroups, select the ‘Newsgroups’ button and use the window that pops up so you can choose the groups you want to access. Once your message is complete, hit ‘Send’ to post the text to the chosen newsgroups.
Adding Binaries to Usenet
When adding new binaries, it’s important to consider the newsreader and the type of device you use. These factors will indicate the programs needed to upload binaries to Usenet. You should also consider the newsgroup that you are posting to–in many cases, there are specific groups with the word “binaries” in the name that allow them to be shared. Another important aspect is to create an NZB so that users have an easier time accessing the information.
When adding binaries to Usenet, you’ll need to compress and split the file so that it’s in a more digestible format for the platform. You can do this with the program WinRAR, which extracts RAR files and creates them. After being broken up into smaller segments, the individual parts of your binary may look similar to the following: section01.rar, section02.rar, section03.rar, and so on. With this smaller selection of RARs, it’s easier to share the information in the binary across Usenet.
Once your binaries are divided up and compressed, you can use a program called QuickPar to create Par2 files for the set of RAR files you now have. With this process, you can build recovery blocks for your RAR files to help keep their integrity intact. After uploading your RAR files to QuickPar and creating Par2 files, always check to make sure they are not corrupted. Once you have your Par2 files, you can create an SFV file from them and share them in your desired newsgroup using your newsreader or PowerPost.
Usenet Posting Guidelines
Much like any other social networking platform, certain guidelines need to be followed when posting to Usenet. Some of these guidelines range from basic etiquette to general practices that enhance your use of the service and help keep the platform functioning the way it should.
- Never spam: Posting to a newsgroup with information that isn’t relevant is considered spam. If you are in a group dedicated to sharing recipes, you should never sidetrack the ongoing discussion by asking for tips on how to set up a telescope. Always keep the conversation on topic and you will avoid being flagged as a spammer.
- Avoid frequent cross-posting: Similar to spamming, excessive cross-posting can be considered a general faux pas on Usenet. If you have a post that is relevant to multiple newsgroups, it’s fine to share it with different users but try to avoid cross-posting to more than three groups.
- Don’t share personal information: One of the best aspects of Usenet is the privacy and security of the platform. Unlike other social networks, you aren’t required to disclose information about yourself to use it. Remaining anonymous on Usenet is a great way to reinforce your safety and keep the spirit of the community focused on only sharing relevant information.
If you’re ever in doubt about what to share on a specific newsgroup or how to interact with other users, don’t hesitate to ask! Usenet is full of friendly, knowledgeable users who are more than happy to help you get the hang of the platform. There are also a variety of groups, like ‘alt.binaries.test,’ where you can practice before sharing information to an active newsgroup.
Getting the Most Out of Usenet
New users can occasionally feel overwhelmed by the complexity of Usenet. However, asking questions and taking a look at how other enthusiasts utilize the service is a great way to learn how to post to Usenet and how to get the most out of it.
If you want to get started with Usenet, take a look at our Usenet 101 guide and explore the different components that go into setting up a Usenet configuration. You can also start with a Usenet free trial to begin your journey into the world of decentralized online communication.