Usenet; What's that all about. Hasn't anyone heard of RSS feeds? hello?

[#1]

I suggest http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usenet#Free_Usenet_servers
or http://www.newsservers.net/FreeNewsServers.php
or Google...
(Usenet access tends to be unreliable)

[#2]

Thanks for that
A little light reading for this evening!

Quote

(Usenet access tends to be unreliable)

I have found that to be the case already

[#3]

Quote from: Santiago

Quote (Usenet access tends to be unreliable) I have found that to be the case already

Presumably you're referring to the free news servers and not Usenet in general?

[#4]

Yes, The free news servers in the link from Axisofevil.
I won't be able to comment on Usenet generally until I have learned a bit more about it.
So any pointers from you Bob?

[#5]

My newsreader problem has been fixed.
Previously, I supplied a user & password and this worked.
Under the new regime, these must be removed.

[#6]

Quote from: Santiago

Yes, The free news servers in the link from Axisofevil. I won't be able to comment on Usenet generally until I have learned a bit more about it. So any pointers from you Bob?

A few to get you started:

• Post in plain text.
  
• Don't top post (bottom post instead).
  
• Make sure your signature abides to the Mcquary limit.
  
• Don't cross-post to numerous groups at one.
  
• Only quote the relevant lines from previous posts when replying.
  
• Don't post from your valid email address, use me@privacy.net instead when you set up your news client unless you want your address spammed to high heaven.
  
• Don't post personal information on Usenet.
  

Probably a few I've missed but that lot should just about keep you out of trouble

[#7]

Excellent Thanks Bob

[#8]

If you are really stuck, Google maintain a mixture of web groups aand usenet groups (in web page form).
They also archive most posts (according to them, my first usenet post was back in 1998).
There are no content filters on the unmoderated groups (which are in the vast majority).
Google will let you set up a private Google group to which you can invite your friends...

[#9]

Your signature at the end of your post should be preceded by a line on it's own consisting of two dashes and a single space. It should be before any greeting like Rgds, as well.
E.g.

-- 
jelv

(drag over the above with your mouse to see the space)
When someone replies to your post all decent news clients will strip the signature automatically.