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Guide 3. What can I do on the Internet?

Review: discussion lists versus newsgroups (screen 16 of 20)

Let's think back now to newsgroups(1). We can see now that newsgroups and discussion lists are different in mode of operation, software required and the netiquette involved in setting them up.

This diversity is something you can take advantage of. You can choose the most appropriate medium for your purpose, and mix and match as required.

Starting a newsgroup is a little more difficult than starting a discussion list.

  • You must make certain that such a newsgroup does not already exist.
  • You need to announce your intentions of starting a newsgroup on the Internet, and get support from the Internet community for your newsgroup.
  • A voting system determines whether there is sufficient support for your newsgroup.

There are Gwebsites(2)that help you through the process of establishing a newsgroup, so you should not be daunted by the formality of the process.

And with either newsgroups or discussion lists you need to ensure you have the time and resources to manage them so they provide the best outcome for your organisation.

Ask yourself this...

  • Should I have a newsgroup or a discussion list?
  • Should I have a distribution list?
  • What would they do for my organisation?
  • What services could I provide using them?
  • What obstacles are there to creating a newsgroup or discussion list?
  • Why would my audience/clients want to use/join my newsgroup or discussion list?
  • What do I want from these technologies?

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References

  1. Guide 3 screen 12 http://culture.gov.au/resources/guides/g3/s12.htm
  2. Usenet Info Center Launch Pad http://sunsite.unc.edu/usenet-b/home.html
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