Newsgroup Basics

NEWSGROUP BASICS - Netiquette

Start by reading the articles in news.announce.newusers
Before posting
- Sample the headers and read a dozen or more articles to determine the character of the newsgroup
- Look for a FAQ or a posting on the purpose of the newsgroup
- Practice posting by using one of the test newsgroups such as alt.test
Do not use ALL CAPS, as this is considered rude
Post commercial announcement and lengthy commentaries only in appropriate groups
When posting a request for information, include "REQ:" in heading
When replying to a post, include only one or two lines from the original posting, not the whole article
Post binary attachments only in the newsgroups designated for binaries.
Do NOT post copyrighted material without the written consent of its owner. This includes text, images, sound, and software. It also includes private email you may have received.
If you want to reply to a specific poster, send them an email instead of posting to the newsgroup.
Try to find the answers to your questions by using a search engine on the Web, before you post your question in a newsgroup.
Avoid cross-posting. Post only to the newsgroups where your comments are relevant. Broadcasting to many groups is called SPAM and can have unpleasant consequences.
Review what you have written before you post it. Newsgroups are very public, so consider the effect your words may have.
Do not include your home address or home phone number in your message.

Post only in the biz.* groups or in a group where your advertising is relevant
Keep it short, preferably under 10 lines
Direct the reader to a source of more detailed information such as your web page or an email contact
Create a clear, concise heading
If you want to post an image, post it as a binary in alt.binaries.pictures or in alt.binaries.pictures.misc and then post a short message in the group you are interested in, stating the newsgroup and heading of your binary post
Always include contact information in the body of your posting not in the header. Give a web page, ftp site, postal address, business phone number, or email address.
Follow the group for a week or two to determine the usual roll-off time Then repost when your article is due to roll-off, but not more often