Usenet, the original social network, remains a decisive force in internet discussion over 40 years after its inception. Here, users can download articles that match their interests, whether golfing or Gulf State politics; a plethora of newsgroups offer articles on nearly any topic imaginable.
This enormous variety can overwhelm new users, so Usenet has developed hierarchies to consolidate information. With the use of a solid Usenet provider, a newsreader client, and an indexer, you can easily access articles about the things that most interest you.
Enjoy Spirited Debate at Talk.*
Talk.* is for those big discussions, such as politics and religion. It’s a great place for those who want to see different viewpoints and engage in respectful but spirited conversations about the most pressing issues. Whether you want to discuss control at Talk.politics.guns or compare the different viewpoints of the world’s religions at Talk.religion.misc, you’ll be exposed to various perspectives that you may not be able to enjoy in real life.
Nerd Out at Comp.*
A favorite of software developers and data scientists, Comp* encompasses nearly every computer science topic imaginable, such as the best computer languages for specific projects and the development of new software systems. For example, Comp.compression.research focuses on articles about the work to compress data, helping computers run faster and perform more intensive calculations in less time.
Indulge In Your Hobbies at Rec.*
Everyone likes to have fun in their downtime, and Rec.* helps you connect with those who share your passion for a variety of topics. For example, you might choose to get tips on great photography over at Rec.photo.digital; if you love everything miniature, check out Rec.crafts.dollhouses to see what other crafters are up to in their tiny abodes.
Read Up-to-Date Usenet Information at News.*
If you’ve fallen in love with Usenet and want to know everything there is to about the system, News.* is the best place for you. Here, you can find updates about the network, helpful guides to find content, and about Usenet updates. The News.announce.newusers section is particularly helpful for those just dipping their toes into Usenet, who want more personalized advice than how-to guides available elsewhere.
Learn More About Literature and Arts at Humanities.*
Here is a great place for those who want to discuss books, art exhibitions, and ancient languages. If you’re a British Literature lover who wants to know more about the Bard, check out Humanities.lit.authors.shakespeare, where you’ll find spirited analyses of his plays. Those who are interested in Classical studies may delve into Humanities.classics to discuss Ancient Greece and Rome, while a Sanskrit scholar can check out Humanities.language.sanskrit for information about ancient Indian literature.
Explore the Mysteries of the Universe at Sci.*
Sci.* is for those curious about physics, engineering, and other science topics. You might choose to download content from Sci.physics if you want to know about the fundamentals of this branch of science, or take a look at Sci.chem for information about reactants and chemical properties.
Discuss Culture at Soc.*
If you’re curious about the world beyond your own borders and want to know more about the many cultures that share our planet, Soc.* and its subgroups are the best place for you. Here, you’ll find dedicated sections on all the world’s cultures, whether that is more diffuse groups like Soc.men, for discussing topics related to masculinity, or Soc.culture.usa, which shares information about American culture.
Soc.* can be an excellent resource if you’re trying to learn a new language, as you can find posts in your target language to assist with immersion. This can also ensure that you understand how the language is actually used in the real world rather than from a book, which may not necessarily match a true conversational style. Nothing could be worse than visiting a country you’ve always dreamed of seeing and then being unable to speak to locals because your stilted speech is hard to understand.
See More of the World at Misc.*
Here, you’ll find things you’d never find anywhere else, niche subjects that don’t truly fit into any other category. This is a great place for those eager explorers who don’t want to read the same things as everyone else; it’s generally one of the most active sections in the newsgroups, mostly because there are so many topics and conversations that can’t be included elsewhere.
One of the most popular areas is Misc.answers, which will allow you to read answers to questions as diverse as “What are the spiritual beliefs of the Asmat people” or “How do I clean a saxophone.” If you have a question, there’s probably someone with an answer!
Usenet is a fascinating system that can be easily accessed through a Usenet provider, giving you insights you can’t find anywhere else. Its robust categorization system enables easy review and download of user-generated content that spans all interests, ensuring you’ll never be bereft of new reading material about your favorite topics.
