Internet Services

Internet Services: Discussion Groups

The Internet is not just the world wide web, it also includes:

discussion groups: newsgroups, bulletin boards and mailing lists

Archie Gopher Telnet file transfer protocol (ftp)

Bulletin boards services (BBS) similar to computerised notice boards for

public and private messages to be left, e.g. special interest groups computer companies providing technical support professional associations to promote discussion

between members Some ISPs offers access to bulletin board

services as part of their package to members. e.g. CompuServe

Newsgroups Electronic discussion groups available

via the Internet. Many ISPs provide access to a

selection of newsgroups. Usually a list of newsgroup titles are

made available the content of the newsgroup is only

downloaded on request of the user.

UseNet Newsgroups are provided by a service

called UseNet (users network UseNet groups

UseNet hosts over 30,000 groups. ISPs can choose the newsgroups it offers

by or subscribe to the groups with UseNet. As a member of the ISP you can

automatically be a member of any newsgroup that your ISP offers.

UseNet is an independent network of networks, and is older than the world wide web.

Newsgroups have their own hierarchical naming system: top-level group name.mainsub-group.sub-group

alt biz misc

Moderated Newsgroups Someone is “in charge” of the group, i.e.

they read incoming messages, decide which ones to post, keep the discussion focused on the topic of

the newsgroups.

Threads Messages are often displayed in a series of

threads. Each thread will start with a message on a new

topic. Any message posted as a reply will be kept with

the original message to form a new thread. A single forum or conference typically contains

many threads covering different subjects. You can start a new thread by posting a message

that is not a reply to an earlier message.

Mailing Lists Similar to discussion groups. Difference is that instead of checking

into to UseNet to read any new messages, the message come to you direct via your e-mail account.

Discussion groups can be used for niche markets by business

and companies to specialist interest groups or fan clubs.

Easy way for a company to make contact with potential customers.

Can be used by a company or business to build up a company profile or name by providing advice or answering questions.

Discussion groupsAre ideal to enable: exchange of ideas between employees customers and potential to discuss issues

related to your products companies to become a resource through

their contributions companies to do market research by following

issues and interests discussed in the groups

Starting a discussion group: Before setting up their own discussion

group, a company must decide if the group is to be:

Read-only, i.e. just messages or postings by the company

Discussion group – group members and company can post messages

Discussion groupsCan be: Local i.e. only hosted on one server Global – hosted on all news servers, a time

consuming process Global – hosted on .alt or .biz servers, a

quicker approach but subject of the discussion group should not overlap with any of the 7 main subject areas (e.g. .sci, .news)

Moderated – staff time involoved