Newsgroup

A newsgroup is a repository, usually within the Usenet system, for messages posted from many users at different locations. The term is somewhat confusing, because it is usually a discussion group. Newsgroups are technically distinct from, but functionally similar to, discussion forums on the World Wide Web. Newsreader software is used to read newsgroups.

Hierarchies

Newsgroups are often arranged into hierarchies, theoretically making it simpler to find related groups. The term top-level hierarchy refers to the hierarchy defined by the prefix prior to the first dot.

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The most commonly known hierachies are the usenet hierarchies. So for instance newsgroup rec.arts.sf.starwars.games would be in the rec.* top-level usenet hierarchy, where the asterisk (*) is defined as a wildcard character. There were seven original major hierarchies of usenet newsgroups, known as the "Big 7":

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• comp.*—Discussion of computer-related topics
• news.*—Discussion of Usenet itself
• sci.*—Discussion of scientific subjects
• rec.*—Discussion of recreational activities (e.g. games and hobbies)
• soc.*—Socialising and discussion of social issues.
• talk.*— Discussion of contentious issues such as religion and politics.
• misc.*—Miscellaneous discussion—anything which doesn't fit in the other hierarchies.

These were all created in the Great Renaming of 1986–1987, prior to which all of these newsgroups were in the net.* hierarchy. At that time there was a great controversy over what newsgroups should be allowed. Among those that the usenet cabal (who effectively ran the Big 7 at the time) did not allow were those concerning recipes, drugs, and sex.

Related Topics:
Great Renaming - Usenet cabal - Recipe - Drugs - Sex

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This resulted in the creation of an alt.* (short for "alternative") usenet hierarchy where these groups would be allowed. Over time the laxness of rules on newsgroup creation in alt.* compared to Big 7 meant that many new topics that could, given time, gain enough popularity to get a Big 7 newsgroup had newsgroups instead created in alt.*. This resulted in a rapid growth of alt.* which continues to this day. Due to the anarchic nature with which the groups sprung up, some jokingly referred to ALT standing for "Anarchists, Lunatics and Terrorists".

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In 1995, humanities.* was created for the discussion of the humanities (e.g. literature, philosophy), and the Big 7 became the Big 8.

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The alt.* hierarchy has discussion of all kinds of topics, and many hierarchies for discussion specific to a particular geographical area or in a language other than English.

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Before a new Big 8 newsgroup can be created, it must be discussed in the newsgroup , and it must be voted on (anyone is allowed to vote). The vote will only pass if at least two-thirds of all votes cast are in favour and there are 100 more votes in favour than against. Creating a new group in the alt.* hierarchy is not subject to such strict rules, but it should be discussed in first.

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