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Usenet

Usenet

4 8.6
A worldwide system for sharing messages and files online that came before web forums
  • proper noun
  • /ˈjuːzˌnɛt/
  • Archaic
translation icon : Usenet
  • Since Usenet discussion groups are unmoderated, their language resembles oral conversations even more than that of emails.
  • Usenet newsgroup
  • Usenet group

Examples

  • Although there are several Usenet groups discussing philosophy-related issues, this form of communication does not enjoy high popularity among humanists.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Tin or another newsreader program is available at all sites that offer access to Usenet groups.

    Academic text (1995)
  • A second type of discussion group available over the Internet is a Usenet newsgroup.

    Academic text (1995)
  • There exists on Usenet an entire series of discussion groups devoted to specific cultures.

    Academic text (1994)
  • On Usenet, the newsgroup called news.newusers.questions is the best online resource for learning your way around.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Unlike a listserv, there is no need to subscribe to a Usenet Newsgroup.

    Academic text (1995)
  • As another example, I recently located written transcriptions of Indian ragas on the Usenet newsgroup rec.music.indian.classical.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Another vigorous newsgroup is k12.chat.teacher on Usenet, where participants discuss everything from conflict resolution to job openings.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Many users turn to Usenet to participate in discussions on a variety of topics.

  • A Usenet newsgroup can be a great source of information and community support for tech enthusiasts.

Surface Forms

Usenet main

Morphology

Usenet = user + net (semi-transparent) = user + net

The elements 'user' and 'net' transparently indicate a network involving users, but the term is a coined proper name for a specific historic distributed messaging system, making the meaning technical and somewhat specialized.

Etymology

Usenet comes from the words user and net, with net meaning 'network' of computers and people. So, Usenet refers to the global system people used to share messages and files before modern forums.