For Verizon users: buh-bye to alt. groups

Verizon has decided to limit its newsgroup offerings as of June 24th. Only
the "Big 8" of which alt. isn't one of them will be permitted. Makes me glad
now I decided to use an alternative (speaking of alt). Here's what was
posted on the Verizon newsgroup announcement board (for anybody else who
uses Verizon to get here):
=========================================
IMPORTANT: CHANGE IN VERIZON NEWSGROUP SERVICE

On 06/24/2008, Verizon will be modifying its Newsgroup offerings to
only offer groups in the Big-8 Newsgroup hierarchies, which are listed
below. Users will not be able to post or download from any other
newsgroups.

comp.*
humanities.*
misc.*
news.*
rec.*
sci.*
soc.*
talk.*

More information on the Big 8 hierarchies is available at
www.big-8.org.

The 0.verizon.* newsgroup hierarchy will also continue to be
available.

In preparation for this change, you will need to modify your news
client(s) and unsubscribe from all newsgroups other than the
newsgroups listed above. Failure to do so may interfere with the
functioning of the Verizon network or use of the network by other
Verizon users which is a violation of our Acceptable Use Policy.



INFORMATION ABOUT CHANGES TO YOUR NEWSGROUP SERVICE


When will Verizon change its News service to carry only the Big 8?

The change will be effective on June 24, 2008. After June 24th,
Verizon's Newsgroup service will carry only the Big 8 news hierarchies
and the 0.verizon.* hierarchy.

If I continue to use the Verizon News service, are any changes to my
software required?

There are no changes required to your software, but you will need to
unsubscribe from all Newsgroups other than the Big 8 hierarchies and
the 0.verizon.* hierarchy noted above. The following link explains
how to subscribe and unsubscribe in Outlook Express:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/171190

Users that continue to subscribe to unsupported newsgroups may
experience poor computer performance and slow throughput speeds over a
period of time. Failure to unsubscribe may also interfere with the
functioning of the Verizon network or use of the network by other
Verizon users which is a violation of our Acceptable Use Policy.
]

If I want to access Newsgroups different from the ones you carry, what
are my options?

There are several commercial news providers that you can consider.
You may want to check out some options at
http://www.usenettools.net/ISP.htm. The content available, posting
policies, terms and prices will vary, so you should select the one
that is right for you. If you elect to access a non-Verizon newsgroup
over the Verizon Network, our terms of service and acceptable use
policy will still apply to your use of our Service.

Will this change to the newsgroup service affect my Internet service?

No. This change will NOT affect your ability to use the Internet or
other commercial newsgroup services. The change only affects the
number of newsgroups accessible through Verizon's newsgroup service.

Nell <nellybly99@nowhere.com> wrote:
> Verizon has decided to limit its newsgroup offerings as of June 24th. Only
> the "Big 8" of which alt. isn't one of them will be permitted.

Yup. Here's why:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-99...?tag=nefd.lede
N.Y. attorney general forces ISPs to curb Usenet access

Posted by Declan McCullagh

[Update 6/12 11:40 a.m. Verizon has offered more details on what
newsgroups will be removed. And here's background on whether or not
Usenet is being blocked.]

What Cuomo didn't say is that his agreement with broadband providers
means that they will broadly curb customers' access to Usenet--the
venerable pre-Web home of some 100,000 discussion groups, only a
handful of which contain illegal material.

Time Warner Cable said it will cease to offer customers access to any
Usenet newsgroups, a decision that will affect customers nationwide.
Sprint said it would no longer offer any of the tens of thousands of
alt.* Usenet newsgroups. Verizon's plan is to eliminate some "fairly
broad newsgroup areas."

"cycjec" <cycjec@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:lkr4k.5673$lU5.662@newsread1.mlpsca01.us.to.v erio.net...
>
> Nell <nellybly99@nowhere.com> wrote:
>> Verizon has decided to limit its newsgroup offerings as of June 24th.
>> Only
>> the "Big 8" of which alt. isn't one of them will be permitted.
>
> Yup. Here's why:
>
> http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-99...?tag=nefd.lede
> N.Y. attorney general forces ISPs to curb Usenet access
>
> Posted by Declan McCullagh
>
> [Update 6/12 11:40 a.m. Verizon has offered more details on what
> newsgroups will be removed. And here's background on whether or not
> Usenet is being blocked.]
>
> What Cuomo didn't say is that his agreement with broadband providers
> means that they will broadly curb customers' access to Usenet--the
> venerable pre-Web home of some 100,000 discussion groups, only a
> handful of which contain illegal material.
>
> Time Warner Cable said it will cease to offer customers access to any
> Usenet newsgroups, a decision that will affect customers nationwide.
> Sprint said it would no longer offer any of the tens of thousands of
> alt.* Usenet newsgroups. Verizon's plan is to eliminate some "fairly
> broad newsgroup areas."
>

It is about money. It is about control and soon it will be about taxes. It
used to be a free internet. So it goes in our world today and tomorrow.

Harv

For about $1 a month, you can sign up to the German newsgroup and read
any group you want. And they eliminate all the spam (which alone is
worth $1 a month

Carole

can someone explain this article in simple english please? how does
this affect us? my cable company is time warner and i use google to
access ASA.

diane, confused

Diane wrote:

> can someone explain this article in simple english please? how does
> this affect us? my cable company is time warner and i use google to
> access ASA.
>
> diane, confused

If you use google, you'll be fine, Diane. It's just people who access
the groups through their ISP that will have a problem since they will no
longer be carrying them.

Carole

I guess I'll have to use Google all the time now. Kind of like killing the
dog, because he has an ingrown toenail. It's nice that the powers that make
these decisions don't have to use these newsgroups for moral support when
they are in pain that just won't go away.

--
Navy
Take out the FISH to email me.
"Nell" <nellybly99@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:g2subi$vq6$1@registered.motzarella.org...
> Verizon has decided to limit its newsgroup offerings as of June 24th. Only
> the "Big 8" of which alt. isn't one of them will be permitted. Makes me
> glad now I decided to use an alternative (speaking of alt). Here's what
> was posted on the Verizon newsgroup announcement board (for anybody else
> who uses Verizon to get here):
> =========================================
> IMPORTANT: CHANGE IN VERIZON NEWSGROUP SERVICE
>
> On 06/24/2008, Verizon will be modifying its Newsgroup offerings to
> only offer groups in the Big-8 Newsgroup hierarchies, which are listed
> below. Users will not be able to post or download from any other
> newsgroups.
>
> comp.*
> humanities.*
> misc.*
> news.*
> rec.*
> sci.*
> soc.*
> talk.*
>
> More information on the Big 8 hierarchies is available at
> www.big-8.org.
>
> The 0.verizon.* newsgroup hierarchy will also continue to be
> available.
>
> In preparation for this change, you will need to modify your news
> client(s) and unsubscribe from all newsgroups other than the
> newsgroups listed above. Failure to do so may interfere with the
> functioning of the Verizon network or use of the network by other
> Verizon users which is a violation of our Acceptable Use Policy.
>
>
>
> INFORMATION ABOUT CHANGES TO YOUR NEWSGROUP SERVICE
>
>
> When will Verizon change its News service to carry only the Big 8?
>
> The change will be effective on June 24, 2008. After June 24th,
> Verizon's Newsgroup service will carry only the Big 8 news hierarchies
> and the 0.verizon.* hierarchy.
>
> If I continue to use the Verizon News service, are any changes to my
> software required?
>
> There are no changes required to your software, but you will need to
> unsubscribe from all Newsgroups other than the Big 8 hierarchies and
> the 0.verizon.* hierarchy noted above. The following link explains
> how to subscribe and unsubscribe in Outlook Express:
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/171190
>
> Users that continue to subscribe to unsupported newsgroups may
> experience poor computer performance and slow throughput speeds over a
> period of time. Failure to unsubscribe may also interfere with the
> functioning of the Verizon network or use of the network by other
> Verizon users which is a violation of our Acceptable Use Policy.
> ]
>
> If I want to access Newsgroups different from the ones you carry, what
> are my options?
>
> There are several commercial news providers that you can consider.
> You may want to check out some options at
> http://www.usenettools.net/ISP.htm. The content available, posting
> policies, terms and prices will vary, so you should select the one
> that is right for you. If you elect to access a non-Verizon newsgroup
> over the Verizon Network, our terms of service and acceptable use
> policy will still apply to your use of our Service.
>
> Will this change to the newsgroup service affect my Internet service?
>
> No. This change will NOT affect your ability to use the Internet or
> other commercial newsgroup services. The change only affects the
> number of newsgroups accessible through Verizon's newsgroup service.
>
>
>

How true, how very true. Nanny
"Navy" <medical23SkidooFISH@sc.rr.com> wrote in message
news:4852dc50$0$7035$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>I guess I'll have to use Google all the time now. Kind of like killing the
>dog, because he has an ingrown toenail. It's nice that the powers that
>make these decisions don't have to use these newsgroups for moral support
>when they are in pain that just won't go away.
>
> --
> Navy
> Take out the FISH to email me.
> "Nell" <nellybly99@nowhere.com> wrote in message
> news:g2subi$vq6$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>> Verizon has decided to limit its newsgroup offerings as of June 24th.
>> Only the "Big 8" of which alt. isn't one of them will be permitted. Makes
>> me glad now I decided to use an alternative (speaking of alt). Here's
>> what was posted on the Verizon newsgroup announcement board (for anybody
>> else who uses Verizon to get here):
>> =========================================
>> IMPORTANT: CHANGE IN VERIZON NEWSGROUP SERVICE
>>
>> On 06/24/2008, Verizon will be modifying its Newsgroup offerings to
>> only offer groups in the Big-8 Newsgroup hierarchies, which are listed
>> below. Users will not be able to post or download from any other
>> newsgroups.
>>
>> comp.*
>> humanities.*
>> misc.*
>> news.*
>> rec.*
>> sci.*
>> soc.*
>> talk.*
>>
>> More information on the Big 8 hierarchies is available at
>> www.big-8.org.
>>
>> The 0.verizon.* newsgroup hierarchy will also continue to be
>> available.
>>
>> In preparation for this change, you will need to modify your news
>> client(s) and unsubscribe from all newsgroups other than the
>> newsgroups listed above. Failure to do so may interfere with the
>> functioning of the Verizon network or use of the network by other
>> Verizon users which is a violation of our Acceptable Use Policy.
>>
>>
>>
>> INFORMATION ABOUT CHANGES TO YOUR NEWSGROUP SERVICE
>>
>>
>> When will Verizon change its News service to carry only the Big 8?
>>
>> The change will be effective on June 24, 2008. After June 24th,
>> Verizon's Newsgroup service will carry only the Big 8 news hierarchies
>> and the 0.verizon.* hierarchy.
>>
>> If I continue to use the Verizon News service, are any changes to my
>> software required?
>>
>> There are no changes required to your software, but you will need to
>> unsubscribe from all Newsgroups other than the Big 8 hierarchies and
>> the 0.verizon.* hierarchy noted above. The following link explains
>> how to subscribe and unsubscribe in Outlook Express:
>>
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/171190
>>
>> Users that continue to subscribe to unsupported newsgroups may
>> experience poor computer performance and slow throughput speeds over a
>> period of time. Failure to unsubscribe may also interfere with the
>> functioning of the Verizon network or use of the network by other
>> Verizon users which is a violation of our Acceptable Use Policy.
>> ]
>>
>> If I want to access Newsgroups different from the ones you carry, what
>> are my options?
>>
>> There are several commercial news providers that you can consider.
>> You may want to check out some options at
>> http://www.usenettools.net/ISP.htm. The content available, posting
>> policies, terms and prices will vary, so you should select the one
>> that is right for you. If you elect to access a non-Verizon newsgroup
>> over the Verizon Network, our terms of service and acceptable use
>> policy will still apply to your use of our Service.
>>
>> Will this change to the newsgroup service affect my Internet service?
>>
>> No. This change will NOT affect your ability to use the Internet or
>> other commercial newsgroup services. The change only affects the
>> number of newsgroups accessible through Verizon's newsgroup service.
>>
>>
>>
>
>

On Fri, 13 Jun 2008 5:44:49 -0400, cycjec wrote
(in message <lkr4k.5673$lU5.662@newsread1.mlpsca01.us.to.verio .net>):

>
> Nell <nellybly99@nowhere.com> wrote:
>> Verizon has decided to limit its newsgroup offerings as of June 24th. Only
>> the "Big 8" of which alt. isn't one of them will be permitted.
>
> Yup. Here's why:
>
> http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-99...?tag=nefd.lede
> N.Y. attorney general forces ISPs to curb Usenet access

I think if I used one of those ISPs, I'd be working to flood the governor's
office with emails and letters protesting this type of grandstanding on child
porn issues. If the child porn groups amounted to even 1% of Usenet or if
this action would truly reduce the child porn on the internet, it would be
worth it. But forcing something that hurts millions of consumers just so you
can say you did *something* to tackle the problem is ridiculous. I'd be
complaining. I may complain anyway, if my hand will cooperate long enough to
do so.

--
Nann
remove the Gator cheer to email me
Change everything. Love & forgive.

Nann Bell wrote:
> On Fri, 13 Jun 2008 5:44:49 -0400, cycjec wrote
> (in message <lkr4k.5673$lU5.662@newsread1.mlpsca01.us.to.verio .net>):
>
>> Nell <nellybly99@nowhere.com> wrote:
>>> Verizon has decided to limit its newsgroup offerings as of June 24th. Only
>>> the "Big 8" of which alt. isn't one of them will be permitted.
>> Yup. Here's why:
>>
>> http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-99...?tag=nefd.lede
>> N.Y. attorney general forces ISPs to curb Usenet access
>
> I think if I used one of those ISPs, I'd be working to flood the governor's
> office with emails and letters protesting this type of grandstanding on child
> porn issues. If the child porn groups amounted to even 1% of Usenet or if
> this action would truly reduce the child porn on the internet, it would be
> worth it. But forcing something that hurts millions of consumers just so you
> can say you did *something* to tackle the problem is ridiculous. I'd be
> complaining. I may complain anyway, if my hand will cooperate long enough to
> do so.
>
There are several long threads in the Verizon newsgroup with complaint
addresses and contact pages.

I made a complaint to Verizon and a sweet lady called me back from them
and though she didn't know what newsgroups were much less what alt* was,
she asked intelligent questions and I explained to the best of my
ability about what Usenet is and why we're complaining.

She said she present the problem for consideration and gave me her name
and a call back number.

Even if nothing comes of it, it felt good to talk to an American rep
with a good command of English.

Nell

I don't know what Verizon can do though, as they've agreed to this deal with
the NY attorney general to remove the alt newsgroups. that's why i'd think
the governor's office is the place to complain. If a huge ruckus is made,
indicating that people aren't buying into the political belief that removing
newsgroups will make people feel better about child porn on the internet,
then there's of (slight) hope of the agreement being rescinded.

The reality is that the law really needs to catch up to the internet world.
I don't know what can be done about overseas sites that can be accessed
hough. I wish they'd put this energy towards coming up with more realistic
approaches to the problem.

--
Nann
remove the Gator cheer to email me
Change everything. Love & forgive.



On Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:00:22 -0400, Nell wrote
(in message <g3bt19$5fe$1@aioe.org>):

> There are several long threads in the Verizon newsgroup with complaint
> addresses and contact pages.
>
> I made a complaint to Verizon and a sweet lady called me back from them
> and though she didn't know what newsgroups were much less what alt* was,
> she asked intelligent questions and I explained to the best of my
> ability about what Usenet is and why we're complaining.
>
> She said she present the problem for consideration and gave me her name
> and a call back number.
>
> Even if nothing comes of it, it felt good to talk to an American rep
> with a good command of English.
>
> Nell