-=> Quoting Frank Sexton to Alan Hess <=-
 FS> The number of received messages is supposed to be the same
 FS> (baring technical difficulties).  However, one really big
 FS> drawback of newsgroups (AFAIK) is that every message is
 FS> basically written to "ALL".  Actually, there is no "TO"
 FS> field in a newsgroup message.  The problem with this is
 FS> that you have to make it a point to keep on the lookout for
 FS> any replies, unlike Fido where you get instantly notified
 FS> of replies.  I don't find that Fido replaces newsgroups or
 FS> that newsgroups replace Fido.  I like them both for
 FS> different reasons.
         The whole idea of a newsgroup is that of a discussion
group, where everyone is free to comment on every post.
         The same thing is true of Fido echoes, and my
observation has been that if you only read messages sent
specifically to you, as a reply or otherwise, you may well
be missing some of the most relevant and interesting part
of the discussion, including perhaps information that is
directly about your initial inquiry.
         There is still another option.  On the Internet
there are "lists," to which anyone, or anyone approved by
the list owner, may subscribe.  The only thing needed is
for the prospective list owner to find a server that will
host the list; there is no other requirement for approval,
complicated proposals and voting procedures, etc.
         As a result, there are thousands upon thousands
of lists which address all kinds of subjects, often very
specific as to a single topic.  Are you interested in
Urban Transit?  Are you interested in Freight Cars?  Are
you interested in railroad operations in five Southwestern
States?  There are lists for all these, and myriad others.
         One list to which I subscribe has one message
per week.  At the other extreme, another list has a limit
of 95 messages per day.
         You can find a list for almost any interest.  And
it's my observation that lists are not nearly as likely
to generate flames and ill temper as Usenet newsgroups.
They are generally just about as civil as Fido echoes.
          
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