I'm of an opposite mind with regard to web based message boards. I
can't stand them (especially reddit; what a horribly designed site). I
was keeping up on the Facebook groups for a while until a few years ago
when Facebook changed their site and made it even harder for me to find
unread posts or replies.
I would probably be okay with web based message boards if they could
write them to work like earlier systems like usenet and BBS boards.
Having unread messages clearly marked and easily accessed. "Offline"
reading would also be wonderful. Being able to grab all new messages at
once and read and reply at my leisure and then upload the replies either
immediately or in a bunch at once.
Unfortunately a lot of the web based message boards include banner ads
so they want people on their sites for as long as possible and loading
page after page. These sites have no motivation to make it easier for
the users.
I could read the messages here using my real or emulated IIgs but I've
been using Thunderbird for a very long time so I just use it with
Eternal September for reading messages here whenever I check my e-mail.
Oh, and just a note, there are five Apple II newsgroups (at least on
Eternal September): comp.emulators.apple2, comp.sys.apple2,
comp.sys.apple2.marketplace, comp.sys.apple2.programmer and
comp.sys.apple2.usergroups.