Mini FAQ
foxy
Welcome to free.uk.*, the friendly alternative UK newsgroups.
Here you will find a whole collection of different communities, as
well as controversial, interesting and specialised information and
discussion groups. Enjoy your stay, and do please make yourself at
home somewhere within.
This FAQ is intended for posting within the free.uk sub-hierarchy in
order to answer some of the issues raised by users of the groups.
For more details please refer to http://www.bigwig.net/free.uk.usenet
01 Why aren't there more posts in this group.
It may well be a new group and not many people have joined yet, please
stay subscribed so that you can greet other new people when they arrive.
02 Why are more free.uk groups available on some ISPs than others.
Most ISPs will add free.uk groups when their customers request them.
A list of some ISPs and which free.uk groups they carry is available
at http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/rob/freefaq/fgroups.htm
Please contact your ISP and ask them to add the ones which you want
but they don't carry yet.
03 Where is the charter/FAQ for this group.
free.uk groups don't have charters, the topic is defined by the name
of the group. There are no explicit rules, just social conventions.
Some people find this disconcerting but don't worry, you'll soon get
used to that - the point is that it works, and with very little
conflict.
04 How many free.uk newsgroups are there.
The full list of free.uk groups is accessible from
http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/rob/freefaq/fukgrps.txt
Here is a short list of new or less well known groups which are being
featured this month:
free.uk.tv.castaway - New series coming soon, discuss it here.
free.uk.secrets.internet - Find hidden crannies of the internet.
free.uk.tv.soaps - For your favourite soap gossip.
free.uk.rollercoasters - The theme parks have finally re-opened
free.uk.tv.tweenies - New group about those colourful creatures.
05 Is it true, anyone can create a free.uk group.
Yes, you can do it yourself following the instructions at
http://www.bigwig.net/free.uk.usenet ( Not possible for Outlook
Express users at present ). Please try to name your group so that
it fits in with existing free.uk names where possible; for example
if you are creating a group about a TV programme, then the best place
for your group would be free.uk.tv.<something>. Or you can just write
in to usen...@bigfoot.com with your idea and they will probably create
it for you. For Scottish groups post your ideas to
free.uk.scotland.request-a-newsgroup
06 Can I help run or take over an existing group which doesn't seem to
be used much.
Yes, nobody actually runs or controls any group but if you put some
effort into building the community you may command a certain level of
respect from the regular posters which you attract there. Here are some
hints on how to build up your topic or community:
+ Publicise the group wherever people might be interested, both on and
off the net.
+ Be friendly or at least civil to each other. A little compassion goes
a long way.
+ Welcome any new posters that turn up and encourage any lurkers to
post.
+ If at all practical, discuss the possibility of arranging a real
meeting, perhaps in a pub or at a location relevant to the topic.
If you can pull that one off then the future success of your group is
virtually guaranteed.
07 How can I help to promote and propagate my group and the free.uk
hierarchy.
Join the mailing list for free.uk users by sending an email to
free-dot-uk-pro...@egroups.com or by visiting the URL
http://www.egroups.com/group/free-dot-uk-promotion
Then you can exchange tips and information with other free.uk promoters,