1reader.com
a free service from Trygve Lode (www.trygve.com)

Welcome to the 1reader project!

Webdate September 3rd, 2000: Ooops. As you've probably noticed, the URL "shortcuts" to the appropriate newsgroup areas have broken and everything's going straight to the 1reader "welcome" page (what you're reading now). A few of the pages are working properly again ( talk.origins, misc.fitness.weights, etc.) at least and I just got off the phone with one of the volunteers working on the page-generation software problem and I'll get fixes up just as soon as a few bugs get worked out. The navigation bars are still working for at least some groups.

For the curious, I did do a short write-up on the hardware and network configuration out here http://www.trygve.com/treenet.html which talks more about the equipment used to provide free internet access and shell accounts, but the 1reader servers are substantially similar to the larger news machine (Irys).

Oh, yeah; one other thing I really do need to put in the frequently asked questions file: "no, I'm not interested in selling the domain names nor did I buy them all up hoping to make big bucks selling them on ebay or anything equally obnoxious." I acquired the names corresponding to the Usenet newsgroups to keep them from being commercialized and to try to lower the spam-and-flashing-banner-ad level of the net.

Paul Newman makes food products and gives the proceeds to charity--I do free internet services, educational programs, and distribute computers to people who might not have them otherwise. Trust me, it's better that way--he's a better cook than I am, whereas I'm more of a techno-geek than he is (or at least he hides it real well).

What is the 1reader project?

The 1reader project is a web-based interface or "wrapper" around newsreaders containing useful, context-based resources intended to aid the writer, researcher, or casual reader of Usenet newsgroups. It is not a commercial venture, but a volunteer-operated and -maintained site dedicated to enhancing the usefulness of Usenet.

You, the astute reader, have probably noticed that it is still in development and the resources and links are still being collected even as you read this. What you're looking at right now is a "proof of concept" version with only a few resources and newsgroups covered. As testing and development continues, there may be some cosmetic changes and, of course, additional functions and coverage of resources and newsgroups.

What kinds of resources will I find here?

First and foremost, web-based resources germane to individual newsgroups. These would include:

  • newsgroup homepages
  • newsgroup archives
  • FAQs and charters
  • resources and guides maintained by group participants
  • related newsgroups and/or pointers to newsgroups where a particular topic might be more relevant. For example:
    - if you don't find what you're looking for in alt.feminism, you could look in soc.feminism
    - questions and/or arguments regarding creationism versus evolution should not be posted to sci.bio.evolution, but are appropriate in talk.origins
  • subject-specific dictionaries, jargon files, glossaries
  • related mailing lists and mailing list archives
  • bio pages and episode guides (movie, tv show, or other fan-oriented group)
  • listings of upcoming events, past records, trivia, and scores (sports groups)
  • pointers to RFDs and other administrivia (admin groups, alt.config, etc.)

In short, references that would be useful for the reader of or contributor to a newsgroup, especially the new or occasional reader looking to find information relevant to specific topics of interest. In general, resources maintained by group participants will be given a higher priority.

What does it cost to use 1reader?

Nothing. The 1reader project is entirely free. There is no setup fee nor any ongoing fees.

Does 1reader accept advertising?

No. The 1reader project is intended to make Usenet easier, faster, and more convenient. There are no banner ads, slow-loading graphics, animations, sounds, pop-up "messages from our sponsor" or anything of the sort. 1reader is supported and operated by volunteers, not by advertising or other commercial interests. Articles, words, and other parts of messages are not linked to company websites, commercial products, or otherwise used for advertising purposes, though some terms and subjects may be linked to online glossaries, news services, search engines, etc., which might provide supplementary information, additional background, or recent updates.

Please note, however, that articles accessed through 1reader are simply drawn from Usenet and are not checked for content, appropriateness, the presence of objectionable or offensive content, or accuracy. All articles represent only their authors' positions and beliefs and are not to be considered representative of 1reader.com or any of the contributors, maintainers, or other volunteers who support it.

Will the 1reader interface track or record my newsreading/posting activities?

Overall statistical data regarding Usenet readership and traffic will be collected, but not the activities of any individual user. These data will be used for the better administration and operation of newsgroups and servers.

When will it be available?

The servers, drive space, and networking equipment to support 1reader are already in place. Pointers to FAQs, homepages, archives, and other basic resources are being collected and organized and should be made available on-line shortly.

1reader is an ongoing effort and will be somewhat sketchy at first. Initial efforts on compiling links and resources are focused most intensely on the sci.* hierarchy, but eventually all newsgroups will be covered, whether scientific, educational, technical, or entertainment-oriented in nature.

-- Trygve Lode, your host