why not switch to usenet?

[puckface]

I use both and Usenet is obviously easier to use and has the retention, but Torrents seem to have the advantage is getting stuff quicker. Anyone that is intimidated by newsgroup readers and whatnot, try out Easynews, they have a web interface that rules and is like RS in a way. Anyway, having the combination of both seems to work for me.

[Skiz]

Ever since I tried Usenet I've been pretty hooked on it. I can see how a lot of people can be put off on it though. If they don't understand retention, then they can try to grab something that is out of that retention and the files not work for them. Which I think may have happened in bikenters case. I think if he tries a reputable provider instead of Usenext then he would have a different outlook.

But then as cinephillia mentioned, there are some dedicated trackers that I think are better than Usenet. For him it's KG(and all those rare, older movies). For me it's the lossless trackers. But for games, most movies, tv, I definitely think Usenet is the better way to go.

I agree with your point, but not your wording.

As I summarized in my initial post, Usenet is the best method from which to obtain files which are in circulation, but there are absolutely trackers such as Karagarga which are valuable specialty sites to some and have users which upload content directly to that site and only that site. For that use, yes, Bittorrent absolutely maintains a semi-faithful Usenet audience such as myself. I still maintain accounts at Demonoid, E**** (where I still enjoy uploading), FTN, SCT, Waffles, and What. The later two have such a vast repertoire that even Usenet cannot begin to encompass it. But, they are backups. My first resource is Usenet. 95% of everything I download and/or look to download is available there.

Bittorrent has a loud presence, but Usenet has a huge silent mass of users.

Soulseek is another very undervalued resource.

Using Newzbin (by far the best) with an app like Newsleecher is just like using a torrent site once you have download credit.

How do you find Newzbin to be "by far the best"?

I find it to be complete pish and unecessary.

[piratebot]

Bittorrent has a loud presence, but Usenet has a huge silent mass of users.

It's a bit ironic that you say this. what's the point of being so open about usenet? what is to be proven or gained by spreading the word? can't you guys just leech in peace

yeah, it's been around for a long time, but that doesn't necessarily mean it'll be here forever.

[Quasit]

4) If you want to share, you can upload releases to usenet, upload nzbs to various sites (including FST) or you can spot posts on various forums.

Is it really safe to upload? If the provider doesn't have logs (like Astraweb) are you safe? I don't really know much about Usenet.
Sure I know you don't _have to_ upload but without people uploading stuff there wouldn't be anything to download.

If you aren't tracable by logs or something couldn't Astraweb still be forced to give up my name? If I subscribe with my credit card they have my real name and address.

I read this at Astraweb's site:

We may disclose personal information without your consent under the following circumstances:

If we are required by law or by an order or requirement of a court, administrative agency, or other government entity, or by court rules concerning the production of records;
If we have reasonable grounds to believe that the information relates to breach of an agreement or violation of the law that has been, is being, or is about to be committed;
If it is necessary for the establishment or collection of funds owed to us;
If it is necessary to enforce or apply our Terms of Use and other agreements, to pursue remedies, or to limit damages to Astraweb;
For other reasons allowed or required by law.

[sez]

I would be tempted,but just not enough to actually part with as much as $11 for stuff that is freely available from RS and yes XDCCs.
another thing,its not actually us BT users who are being faced with these lawsuits.Its site owners who unfortunately didn't have anonymity in mind while setting up.Also if you look at RIAAs fail rate at convicting BT users u would yourself be very much convinced that its not all as bad as it seems.most successful convictions have been on kazaa users..
I kinda believe that you guys on usenet are piracy ex-cons with restraining orders not to use bittorrent ever again otherwise risk jail time.

[tywyn]

How do you find Newzbin to be "by far the best"?

I find it to be complete pish and unecessary.

Why is indexing files in a well run and organised site pish and unecessary? There's a hell of a lot of people who'd disagree with you on that. I know that he site is highly structured, organised and well run as I used to edit for them at one point.

So your telling me that a raw search for something that is nine months old is easier than using an indexing site? I've yet to see a better Usenet indexing site on the net in the years that I've been using the service. Any comments are grouped together so if there is a problem with the image then often you'll know before downloading, also it's very possible that somethimg that was posted would be missed on a raw search, but picked up in Newzbin.

Pish and unecessary? I don't think so!

[mikeHD]

Re: specialty trackers: I'm sure you guys are right. I don't really have diverse tastes. I can't watch xvids due to the quality and I never liked artsy movies. I don't listen to music except in the car listening to my local classical and jazz stations (both public radio stations btw) so the only music I get is for the wife, who likes dancy poppy music that I get on iTunes or Usenet.

But when I've looked, Usenet does seem to have a solid base in classic rock, classical, jazz, blues, etc. perhaps due to the older userbase. It is probably harder to find than on what and if you're already spoiled by the ease of using Pedros/E****, then I understand why you wouldn't want to give them up.

Re: Uploading to usenet

Nothing is entirely safe, and the less they log, the better. Most heavy uploaders of the big scene releases use servers and post under generic names like "Yenc Power Post" using separate accounts just for posting. Just like most torrent uploaders will remain untouched, most Usenet folks will as well.

Re: Newzbin
I think Skizo and many others are just capable without using an index service, or at least one they'd have to pay for, so they don't do it.

All in all, I just find being a leech easier. I've grabbed over 500GB in the past 2 weeks, partly refilling a hard drive of 720p films I had to reformat, which would have been a real difficulty using torrents (taking longer to download, taking much longer overall due to seeding back, keeping them on the hard drive, etc.).

[tywyn]

Re: Newzbin
I think Skizo and many others are just capable without using an index service, or at least one they'd have to pay for, so they don't do it.

I'm quite capable of not using Newzbin myslef, but it's much easier using an indexer. Most folks just want to do a quick search, get the NZB and away to go. There's no need to make it unnecessarily difficult especially for Usenet beginners (which I'm not)

Part of the reason some people don't use Usenet is because they think it's complex and they don't know how to use it.

1. Astraweb or similar
2. Newsleecher (with quickpar intergrated) or similar
3. Newzbin, Binnews or similar

Then you're ready to go, it couldn't be easier really.

Yenc is just a tool for uploading and posting binary files to Usenet.

If anyone needs help in setting up PM me.

[cinephilia]

Soulseek is another very undervalued resource.

i second that.

[RadiancE]

I have tried usenet while ago, it havent make such a good impression to me. I am willing to give it another shot, but the method of getting the files from usenet and the way it is presented, I just couldnt find a reason why use usenet over p2p sources at the time. There is an advantage, that you dont have to keep ratio and the speeds are generally fast, but usually advanced BT users hardly have to worry about those. Same thing about content variety (when it comes to my needs and stealing taste ), altho I'm sure there are some exceptions.