Usenet newsgroups are similar to listservs and mailing lists, in that it is a many-to-many discussion based on a specific topic. It can be used to ask questions of an entire group, or initiate discussion. Occasionally, representatives from the companies making products concerning video and the like will post announcements or answer questions.
The difference is that it requires a newsreader (Web browsers frequently have them built-in) and access to a news host with your service provider. By contrast, mailing lists merely require an email account.
The exposure can be much broader on Usenet, because mailing lists have a specifically defined set of subscribers, whereas anyone can drop in and browse a newsgroup. This means that you can access a more divers audience. Of course, this also means that the potential for "spamming" is much higher on Usenet -- it's much easier to post irrelevant advertisements to a newsgroup than to a list.
Finally, you have more of a choice to drop in and visit a newsgroup at your leisure, instead of being force-fed a daily digest or batch of emails.
Many of the concepts detailed in our summary about mailing lists still apply, including posting guidelines and definition of terms.
The following list of newgroups are the most relevant of the thousands of newsgroups that are available. Read a few days' worth of posts from each before posting, or even subscribing. (But ignore anything that says "Make Money Fast" or "Investment Opportunities".)
rec.video.desktop
This is probably the best newsgroup for VideoVision users. All issues concerning digital video on desktop computers are discussed.
rec.video.production
This newsgroup is more concerned with the issues concerning all aspects of video production from shooting to post. Accessories, lighting, studio gear, cameras, location shooting etc. are the primary concerns, along with nonlinear editing and equipment and services wanted and for sale.
rec.video.professional
Avoid posting here unless it really concerns those who produce videos in professional environments -- this is definitely not a newbie-friendly environment. Of primary concern here appears to be equipment and how it fares in a professional environment, as well as other more businessy discussions about dealing with clients and invoicing, etc..
comp.sys.mac.hardware.video
This is the most Mac-specific of the bunch, and much time is spent comparing video hardware and discussing the relative advantages and limitations.
comp.sys.mac.hardware.storage
This is a pretty good newsgroup for discussing the storage issues that are so integral to video performance. It's not strictly video and arrays, but it is nonetheless a useful forum.
comp.multimedia
This newsgroup discusses all kinds of issues relating to multimedia; software, delivery, new media such as DVD, techniques, etc.
news:ucb.digital-video
This centers around digital video issues specific to UC Berkeley. Very low traffic.
sci.engr.television.broadcast
This newsgroup is for the real hardcore analog video people. Very low traffic, serious propellerhead content.
Please email us with any corrections, updates or candidates for inclusion.