What is the "BIG-8" heirarchy?
BIG-8 hierarchies are the 8 traditional top hierarchies of the Usenet.
Hierarchy
Description
* Comp.
Computer groups about topics like Operating Systems, software, hardware, etc.
* Humanities.
Literature, art or humanities.
* Misc.
Miscellaneous topics, that don't fit into any other BIG-8 hierarchy.
* News.
Discussions about the Usenet itself and administration groups.
* Rec.
Recreation groups about topics like hobbies, games, music, sport, etc.
* Sci.
Science topics like researches, latest news and inventions.
* Soc.
Groups about society topics, social issues, cultural debates, etc.
* Talk.
Discussion about current events, news and debates.
The BIG-8 hierarchies contain most of the articles in the Usenet world. Many of the groups in these heirarchies are moderated. Only the hierarchy moderator is allowed to create new groups or remove existing groups. If you would like to create a new BIG-8 group, you have to propose it on news.groups. Submit as many details and information as possible. If there is enough interest in your group, an email based election will take place. If 2/3 of all voters voted for the group and there are at least 100 more YES-votes than NO-votes, the moderator will create the group. All proposed groups who do not meet the voting guidelines are declined.
Usenet Newsgroup Related Questions:
Below you will find answers to many questions we get about Usenet including how news servers work and how to get access to newsgroups.