What is a “binary” newsgroup?
A binary newsgroup is the only type of newsgroup where it is appropriate to share files. Such as image files, mp3s, movies, and software. These newsgroups normally have the word “binary” or “binaries” in the name of the group. example: alt.binaries.jazz.mp3. Our newsgroup, alt.support.diabetes is a NON binary newsgroup. It is also inappropriate to post using RTF (rich text format), HTML (hyper text markup language), html signatures or v-cards. The reasons for this are, 1. ISPs are trying to save space on their servers and do not want to include many of the binary newsgroups on the net, so they will delete any posts that contain RTF, HTML or binary attachments. This means some people won’t ever see your original post. 2. Some of the news reader software out there is not capable of handling these items and will often lock up or crash. 3. It is established UseNet etiquette that has been in place long before ASD was created. In some newsgroups people often start long flame wars over this i
