Could someone define some of the terms that have been used relative to a
        possible new bee list? What is meant by list, rec, sci, etc? What are the
        implications of the different formats. Would we access each the same way,
        etc.
        Thanks, Dick Bonney
 
 
There are two major division issues here, which seem not to be clear to
many on this list.  A list comes to you via email.  (A list may also have
its contents posted to a Usenet news group, but this is a secondary
application.)  The Bee-L is a LIST.  What is being proposed is a NEWSGROUP.
 
A newsgroup is not automatically sent to you.  It resides on Usenet News, and
is accessed by means of a news reader of some sort (popular kinds include rs,
rn, nn, etc.)  This allows you to view specified groups on Usenet News and
check lists of available articles, who posted them, etc.  You may pick and
chose among articles, selecting only those which interest you, or particular
authors, etc.
 
In the heirarchy of Usenet News, there are general categories, which begin
the name of the group.  Names of groups are determined by the Usenet
administrators, and must fit certain criteria.  You may suggest names and
which heirarchy you would like for your proposed group.  rec.--- is a
"recreation" (think "hobby") group.  sci. is a science group.  Proposed
groups may be moderated (all articles approved by a central moderator(s)) or
unmoderated.  This is the "mainstream" net.  There is also the alt. net,
where groups are created without the active participation of the
administrators, and need not meet rigid criteria for readership, naming, etc.
The caveat with the alt. net is that many sites regard it as frivilous, and
do not carry groups in this heirarchy.  This is not necessarily a reflection
on the groups, as the same alt. heirarchy carries such diverse groups as
alt.sex, alt.sewing (very mainstream), alt.folklore.(urban,military, college,
etc.) (which are monitored by serious folklore students/teachers), etc.
The problem with the alt. net is also that groups persist, as mentioned.
There was great opposition when alt.aquaria was moved to rec. and many
people continued to read and post to the group for years after the "move."
Most "serious" (main Usenet News) groups are carried by all sites, but some
site administrators, particularily at large and conservative companies, do
not carry rec. groups, for the same reason alt. groups are not carried---it
is not "work" related.  It depends on the philosophy of the administrator
and or/site.
 
This is your quick guide to lists, newsgroups, terms, etc.  I hope this
helps.
 
-Jane B.