Higgs Boson wrote:

For years I used Forte Agent, but then they dropped access to
NGs unless one paid a (small) fee.

I did for a while, but my NG usage is so very small and limited
that I find it easier just to use Google Groups rather than to
sign up for what you call a "real newsreader".

I pay about $10/year for my newsgroups, but I don't get any binaries.
For 10 bucks a year it's well worth not having to deal with a web based
news reader/server.

And if anyone noticed I'm using Gmail (google mail) I have it set up as
a pop server so I don't use the clunky web based email there either.
I'm curious if they let you set up usenet that way also?


So, this is a serious question: Why do you say that use of
Google is "frowned on" by many?

I never had a problem with others using it, just not me. Trying not to
sound snobby, I do admit it makes the user look like a rookie since real
usenet with a real newsreader is 100 times better, easier, and faster.