How to Post to a Moderated Newsgroup

A moderated newsgroup is monitored in order to keep the discussion appropriate and on topic. Posting messages to a moderated newsgroup is similar to posting messages to a normal newsgroup, except that your message must be approved by the moderator before it is posted.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access

1. Access the newsgroup of your choice. Many e-mail programs offer news-reading capabilities, as do some browsers.

2. Familiarize yourself with the moderated newsgroup's FAQ (frequently asked questions) and learn what sorts of topics are appropriate for discussion. Find the moderator's e-mail address so you know who to address your post to.

3. Find and click on a link or button marked New Message to post a new message and start a new thread (discussion topic).

4. Find and click on a link or button marked Reply to post a message in response to an existing message.

5. Type a clear, concise and specific subject in the subject heading.

6. Address the message to the newsgroup's moderator, not to the newsgroup itself. (If you send a message to the group, the message will probably be sent back to you.)

7. Type your message into the body of the post, making sure your message is relevant to the newsgroup.

8. Find and click on a link or button marked Send to submit your message for approval.

Tips & Warnings

• If your post is deemed inappropriate (usually because it doesn't follow a prescribed format or isn't pertinent to the newsgroup's focus), the moderator will contact you. Otherwise, you should see your post in the newsgroup in a couple of days.
• Reading moderated newsgroups is a good way to avoid reading too many messages with excessively personal ("Jason is such a whiner") or inconsequential ("me too") content.