The MyNews-Project: Step-1: Motivation

Neticens - a new word is coming up: MyNews

MyNews is the name of a software which can perhaps improve the way you use the Usenet today. It is written for Windows 95/98/NT and should work even on pretty old computers with dialup-connections to the Internet.

The purpose of this project is to overcome some of the actual problems of the Usenet today. And the projects creates an additional network: The MyNews-Network

Here some reasons why you might be interested to continue:

No news-server ?
If your provider does not offer a news-server then you get access to the Usenet now.

Only special news-server available (AOL?)
If you have to use a special interface (or a web-browser) to access the newsgroups (AOL, Remarq, DejaNews) then MyNews offers you access with any "normal" news-reader. Without annoying ads and so called "Usenet-Portals". You can use the news-reader of your choice!

More than one news-server ?
You are using more than one news-server. Your providers server, an additional pay-server. Perhaps a third and a fourth server? But your news-reader does manage just one server? So you never get the groups or the multiparts together? MyNews solves this problem for you! You need just one news-reader now. And your favorite news-reader will access all available servers from now on.

Missing your favorite newsgroups ?
If you are missing newsgroups, then they are perhaps available on the MyNews-network.

Missing messages ?
If you are missing messages, because your provider has a bad newsfeed or the Usenet-backbone has a bad day then MyNews can deliver what you are missing. Even multipart-messages might be better distributed from now on (AVI, MP3,.. :-)

Short expiry, vacations ?
If your provider expires messages too fast (some providers offer message for just one day) then MyNews will offer you the messages for a longer time. Perhaps for weeks, months, years.

Censorship ?
If messages are cancelled by third party, by a cancelbot or by the anti-spam-software on your providers server, then they might be available on the MyNews-network.

Commercial Spam ?
The more complete a newsfeed is, the more spam is included. MyNews is an attempt to get a complete newsfeed without the commercial spam ads. (I'm curious how long this works :-)

No group for collectors of "Rare butterflies from South Pole" ?
MyNews allows you to create your own newsgroups. You can even create your own network.

Not enough traffic for a newsgroup ?
The amount of traffic is not important in the MyNews-network. Even one message per week is no obstacle to create a newsgroup.

Managing your mailing-list is a pain ?
You can replace it by a MyNews-Group. And you get rid of bouncing messages, leaving members, "unsubscribe" messages.....

Am I too young to join ?
MyNews contains a "child proof lock". Perhaps there will be specific groups for our youngster, only.

Hey, I have no technical skills - I'm not a computer expert !
MyNews is designed for the average Usenet neticen. Setup is very easy - and running it is just a few clicks (in the beginning :-)

You want to offer goods and add commercial newsgroups ?
Nobody will prevent you to create your own groups. But this time you will do it right and offer value to your readers. Else nobody will read your messages or subscribe your groups. The traffic is not abusing the Usenet. As long as you offer your own server..... And if you host some "normal" groups, then your offers might be appreciated :-)

You want to sell information. Text, Pictures, Movies....
I have not yet developed this idea. But I see no problem to create special newsgroups and send out the messages encrypted. Just those users with the valid "key" will be able to read (and enjoy). "Pay per picture" (one cent) might be possible for original artists. This is your traffic, not the traffic of the Usenet.

Is real privacy possible ?
I have not yet developed this idea. But I see no problem to encode or encrypt specific newsgroups or own, private networks.

How much to pay for MyNews? Or is there a monthly subscription ?
MyNews is _free_ for private use. You can join the MyNews-network without any costs.
(This is "FreeWare" - not public domain. I stay the owner of this software)
Of course there will be a "pay-version" for companies and one with extended features. Private networks, Encryption, automatic decoders and AutoPosters, picture-sorter, image-archiving... MyNews offers very much features. I will not destroy all other programmers work by issuing a free version which includes everything.
But the connectivity and most important features will be free !

Guarantees?
I know why I give you the server for free. And the conditions in the (free) license are clear: Use it on your own risk!

Security ?
MyNews does not create security holes.... until the first hacker found the first one. In the last 26 months MyNews never was a problem on about 30 computers. MyNews crashed a few time - but I never saw a blue-screen with MyNews.

Sourcecodes ?
If MyNews becomes a success, then I have the intention to offer the source codes for the free version in GNU-License. Perhaps some Apple or Linux-Fans are interested to portate the software. I have enough to do with the Windows-Version. (MyNews is written in very simple plain C -not ++ -, no MS-libs, no DLLs -except for JPG-support and WinSockets- , no VXD, no registry-access.

How many members have already signed up?
Today (14-Feb-2001) more than 250 users have registered a name for their MyNews on the free registration site. About 50 early beta-testers has been active and a few thousand downloads of the program are in the logfiles.

Why is such a gigantic project announced in such a tiny newsgroup ?
You have read the features and abilities of MyNews. Imagine I announce this in the news-papers or in a major newsgroup. I could not handle 100.000 requests per day. Not even 1000 requests per day !
So I need a "small" newsgroup of "manageable" size. - YOU !
If this project is a good success, then you will hear more from it. And "Every journey begins with a first step" ;-)

How many users will be accepted for this "field test" ?
The "field test is closed now".

Just promising the heaven ?
Let's see how far we get. Please remember: This is a PROJECT.
If it would be a product, then it would have a price tag!

You want to sign up immediately?
Dont panic. More info in the next steps :-)
But can start immediately: Downlaod the software and GO !

Where is the website ?
http://www.winews.net
http://www.i3w.com/mynews

Still reading ? Astonished?
Please wait for the next step. Step-2 will describe some limitations :-)