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From: [e-mail] (Ed Hew)
Subject: Biz.* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Expires: Wed, 12 Mar 2003 13:09:04 GMT
Reply-To: [e-mail] (Ed Hew)
Organization: XeniTec Consulting Services, Kitchener, ON, Canada
Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2003 13:09:03 GMT
Approved: [e-mail]
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Followup-To: poster
Summary: Answers to frequently asked questions about biz.* (periodic posting)
Keywords: biz, FAQ, newsgroups, newgroup, history, creation
Supersedes: <[e-mail]>
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Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu news.groups:465956 news.answers:245883

Archive-name:    biz-config-faq
X-Maintainer:   Ed Hew <[e-mail]>
X-Frequency:    bi-monthly
X-Version:    1.09f
X-Original:    Wed Jun 30 22:54:05 EDT 1993
X-Revised:    Fri May 25 19:45:08 EDT 2001

                  The "biz" FAQ

This "biz" FAQ posting is periodically repeated for the benefit of new
readers, providing an introduction to the biz.* newsgroups and answers
to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the "biz" hierarchy.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Request:  Please advise the FAQ maintainer of any other FAQs periodically
      posted anywhere within the biz hierarchy so that this information
      may be included or referenced in this meta-FAQ.

------------------------------

  Subject: Table of Contents:

    Subject: Changes to valid biz newsgroup list since 1995.
    Subject: What is the biz hierarchy?
    Subject: Who created biz?
    Subject: Where can I find the official biz newsgroup list?
    Subject: How can I receive a feed of the biz groups?
    Subject: Are all biz newsgroups moderated?
    Subject: What is the group creation process on biz?
    Subject: Template for biz newsgroup proposal
    Subject: Template for newgroup cmsg request to the "biz authority"
    Subject: What are the biz newsgroup charters?
    Subject: The official biz newsgroups moderators list.
    Subject: Is "biz" the right place for a specific newsgroup?
    Subject: What types of groups would be more suitable for biz?
    Subject: What is considered good net.etiquette on biz.*?
    Subject: What is the biz "ad" and "SPAM" cancellation policy?
    Subject: Where is the Biz Hierarchy Administrator's authority derived from?
    Subject: Are the biz groups archived anywhere?
    Subject: Are the biz groups available via mailing lists?
    Subject: What about gopher, wais, mosaic (and the like) servers for biz?
    Subject: Contributions to the biz FAQ.

------------------------------

Changes to valid biz newsgroup list since 1995:

    Newsgroup(s) status change:
          biz.books.technical    (Jun  7/99) status changed to moderated
          biz.marketplace.computers.pc-clone
                (Jun  7/99) status changed to moderated
          biz.marketplace.services.non-computer
                (Nov  8/98) status changed to moderated
          biz.marketplace.computers.mac
                (Nov  8/98) status changed to moderated
          biz.marketplace.computers.other
                (Oct 27/98) status changed to moderated
          biz.marketplace.computers.workstation
                (May 14/98) status changed to moderated
          biz.marketplace.non-computer
                (May 14/98) status changed to moderated
          biz.marketplace.services.computers
                (Mar 31/98) status changed to moderated
      biz.comp.accounting   (Oct 28/97) status changed to moderated
      biz.marketplace.computers.discussion
                (Sep 21/97) status changed to moderated
      biz.marketplace.discussion
                (Sep 21/97) status changed to moderated
      biz.marketplace.services.discussion
                (Sep 21/97) status changed to moderated
      biz.marketplace.international
                (Aug  5/97) status changed to moderated
      biz.marketplace.international.discussion
                (Aug  5/97) status changed to moderated
      biz.stolen        (Aug  5/97) status changed to moderated
      biz.general        (Dec  1/96) status changed to moderated
      biz.clarinet        (Dec  1/95) status changed to moderated
      biz.clarinet.sample    (Dec  1/95) status changed to moderated

    Newsgroup(s) created:
          biz.ecommerce            (Jul  3/00) (Moderated)
          biz.caucus            (Jul  5/99) (Moderated)
          biz.marketplace.healthcare    (Dec  8/98) (Moderated)
          biz.marketplace.real-estate    (Dec  5/98) (Moderated)
          biz.marketplace.web-design    (Dec  5/98) (Moderated)
      biz.marketplace.investors    (Aug 12/98) (Moderated)
      biz.clarinet.webnews.biz    (Aug 30/96) (Moderated)
      biz.clarinet.webnews.living    (Aug 30/96) (Moderated)
      biz.clarinet.webnews.sports    (Aug 30/96) (Moderated)
      biz.clarinet.webnews.techwire    (Aug 30/96) (Moderated)
      biz.clarinet.webnews.top    (Aug 30/96) (Moderated)
      biz.clarinet.webnews.usa    (Aug 30/96) (Moderated)
      biz.clarinet.webnews.world    (Aug 30/96) (Moderated)
      biz.clarinet.web.sample    (Aug 13/96) (Moderated)
      biz.clarinet.web.xcache.small    (Aug 13/96) (Moderated)
      biz.clarinet.web.xcache.large    (Aug 13/96) (Moderated)

    Newsgroup(s) removed:
      biz.next.newprod    (Dec  5/97) obsolete and orphaned
          biz.jobs.offered    (Aug  5/97) obsoleted by mainstream *.jobs
          biz.univel.misc    (Sep 25/96) replaced by comp.unix.unixware.misc
      biz.zeos.announce    (Dec 25/96) obsolete and orphaned
      biz.zeos.general    (Dec 25/96) obsolete and orphaned
      biz.tess        (Nov 12/96) bogus, improper creation procedure
      biz.univel.misc    (Sep 25/96) replaced by comp.unix.unixware.*
      biz.mlm        (Apr  4/96) bogus, improper creation procedure
      biz.americast        (Jan  2/96) removal requested by Americast
      biz.americast.sample    (Jan  2/96) removal requested by Americast
      biz.macmillan.announce(Dec  1/95) bogus, improper creation procedure
      biz.tpm               (Oct 26/95) bogus, improper creation procedure
      biz.dec        (Apr  1/95) replaced by biz.digital.announce
      biz.comp.services    (Apr  1/95) replaced by biz.marketplace.*
      biz.comp.hardware    (Apr  1/95) replaced by biz.marketplace.*
      biz.comp.software    (Apr  1/95) replaced by biz.marketplace.*
      biz.misc        (Apr  1/95) replaced by biz.general
      biz.sco.announce    (June 3/95) replaced by comp.unix.sco.announce
      biz.sco.binaries    (June 3/95) obsoleted by archive sites
      biz.sco.general    (June 3/95) replaced by comp.unix.sco.misc
      biz.sco.magazine    (June 3/95) replaced by comp.unix.sco.misc
      biz.sco.opendesktop    (June 3/95) replaced by comp.unix.sco.misc
      biz.sco.sources    (June 3/95) obsoleted by archive sites
      biz.sco.vtcl        (June 3/95) replaced by comp.unix.sco.programmer

----------------------------------------------------------------------

  Subject: What is the biz hierarchy?

"biz" is a hierarchy of newsgroups carried and propagated by sites
interested in the world of business products and services around them --
in particular, computer products and services.  This includes product
announcements, announcements of fixes and enhancements, product
reviews, postings of demo software, and the resulting discussions.

While not supporting the electronic equivalent of a newspaper ad, the
"biz" hierarchy is specifically intended to carry traffic of a commercial,
factual, and often technical nature.  Thus, some sites operating under
restrictions against carrying such traffic were historically unable to
carry the hierarchy.

------------------------------

  Subject: Who created biz?

Karl Denninger ([e-mail]) formed biz in the late '80s in response to a
rather large net.discussion over the proper place (if indeed there was any
at the time) for people to post things that were blatantly commercial.  To
quote Karl, "I believe it was 87 or 88, but I don't have an exact date".

The result was the creation of biz.*; "ddsw1", the forefather of the
current MCSNet machines (with pieces and parts still in use) was the first
"hub" of distribution.  MCS maintained "free on request" access to anyone
who would poll for a couple of years.  A few people did, and the groups
got picked up by a reasonably large percentage of the net.  The current
biz distribution hub is considered to be news.xenitec.on.ca, however
the hierarchy should be fairly broadly available today from most
competent USENET news providers.

Subsequent to it's inception, various biz sub-hierarchies have appeared
where content is actually quite strictly regulated and which explicitly
exclude commercial ads (as differentiated from informational postings).

------------------------------

  Subject: Where can I find the official biz newsgroup list?

A number of groups have been created under several sub-classifications.
The original intention of the sub-classifications may have been to
encourage creation of subgroups under (for instance) biz.comp.software.*
and biz.comp.hardware.*.  The second-level functional tag has since become
more generalized, such as a "marketplace" or a specific manufacturer's name.

The valid "biz" newsgroup list, as of July 3, 2000.

biz.books.technical    Technical Books - Offers & Requirements (Moderated)
biz.caucus    Business Related Political Discussions (Moderated)
biz.clarinet        Announcements about ClariNet. (Moderated)
biz.clarinet.sample    Samples of ClariNet newsgroups. (Moderated)
biz.clarinet.web.sample    Sample ClariNet news in HTML format.  (Moderated)
biz.clarinet.web.xcache.small    Small images used in .web.sample.  (Moderated)
biz.clarinet.web.xcache.large    Large images used in .web.sample.  (Moderated)
biz.clarinet.webnews.biz    Business from the ClariNet e.News. (Moderated)
biz.clarinet.webnews.living    Lifestyle and Entertainment. (Moderated)
biz.clarinet.webnews.sports    Sports from the ClariNet e.News. (Moderated)
biz.clarinet.webnews.techwire    Computers, Science, and Technology. (Moderated)
biz.clarinet.webnews.top    Top News from the ClariNet e.News. (Moderated)
biz.clarinet.webnews.usa    News of the U.S.A. from the e.News. (Moderated)
biz.clarinet.webnews.world    World News from the e.News. (Moderated)
biz.comp.accounting    Dialogue: Accounting Software & Procedures (Moderated)
biz.comp.mcs    Macro Computer Solutions, Inc. news and information (Moderated)
biz.comp.telebit    Support of the Telebit modem.
biz.comp.telebit.netblazer    The Telebit Netblazer.
biz.config        Biz Usenet hierarchy configuration and administration.
biz.control        Biz hierarchy control information and messages.
biz.ecommerce        Internet retailer forum (Moderated)
biz.digex.announce    Announcements from Digex. (Moderated)
biz.digital.announce    Digital Equipment Corp News & Announcements (Moderated)
biz.digital.articles    DEC Newsletter, Catalog, & Journal Articles (Moderated)
biz.general    Dialogue: business operations and offerings. (Moderated)
biz.healthcare    Discussion for healthcare professionals (Moderated)
biz.marketplace.computers.discussion    Computer Market Forum (Moderated)
biz.marketplace.computers.mac    Macintosh Hardware and Software (Moderated)
biz.marketplace.computers.pc-clone    PC-Clone Hardware/Software (Moderated)
biz.marketplace.computers.other    Other computer Hardware/Software (Moderated)
biz.marketplace.computers.workstation    Workstation Hdw/Software (Moderated)
biz.marketplace.discussion    biz.marketplace Issues Forum (Moderated)
biz.marketplace.international    Intl import-export. (Moderated)
biz.marketplace.international.discussion    Intl import-export.d (Moderated)
biz.marketplace.investors    Investment and Stocks Forum (Moderated)
biz.marketplace.non-computer    Non-Computer Merchandising (Moderated)
biz.marketplace.real-estate    Real Estate Investment Forum (Moderated)
biz.marketplace.services.computers    Computer services postings (Moderated)
biz.marketplace.services.discussion    Network Services Forum (Moderated)
biz.marketplace.services.non-computer    Services Offered/Wanted (Moderated)
biz.marketplace.web-design    Web Page Designer Forum (Moderated)
biz.oreilly.announce    New offerings from O'Reilly and Associates. (Moderated)
biz.pagesat        For discussion of the Pagesat Satellite Usenet Newsfeed
biz.pagesat.weather    Pagesat Satellite Weather Postings.
biz.stolen        Postings about stolen merchandise. (Moderated)
biz.tadpole.sparcbook    Discussions on the Sparcbook portable computer.
biz.test        Biz newsgroup test messages.

------------------------------

  Subject: How can I receive a feed of the biz groups?

NNTP feeds of "biz" may be obtained from, among others:

  dpcdev.dpcsys.com    <[e-mail]>        (Dan Busarow)
  news.kei.com        <[e-mail]>        (Christopher Davis)
  news.mcs.com        <info.mcs.com>            (Karl Denninger)
  openage.com        <[e-mail]>        (Paul Fischer)
  s.ms.uky.edu      <[e-mail]>        (Kenneth Herron)
  uunet.ca        <[e-mail]>        (Lyn Fincham)
  uunet.uu.net        <[e-mail]>        (UUNET Customer Liaison)
  xenitec.on.ca        <[e-mail]>        (Ed Hew)

UUCP feeds of "biz" may be obtained from, among others:

  dpcdev.dpcsys.com    <[e-mail]>        (Dan Busarow)
  excelsior.com        <[e-mail]>        (Tim Tyhurst)
  news.mcs.com        <info.mcs.com>            (Karl Denninger)
  telly.on.ca        <[e-mail]>        (Evan Leibovitch)
  uunet.ca        <[e-mail]>        (Lyn Fincham)
  uunet.uu.net        <[e-mail]>        (UUNET Customer Liaison)
  xenitec.on.ca        <[e-mail]>        (Ed Hew)

Propagation of the hierarchy isn't quite as widespread as the mainstream
USENET, but it continues to grow.  The news admins listed above have and
continue to make a concerted effort to enhance global biz propagation and
to reduce its geographic fragmentation.  An inquiry to the appropriate
news admin is suggested, as feed availability may vary from time to time
and from host to host.  Note that commercial service providers and others
may charge a fee for service and|or connectivity -- again, ask.

Those having difficulty getting biz feeds, especially outside of North
America, are encouraged to write to either the undersigned or the
contacts listed above, so that we can help you get a feed.

Those willing and in a position to *offer* feeds are encouraged to
write to the biz FAQ maintainer providing the appropriate information.
Additions (and corrections) to this biz provider list are most welcome.

------------------------------

  Subject: Are all biz newsgroups moderated?

Discussion in biz.config over 1.5 years resulted in the consensus that
only proposals for moderated biz newsgroups are accepted as of Apr 4/99.
Most previously unmoderated newsgroups have been converted to moderated
status, and we anticipate the remaining few unmoderated newsgroups will
be similarly converted as moderators are found for them.

   Anyone wishing to assume the task of moderating one of the older
   pre-existing unmoderated biz newsgroups is encouraged to propose
   conversion of that newsgroup to moderated status, in biz.config.

------------------------------

  Subject: What is the group creation process on biz?

The group creation process on biz is somewhat different than in the
"standard" hierarchies.  To some extent this reflects that fact that
biz is an ongoing and maturing experiment-in-process.

[...in response to the question...]
>Uh, I don't pretend to be a USENET know-it-all, but don't you need to
>make this an RFD, then hold a CFV, then a final ACK, then do the
>newgroup?  Or is the biz. hierarchy like alt. in that anyone can
>create a new newsgroup?

Neither.  The biz hierarchy has its own peculiar set of rules, which
have evolved from necessity and common sense over the years.

In theory, anyone can issue a newgroup message on a whim.  However, that
doesn't necessarily mean that it will be widely honored, or that the new
newsgroup will actually be propagated to any useful degree.

In practice, creation of new 'biz' newsgroups is normally handled as follows:

0. Is someone else already in charge of your desired discussion area?

   Some biz sub-hierarchies are historically managed.  Creation of new
   newsgroups within them requires the agreement and support of the
   respective responsible party (eg, biz.digital.*, biz.clarinet.*, or
   the old biz.sco.* sub-hierarchy).  If your prospective newsgroup
   should fall under a managed biz sub-hierarchy, check the FAQ for the
   sub-hierarchy, locate and contact the authoritative individual, and
   ask them to follow the biz creation process on your behalf.

        - otherwise -

1. Demonstrate its viability:

   Ongoing dialogue in existing newsgroups and private discussion between
   interested parties to the resolution that the new newsgroup has a
   likelihood of success may suggest it's creation.  Where no existing
   newsgroup appears appropriate for initial discussions of a new "biz"
   topic, postings should be directed to biz.general, a moderated biz
   newsgroup specifically chartered for this purpose.

    "biz.general provides a moderated newsgroup for general dialogue of,
        or related to, business operations and offerings.  Commercial ads
        are prohibited.  It is the moderators sole responsibility and
        unquestioned authority to ensure that articles adhere to the charter."

   Over a reasonable period of time, sometimes as long as several months,
   it will be fairly evident from the volume of existing topical discussion
   whether a new newsgroup is warranted (or not).

2. Only proposals for moderated biz newsgroups will be considered.
   Select a competent moderator for your proposed new biz newsgroup.

   If you reasonably anticipate significant volume, consider establishing
   a team of competent moderators.  Ensure that the moderator(s) have the
   time and all the necessary tools and connectivity required for the
   moderation task so that they can start their duties immediately once
   the newsgroup is created.  Consider the relative benefits of
   traditional moderation vrs "retro-moderation" and stipulate which
   method will apply to the proposed newsgroup.

Include the name(s) and email address(es) of the moderator(s) in your RFD.

3. When participants agree that longevity, intensity, and sheer volume
   of existing dialogue suggests consideration of biz.<whatever>, barring
   strenuous or widespread objections, the proponent should post a formal
   proposal to biz.config including the following:
    - Name of the proposed new newsgroup,
    - Charter,
    - Canonical newsgroups file entry,
    - Status (moderated or retro-moderated)
      (provide the name and email address of the moderator),
    - Background, justification and supporting information,
    - Invitation to discussion of at least two weeks duration,
    - Date the newgroup control message request will be requested.
   Include the information you feel important in influencing others to
   agree that your proposal is sound!

   Post the biz newsgroup proposal, a "Request for Discussion" (aka: RFD)
   to biz.config.  [refer to the "Template for biz newsgroup proposal"]

   You may optionally choose to cross-post your proposal to the USENET group
   news.groups and perhaps other groups relevant to the proposal.  Since
   other newsgroups aren't necessarily monitored by those you most wish to
   influence, please set the "Followup-To:" header line to biz.config _only_.

   On occasion, objections are made that should be taken under advisement,
   generally for naming reasons (i.e. consistency with existing groups
   either in biz or USENET), unnecessary duplication with other groups,
   or perhaps that the preceding criteria haven't been met.  Advice may
   often be offered by those who have supported the biz hierarchy for years
   and know something about it, or by the biz news admins who actually pay
   the cost of moving biz articles between the far corners of the planet.
   Such advice is honorably offered and should be heeded.

   It is good practice to enlist, via biz.config, the support of the key
   news admins who handle the vast majority of biz propagation, particularly
   those who control the NNTP links that bring disparate chunks of geographic
   biz propagation together.  This will ensure that your proposed newsgroup
   will be indeed be propagated.  Convert those who post opposition to a
   position of tacit agreement at minimum; if you can't do that, consider
   going back to step 1.

4. Wait the balance of your announced discussion period.  If there is no
   (further) substantiated objection, the newsgroup has successfully passed
   the tests for inclusion in the biz hierarchy.  If the newsgroup will be
   within a sub-hierarchy under the auspices of a given individual, ask the
   party responsible to ask the "biz authority" to issue the newgroup control
   message.  Otherwise, place the request directly.  In either case, outline
   the justification for it's creation according to the guidelines, to be
   presented to the biz newsadmins who would propagate the new newsgroup.

   The "biz authority" maintains the valid "biz" newsgroups list and biz
   hierarchy checkgroups cmsg, and issues the newgroup control messages for
   the biz hierarchy so that the new newsgroup is honored and propagated by
   the biz backbone news admins.  Currently, these duties reside with Ed Hew
   <[e-mail]>, who at this time also maintains this FAQ.  A valid
   newgroup control message, including a request that the biz backbone news
   admins support your newsgroup with their own newgroup control messages,
   will usually be issued within 7 days.

   The request must include:
    - Name of the proposed new newsgroup,
    - Justification for creation
    - Charter,
    - Canonical newsgroups file entry,
    - Status: moderated
        [if auto or retro-moderated, advise accordingly]
    - Supporting information and justification for creation,
   This will typically be culled from the publicly accepted proposal.
   [Refer to the 'Template for newgroup cmsg request to the "biz authority"']

5. Send email to the maintainer of this FAQ to ensure that your new biz
   newsgroup is listed!  (The FAQ maintainer may not always be the same
   person as the biz authority.)

------------------------------

  Subject: Template for biz newsgroup proposal


Newsgroup: biz.config [optionally followed by comma-separated list of other
               newsgroups - remember, no spaces between newsgroup names!]
Subject: proposal to create biz.<subhierarchy>.<name> (Moderated)
Followup-To: biz.config


NAME:     biz.newsgroup-name (or biz.<subhierarchy>.<name>)

STATUS:   Moderated

CHARTER:  Specify the full text of the proposed newsgroup charter here.
      This must properly describe the purpose of the newsgroup and
          specify any restrictions such as exclusion of ads, SPAM, UBE, etc.
          Ongoing operation of the newsgroup is strictly subject to the
          charter as finally agreed prior to newsgroup creation.
          It is advisable to include a statement granting moderator authority.

CANONICAL CHARTER (for your newsgroups file):
newsgroup.name<tab>Single-line description, must fit into 80 columns (Moderated)
[This is the canonical description derived from the full newsgroup charter.]

MODERATOR:  Moderator Name <[e-mail]>
        [proposed moderator(s) names and personal contact address(es)]

SUBMISSIONS:  [e-mail]
          [where article submissions should be mailed]

BACKGROUND:  Justify creation of the newsgroup as per the procedure outlined
             in the section: "What is the group creation process on biz?".
             Provide whatever additional useful background information you
             would like newsadmins evaluating your proposal to consider.

Discussion period:  Until <date>
                    [debate will continue until this date]

Discussion forum:   biz.config; please direct all followups there.
            [this field should be reproduced intact.]

Proposed creation date:  <proposed creation date>
     Given a sufficient level of support and barring significant and
     substantive insurmountable objections, a request for the cmsg to
     create <newsgroup-name> (Moderated),
     on or about <proposed creation date>.

------------------------------

  Subject: Template for newgroup cmsg request to the "biz authority"


As per discussion and agreement in biz.config, please create:
  newsgroup.name (Moderated)

Justification:    ** Why the newsgroup should be created.
        ** (Do NOT include the asterix "*" characters.)

The Charter, as culled from the proposal in biz.config:
Charter:  ** Insert the final agreed-on charter from biz.config.
      ** Please spell-check it!
          ** Use as many lines as needed.  Note the indentation.

For your newsgroups file:
newsgroup.name<tab>Single-line description, must fit into 80 columns (Moderated)
(This is the canonical description derived from the full newsgroup charter.)

Moderators:  ** moderator name and address in the form
             First-name Surname <[e-mail]>

Moderator address: <[e-mail]>

------------------------------

  Subject: What are the biz newsgroup charters? (Incomplete)

Request: This section is incomplete.  Some biz newsgroup charters have been
     lost in antiquity.  Anyone having a copy of a missing charter as
     agreed on when the biz newsgroup was created is encouraged to email
     them to the undersigned for inclusion in this FAQ.  Authoritative
     corrections are of course also welcome.

   Please refer to the canonical charters list in the section entitled
   "What groups already exist on biz?" for those biz newsgroups with
   full charters not yet available.

biz.books.technical    Technical Books - Offers & Requirements (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.books.technical provides a forum for topics pertinent to
          educational or technical reference materials.  They may be in
          electronic form.  Articles on the availability and requirements
          for tech reference materials are acceptable.  Multi-Level
          Marketing and quick money are specifically off-topic.  It is the
          moderators sole responsibility and unquestioned authority to
          ensure that articles adhere to the charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.caucus    Business Related Political Discussions (Moderated)
CHARTER:  biz.caucus provides a moderated forum for topics pertinent to
          global political affairs as they effect economies and business
          enterprises, including but not limited to discussions with and
          about candidates for office, pending legislation, enforcement
          policies, and educating the work force.  It is the moderators
          sole responsibility and unquestioned authority to ensure that
          articles adhere to the charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.comp.accounting     Dialogue: Accounting Software & Procedures (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.comp.accounting provides a forum for discussion of topics
          pertinent to general accounting procedures, accounting software
          problems and solutions, accounting software issues related to
          newer hardware, new OS environments, and features such as
          electronic commerce.  Bonafide new product press releases
          relevant to accounting, and occasional new job postings, are
          permitted.  Commercial advertising is prohibited.  It is the
          moderators sole responsibility and unquestioned authority to
          ensure that articles adhere to the charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.config      Biz Usenet hierarchy configuration and administration.
Charter:  biz.config is the controlling newsgroup for discussion of new
      biz groups, connectivity, propagation, policy, and the like.
Status:   Retro-moderated by the biz hierarchy administrator

biz.control    Biz hierarchy control information and messages
Charter:  biz.control exists solely for posting of biz control messages
      and related information by the biz hierarchy authority and
      administrator.  No other postings are permitted.
Status:   Retro-moderated by the biz hierarchy administrator

biz.ecommerce    Internet retailer forum (Moderated)
Charter:  Biz.ecommerce is for the discussion of topics concerning Internet
          retailers. Blatant ads are not allowed. The recommending of a
          product or service within a current topic is allowed by anyone as
          long as it contributes to the thread. Cross-posted messages will
          not be accepted by the moderator. It is the moderator's sole
          responsibility and unquestioned authority to ensure that articles
          adhere to the charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.general    Dialogue: business operations and offerings. (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.general provides a moderated newsgroup for general dialogue
      of, or related to, business operations and offerings.  Commercial
      ads are prohibited.  It is the moderators sole responsibility and
          unquestioned authority to ensure that articles adhere to the
      charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.healthcare        Discussion for healthcare professionals (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.healthcare provides a forum for healthcare professionals
          to discuss administration and operation of healthcare facilities.
          This forum shall include topics for accountants, nursing staff,
          administrators, social workers, dietary workers, therapists, and
          all other employees of healthcare facilities.  No advertisements
          will be accepted.  It is the moderators sole responsibility and
          unquestioned authority to ensure that articles adhere to the charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.marketplace.computers.discussion    Computer Market Forum (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.marketplace.computers.discussion provides a forum for
          discussion of topics pertinent to all biz.marketplace.computers
          groups.  This forum shall encourage discussion of pricing issues,
      recommendations about advertisers in other groups, ways of
      consummating computer transactions, and other topics which
      specifically pertain to computers.  Commercial advertising is
          prohibited.  It is the moderators sole responsibility and
          unquestioned authority to ensure that articles adhere to the
          charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.marketplace.computers.mac    Macintosh Hardware and Software (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.marketplace.computers.mac is a forum for profit-motivated
          users to offer and request hardware and software for
          Macintosh-architecture systems.  This forum shall permit
          advertisements of components and systems which are commonly
          used in Macintosh computers.  Articles should be tailored to
          reflect the Mac-specific nature of this forum.  It is the
          moderators sole responsibility and unquestioned authority to
          ensure that articles adhere to the charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.marketplace.computers.other    Other computer Hardware/Software (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.marketplace.computers.other provides a forum for profit-
          motivated users to offer hardware and software for all types of
          systems not covered by the terms 'workstation', 'PC', or
          'Macintosh'.  This forum shall permit advertisements of all
          other components and systems, including obsolete or proprietary
          architectures, minicomputers, and mainframes.  This forum shall
          also permit advertisements of other computer-approximating
          items such as high-powered calculators or robotics controlled
          processing equipment.  It is the moderators sole responsibility
          and unquestioned authority to ensure that articles adhere to
          the charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.marketplace.computers.pc-clone    Clone Hardware/Software (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.marketplace.computers.pc-clone provides a forum for profit-
          motivated users to offer hardware and software for all 80-x86 PC
          architecture systems.  This forum shall permit advertisements and
          discussion of all components and systems which are commonly used
          in PC systems, including high-performance systems which function
          as workstations.  It is the moderators sole responsibility and
          unquestioned authority to ensure that articles adhere to the
          charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.marketplace.computers.workstation    Workstation Hdw/Software (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.marketplace.computers.workstation provides a forum for profit
          motivated users to offer hardware and software for high-power
          computers and workstations.  This forum shall permit advertising
          for all components and systems which are exclusive enough to be
          considered only for use in heavy computing applications and beyond
          those of a typical business office.  Personal computer hardware
          available in retail stores should use other newsgroups.  It is
          the moderators sole responsibility and unquestioned authority to
          ensure that articles adhere to the charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.marketplace.discussion  Dialogue: biz.marketplace Issues Forum (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.marketplace.discussion provides a forum for discussions about
          issues related to the biz.marketplace hierarchy.  This forum may
          include topics related to the appropriateness of certain posts,
          the intricacies and netiquette of posting advertisements, and
          questions about the UseNet marketplace.  Commercial advertising
          is prohibited.  It is the moderators sole responsibility and
          unquestioned authority to ensure that articles adhere to the
          charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.marketplace.international    Intl import-export opportunities (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.marketplace.international focuses on meeting the needs of
      international traders by providing a forum for exchange of trade
      offers, requirements, and discussions.  Advertising not directly
      related to importing and exporting is prohibited.  It is the
      moderators sole unquestioned responsibility and authority to
      ensure that articles adhere to the charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.marketplace.international.discussion    Intl import-export (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.marketplace.international.discussion focuses on meeting the
          needs of international traders by providing a forum for traders to
          discuss international trade issues and other related topics which
          effect the way they conduct business in an ever-changing global
          economy.  Commercial advertising is prohibited.  It is the
          moderators sole unquestioned responsibility and authority to
          ensure that articles adhere to the charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.marketplace.investors    Investment and Stocks Forum (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.marketplace.investors provides a forum for discussion of
          topics pertinent to stocks, bonds, futures, monetary exchange
          and other high tech investments.  Some limited advertising is
          allowed but primarily as informative articles containing data of
          use to investors.  Any stock recommendations should come from
          registered brokers.  It is the moderators sole responsibility
          and unquestioned authority to ensure that articles adhere to the
          charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.marketplace.non-computer    Non-Computer Merchandising (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.marketplace.non-computer provides a forum for profit
          motivated users to offer to buy and sell merchandise which is not
          computer related.  This forum shall permit advertisements for
          products which provide a value of exceptional interest to the
          readership.  Posts specifically off-topic include MLM recruiting,
          pyramids, bulk E-Mail, and any messages that do not provide a
          valid reply address.  Services and Web Page vendors should post
          their offerings on service oriented biz.marketplace.* groups.  It
          is the moderators sole responsibility and unquestioned authority
          to ensure that articles adhere to the charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.marketplace.real-estate    Real Estate Investment Forum (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.marketplace.real-estate provides a forum for discussion of
          topics pertinent to marketing business property or real estate
          which would be considered high value investments.  Some real
          estate offers and requirements are allowed but primarily those
          which will promote discussions.  Single residential units would
          not normally be considered a high value investment.  It is the
          moderators sole responsibility and unquestioned authority to
          ensure that articles adhere to the charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.marketplace.services.computers    Computer services postings (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.marketplace.services.computers provides a forum for profit-
          motivated users to offer services which are primarily centered
          around all aspects of computing.  This forum shall include services
          offered by network access providers, freelance programmers,
      computer-specific shopping services, non-profit organizations
      seeking donations of computers, computer recyclers and repair, and
      other services which reflect the computer-specific atmosphere of
      this group.  It is the moderators sole unquestioned responsibility
      and authority to ensure articles adhere to the Charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.marketplace.services.discussion    Network Services Forum (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.marketplace.services.discussion provides a platform for
          discussions related to the design and implementation of on-line
          services over networks, via modem, or other topics related to the
          biz.marketplace.services sub-hierarchy.  Advertising and
          Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) issues should not be posted to the
          biz.marketplace.services.discussion group.  It is the moderators
          sole unquestioned responsibility and authority to ensure articles
          adhere to the Charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.marketplace.services.non-computer    Services Offered/Wanted (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.marketplace.services.non-computer provides a forum for
          profit-motivated users to offer services which are not computer
          oriented.  This forum shall include services offered by
          merchandisers, marketing services, genealogy tracers, freelance
          photographers/writers, web page promotions, and other services
          that are not centered around computer hardware or specific products.
          It is the moderators sole responsibility and unquestioned authority
          to ensure that articles adhere to the charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

biz.marketplace.web-design    Web Page Designer Forum (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.marketplace.web-design provides a forum for discussion of
          topics pertinent to designing, installing, and promoting web
          pages on the World Wide Web (www).  The emphasis will be on
          appearance (Graphics/Layout), HTML techniques, and marketing.
          Scripting is better served on other forums.  Some limited
          advertising may be allowed but primarily web pages, services,
          and software which will promote discussions.  Any content not
          suitable for family viewing will be rejected.  It is the
          moderators sole responsibility and unquestioned authority to
          ensure that articles adhere to the charter.

biz.stolen    Dialogue: Discussion of Fraud and Theft Issues (Moderated)
Charter:  biz.stolen provides a moderated newsgroup for general dialogue
          of, or related to, tracing stolen goods, theft protection, and
          fraudulent or unethical business practices.  Commercial ads
          are prohibited.  It is the moderators sole unquestioned
          responsibility and authority to ensure that articles adhere to
          the charter.
Status:   Moderated: [e-mail]

------------------------------

  Subject: The official biz newsgroups moderators list.

   Information on posting to a moderated newsgroup is periodically posted
   to news.lists,news.groups,news.answers, entitled: "List of Moderators
   for Usenet".  The rtfm.mit.edu archive name is: "moderator-list/part1".

   ------------------------------------------------------------------
   NewsGroup                           Submissions
   ------------------------------------------------------------------
   biz.books.technical             [e-mail]
   biz.caucus                      [e-mail]
   biz.clarinet                    [e-mail]
   biz.clarinet.sample             [e-mail]
   biz.clarinet.web.sample         [e-mail]
   biz.clarinet.web.xcache.large   [e-mail]
   biz.clarinet.web.xcache.small   [e-mail]
   biz.clarinet.webnews.biz        [e-mail]
   biz.clarinet.webnews.living     [e-mail]
   biz.clarinet.webnews.sports     [e-mail]
   biz.clarinet.webnews.techwire   [e-mail]
   biz.clarinet.webnews.top        [e-mail]
   biz.clarinet.webnews.usa        [e-mail]
   biz.clarinet.webnews.world      [e-mail]
   biz.comp.accounting             [e-mail]
   biz.comp.mcs                    [e-mail]
   biz.digex.announce              [e-mail]
   biz.digital.announce            [e-mail]
   biz.digital.articles            [e-mail]
   biz.ecommerce           [e-mail]
   biz.general                     [e-mail]
   biz.healthcare                  [e-mail]
   biz.marketplace.computers.discussion    [e-mail]
   biz.marketplace.computers.mac    [e-mail]
   biz.marketplace.computers.other    [e-mail]
   biz.marketplace.computers.pc-clone    [e-mail]
   biz.marketplace.computers.workstation   [e-mail]
   biz.marketplace.discussion      [e-mail]
   biz.marketplace.international   [e-mail]
   biz.marketplace.international.discussion   [e-mail]
   biz.marketplace.investors       [e-mail]
   biz.marketplace.non-computer    [e-mail]
   biz.marketplace.real-estate    [e-mail]
   biz.marketplace.services.computers      [e-mail]
   biz.marketplace.services.discussion     [e-mail]
   biz.marketplace.services.non-computer    [e-mail]
   biz.marketplace.web-design    [e-mail]
   biz.oreilly.announce            [e-mail]
   biz.stolen               [e-mail]

------------------------------

  Subject: Is "biz" the right place for a specific newsgroup?

Not if it only deals with local concerns!  Subjects that would be of
interest to relatively restricted portions of the planet are always
better served in a newsgroup under a more local or regional hierarchy.
For example, if you're going to discuss "business activities in the
Kitchener-Waterloo area", it definitely doesn't belong under "biz",
but perhaps may be a candidate for an appropriately chartered
regional or local newsgroup, something like "kw.biz".  Follow the
newsgroup creation policies for that hierarchy if your search indicates
it does not already exist.  Never consider inflicting a newsgroup on
the global readership for postings restricted to a geographic area
most of the readers have never even heard of.

Topics of global interest may already be well served in existing biz
newsgroups.  Familiarize yourself with the charters and monitor their
content before proposing a possibly redundant newsgroup.

Expand your search beyond the "biz" hierarchy.  Your topic may already
be properly and adequately subsumed in one or more newsgroups under
other hierarchies within the "Big 7" (now "Big 8") or under "alt" or
"ads".  If the nature of your intended newsgroup is more appropriate
under another hierarchy then it should be proposed there instead.
Do your homework.

------------------------------

  Subject: What types of groups would be more suitable for biz?

Any group that intends to include specifically commercial announcements
to the global community from businesses concerning their main products
or focus would more properly fit the charter of the biz newsgroups.
Examples are the biz.*.announce newsgroups, often with related
discussion newsgroups.

Expert technical content from a specific vendor's staff is also most
appropriate within biz, noting that some in the "mainstream USENET"
frown upon anything that might be considered tainted by vendor
participation even for the informational aspect provided.  This has
proven to free many who have the knowledge, to post valuable insight
into the products they develop and work with.

Reorganization of the most commercial part of the "biz" hierarchy
in early 1995 into "biz.marketplace.*" provides a home for certain
forms of charter-specific advertising.  Read their FAQs and check
their charters for more specific information.

------------------------------

  Subject: What is considered good net.etiquette on biz.*?

Here are some etiquette reminders that will help us all to make the
hierarchy an ever-friendlier place:

 -- Please, before posting, ensure that you've read the basic USENET
    etiquette guide in news.announce.newusers.  Ensure that you are
    also familiar with the newsgroup charter and acceptable content.

 -- Is your posting so blatantly an advertisement that it goes beyond
    the bounds of being "informational", and hence may cause many users
    or sites to restrict their participation in "biz"?  If so, tone it
    down!  Keep it factual.  Edit out the hype.  Product and service
    announcements are welcome within specific biz "announce" newsgroups.
    Check the newsgroup charter, and the availability of an appropriate
    "announce" newsgroup before posting.

 -- "So, where do I place my blatant commercial ads?"  From time to time,
    an "ads" hierarchy has been proposed.  If you need such, create it!

    Certain biz newsgroups may tolerate private or public ads to some
    extent - monitor them, check and respect their charters.  Ads are
    specifically permitted in some of the biz.marketplace newsgroups.
    Don't post ads to newsgroups that don't tolerate them.  Never
    blindly crosspost to every biz newsgroup in sight or you will
    certainly draw the ire of many net folks upon yourself.

 -- Remember that biz isn't the mainstream USENET.  The rules of the
    comp|humanities|misc|news|rec|sci|soc|talk hierarchies do not
    necessarily apply here.  However, those guidelines that are mostly
    net.common.sense should always be taken to heart.

 -- Remember that biz is a volunteer network.  All the code, maintenance,
    and question-answering are maintained by folks who freely give their
    time to help the net.  Please consider this and treat them accordingly.
    Be as precise as possible so that overworked knowledgeable people will
    not waste time trying to solve the wrong problem when trying to help you.

------------------------------

  Subject: What is the biz "ad" and "SPAM" cancellation policy?

Commercial ads may be permitted in specific newsgroups.  Ensure that
the newsgroup(s) you select for posting will tolerate the ad and its
specific type and content before you post.

Due to the nature of news software, articles crossposted to inappropriate
newsgroups will defacto be removed from all crossposted newsgroups when
canceled.  Posters should be very careful not to crosspost to a newsgroup
which might result in cancellation of the article throughout USENET.

Ads posted to inappropriate biz newsgroups may be canceled by the
retro-moderator (or their delegates) responsible for administering that
newsgroup.  The accepted "cyberspam" conventions should be followed as
well as the specific biz "adcancel" convention.  The party issuing the
cancel cmsg must be properly identified.

Excessively Multi-Posted articles (aka SPAM), regardless of content, may be
canceled by the appropriate USENET authorities holding that responsibility.

------------------------------

  Subject: Where is the Biz Hierarchy Administrator's authority derived from?

Extensive discussions were held in biz.config during 1993-1994, where
the biz newsadmins responsible for propagation of the biz hierarchy
agreed on the set of regulations for the biz newsgroup hierarchy.  This
set, as amended by discussion and agreement in biz.config from time to
time, is reflected in this FAQ, and is to be enforced by the current
Biz Hierarchy Administrator, often referred to as the "Biz Authority",
or "Biz Newsgroup Authority".

Questions and suggestions on biz hierarchy administration and policy
should be discussed in biz.config.  Before doing so, please check the
biz.config archives to ensure the issue has not already been dealt
with.  If appropriate, queries may be addressed privately to the
current Biz Authority.

The "Biz Authority" position is currently delegated to Ed Hew
<[e-mail]>, who has gone on record as hoping that another
responsible, respected, knowledgeable and qualified individual will
come along to assume this position in future.  Transfer of authority
would require the consent of the biz newsadmins, who granted it in the
first place.

------------------------------

  Subject: Are the biz groups archived anywhere?

Selective biz newsgroup archives are maintained at various publicly
accessible archive sites, not necessarily limited to:

    telly.on.ca        <[e-mail]>    (Evan Liebovitch)
    ftp.xenitec.on.ca    <[e-mail]>    (Ed Hew)
    wimsey.com        <[e-mail]>        (Stuart Lynn)

------------------------------

  Subject: Are the biz groups available via mailing lists?

Selectively, perhaps.  Check current FAQs in respective biz newsgroups.

    ** note: biz.sco.* was replaced by comp.unix.sco.*, check the
       FAQ there for information on their current mailing lists.

------------------------------

  Subject: What about gopher, wais, mosaic (and the like) servers for biz
       newsgroup archives?

A number of servers are under construction and will be listed as they
become operational.  They respectively archive specific portions of
the biz hierarchy.  Currently operational:

WWW (NCSA Mosaic) URL:  http://www.xenitec.on.ca/    (biz.sco,biz.config)

    ** note: while biz.sco.* was replaced by comp.unix.sco.*
       in Apr/95, the old (and new) archives are still in place.

------------------------------

  Subject: Contributions to the biz FAQ.

Many thanks to the following for their contributions over the years:

    Mark Linimon <[e-mail]>
    Karl Denninger <[e-mail]>
    Kenneth Herron <[e-mail]>
    David C Lawrence <[e-mail]>
    Murray S. Kucherawy <[e-mail]>
    Catherine E. Stanton <[e-mail]>
    Tim Tyhurst <[e-mail]>
    Randy Bush <[e-mail]>
    Chris Gunn <[e-mail]>

This posting, like much of net.land, is maintained on a purely volunteer
basis.  I welcome reactions, additions, and corrections, via email.

Public discussions on biz hierarchy policy, procedures, and newsgroup
proposals should be posted in biz.config, crossposted to a minimal
list of other possibly affected newsgroups, with "Followup-To:" set
to biz.config only.
--
  Ed. A. Hew <[e-mail]>
  biz FAQ maintainer, biz newsgroup authority, various other hats