subject: Fun With Fringe Science On Usenet [print this page] USENET has always been famous for the diversity of opinion that it fosters among its users. Some of those opinions are best described as "out there". If you're interested in finding out more about phenomena such as crop circles, aliens, UFOs, Bigfoot and just about anything else, you can check out some of the new USENET newsgroups dedicated to subject matters that are usually discussed around Halloween or on shows like the X-Files.
Hierarchies
One caveat about checking out some of these newsgroups is that you will have to go into the alt hierarchy. Unfortunately, the alt hierarchy is notorious for having a lot of spam and for having a lot of unmoderated groups. There are moderated versions of these groups that can make for much more interesting reading.
If you do a search through your newsreader for groups that are about any paranormal subjects in which you have an interest, look for ones that have "moderated" in their name. There are other options, of course, and a good spam filter will be useful when you're cruising some of these groups.
Famous Groups
Some of the most famous paranormal groups have loyal followings and a lot of information that's on the fringe of scientific subjects. For example:
- alt.sci.physics.new-theories
- alt.paranet
- art.paranet.science
- alt.alien
Any one of these can be fun to read through and to participate in. You'll find some disruptive people, of course, and you'll find some people who are absolutely passionate about theories that seem utterly bizarre. Remember to keep a good attitude and not to get involved in any flame wars. If the group happens to be moderated, you'll get booted for involving yourself in a flame war. If the group isn't moderated, the flame war is not likely to stop and will only result in you getting frustrated.
Skeptics
USENET is famous for having a lot of scientists on it. Scientists are among the most eloquent and passionate defenders of rational thought. Rational thought and critical thinking are the topics of discussion on newsgroups such as sci.skeptic. After you've convinced yourself that Bigfoot is lurking behind every tree and just waiting for a chance to pile you into his UFO and fly off with you, be sure to stop by one of the skeptic newsgroups to calm yourself down a little bit.
If you have a good sense of humor, an interest in off-the-wall topics and an appreciation for individuals who are quite often eccentric, you could easily spend an entire night surfing through these news groups.Remember that USENET is very specific in terms of its hierarchy. It's all well and good to go discuss fringe science, alien visitation and other subjects in newsgroups where those topics are welcomed.
You don't want to go start talking about UFOs in an astronomy newsgroup, however, or go talking about Bigfoot in a biology news group. One of the great things about USENET is that the hierarchy system is specific enough that it allows you to find exactly what you're looking for. You can help keep it that way by not posting off topic.
by: Marion Marshall
Zaproxy alias impedit expedita quisquam pariatur exercitationem. Nemo rerum eveniet dolores rem quia dignissimos.
