USENET newsgroups

USENET newsgroups of the Internet, allows users with specific interests to form groups and share information with each other, usually by posting messages that others can read. Unlike mailing lists, you do not need to send or receive any e-mail. You simply connect to the Internet, locate a USENET newsgroup, and read or post messages to that particular group. Marketers can also use USENET newsgroups by finding a newsgroup of their interest and displaying information products that are being sold by them or the company they work for. By scanning the messages that have been posted, you can also compile a mailing list by recording users e-mail addresses, to which you then can e-mail more information about your products.

The Internet has 100’s of free databases that can be accessed to gain information on just about any subject. These databases are indexed so that you can search for information using key words or phrases. Most are run by volunteers, but, just about anyone can start one. Publishers can use these databases for two purposes. First, they are an excellent source of current information. This information can be used to help you write your publications. Second, experienced publishers can create their own databases. Once created, the databases can be accessed by millions of Internet users worldwide. Your own databases can contain your publication(s), much like if you had your own BBS.