Newsgroup Search
Usenet newsgroups, an early form of online forums, might seem like a relic of the past, but they remain a useful resource for networking, reconnecting, or uncovering information about individuals with shared interests. While Usenet may not have the massive user base of modern social platforms, it still hosts countless discussion threads on a variety of topics that can help you connect with others. Find people in Newsgroups.
Newsgroups are discussion groups similar to forums, that were part of the internet in its infancy. Usenet operated on the news network protocol and not the world wide web. They acted in much the same way modern discussion groups do, where you had topics and messages.
Most modern users of the internet would have little clue it even existed and still does.
Searching for People
Once you’re connected to Usenet, you can use the following methods to find specific people:
Search for Names or Email Addresses
Many Usenet posts include the author’s name or email address in the metadata. To search:
- Use your newsreader client’s search tool to input the name, alias, or email address of the person you’re looking for.
- Visit Google Groups and search for names or keywords related to the individual. Use quotation marks to get more precise results (e.g., “John Doe” or “johndoe@email.com”).
Browse Relevant Newsgroups
Explore newsgroups related to the individual’s profession, interests, or affiliations. For example:
- If they are a programmer, browse technology-focused groups like comp.lang.python.
- If they are connected to a hobby or fandom, explore groups like rec.music.classical or alt.hobbies.collecting.
Look for Old Posts
If you suspect someone was active on Usenet in the past, search archives, as Usenet posts are often preserved for years. Tools like Google Groups or specialised Usenet archives, such as Eternal September, allow you to search historic discussions.
Tip: If you can’t find direct references, try searching for organisations, universities, or companies the person might have mentioned or been associated with.