You can find news groups on topics from algebra to Frank Zappa . If you have an interest in any topic at all, there is most likely a discussion group for it. A discussion group allows people to bring up topics, questions and issues to others in the group. Others in the group can then respond with suggestions either by posting responses or sending e-mail to you privately. Most news groups are open in nature so the quality and mood of the postings can vary anywhere from helpful and friendly to ludicrously hostile.
Discussion groups tend to moderate themselves.
One of the most effective ways to deal with inappropriate posting and hostile members is to ignore them. Power is derived from the ability of members to get others to hear them. Go straight to syr.gso . In Netscape Communicator, go to the menu bar and click on Communicator, them Collabra Discussion Groups. A new window will open called Netscape Message Center.