Several subscribers to the emc-pstc and treg mailing lists have asked how
they can "join" or "subscribe to" the new newsgroup for EMC and safety
compliance discussions, sci.engr.electrical.compliance (s.e.e.c).
The following is for the benefit of those unfamiliar with the Internet
Usenet newsgroups and I apologise to those familiar with them, who need
read no further.
To read the traffic on s.e.e.c or to post messages to the newsgroup, no
formalities as are involved with a mailing-list are required. There is
no "subscribing" or "joining" as such. It is an open world-wide
unmoderated Usenet newsgroup, so you just need to select it by its
correct name (must be spelt exactly):
^^^^^^^
sci.engr.electrical.compliance
using your newsreading software. As the exact process is specific to
each program, I can't advise how you do this. Some newsreaders download
a list of "new newsgroups" every time you log on. Some only do this if
an option is selected. With these you can then select the newsgroup name
from a list, so no chance of typing it in wrong. With others, you must
add it manually to a list of newsgroups, when it must be exactly correct
as above.
Of course, if you don't currently have access to the Usenet newsgroups
(there are over 14,000 and the number grows all the time, but some
newsservers provide only a limited selection: however, any of the big
international heirarchies, such as sci.* should be available) you will
have to ask your ISP (internet service provider) how to arrange a
newsfeed.
Finally, be aware that due to a scam April-fool premature creation of
many new newsgroups (including sci.engr.electrical.compliance) these had
to be deleted, and then re-created when they passed their official vote.
The formal creation day for s.e.e.c was April 17, but some newsservers
take a time to provide a new newsgroup.
Therefore, when you do locate it, if you can, set your newsreader's "date
news last read" back say a week, to ensure you collect all the messages
that have already been posted. You will see that it is already quite
active.
Hope this helps. If you get there, read the traffic for a few days, or
feel free to post a message to s.e.e.c to say you've arrived! If you
don't, check the above and discuss with your Internet service and/or
software provider. If you are in an academic institution, check the
newsfeed policy: there should be no difficulty requesting the
availability of a professional newsgroup such as s.e.e.c
Finally, being unmoderated, anyone can post a message to s.e.e.c, or make
a follow-up (response) posting to an existing message. Neither I, nor
anyone else, has any control or censorship status. However, as one of
the proponents for the creation of the newsgroup, and the author of the
principal FAQ ("Frequently Asked Questions") for the group, I have been
acting as an unofficial mentor. Please free to ask me should any
amplification or clarification of the above be required.
Thanks for your patience.
Bill Lyons.
=========================================================================
Claude Lyons Limited Brook Road Waltham Cross Herts EN8 7LR England
Leaders in Voltage and Power Control - Precise Electrical Instrumentation
Telephone: +44 1992 768888 Fax: +44 1992 769849 Telex: 22724 CL LTD G
email: [email protected] or [email protected]
=========================================================================
