Newsgroups are like self-governing communities; there are no "Newsgroup Cops." Instead, posters regulate themselves. Below are some simple rules of newsgroup etiquette to understand before you venture into a newsgroup. Think of newsgroup etiquette as a set of guidelines that will keep you from making mistakes and make you look and sound like a veteran newsgroup poster.

• Lurk. Read the newsgroup without posting for a few weeks. This is known as "lurking," and it will give you the flavor of the newsgroup.
• Read the FAQ. Find and read the newsgroup's FAQ, or list of Frequently Asked Questions and other important and useful information. It can answer questions you didn't even know you had, and it's the quickest way to learn a newsgroup.
• Stay on-topic. Know what's on-topic and what's off-limits. Every newsgroup is a little different in what it talks about, and how it does the talking.
• DON'T SHOUT. TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS CONSIDERED SHOUTING. It's easier to read a mix of upper- and lower-case letters.
• Never, ever post "MAKE MONEY FAST." It doesn't work, it gets people really mad, and no matter what it says, it's probably illegal.
• Everyone hates commercials. Be very hesitant about posting advertisements or commercial messages. This also gets people really mad.
• Ignore "trolls." Some people get a thrill from posting "flames" (really obnoxious messages) just to get a rise out of people. Sad, isn't it?
• Don't "spam." Spam is posting the same message to dozens, even hundreds or thousands of unrelated newsgroups. No matter how important you think your message may be, it's not worth it. Think about it - if everyone posted about every topic, no one would be able to find anything.
• Be Original. Don't overquote: Copying a long post (more than 20 lines) just to add "I agree" or "me too" is considered bad form.
• The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember, every expert was a newbie once.

Each of the mail programs have their own setup for Newsgroups.
Call your Internet Service Provider (ISP) (ie: itilink) and have them help you setup for Newsgroups.

This is an online newsgroup reader:
http://www.deja.com
or choose from a complete selection of newsgroup readers here

You can also download from the internet a program which gives you access to the newsgroups via the internet.  This link is for the newsreader with the highest positive rating.  Free Agent

This will drive a lot of traffic to your site.

HOWEVER, it must be done properly or you will get yourself in trouble with your ISP.

Post only to .alt groups. When a Newsgroup has ends in .alt, it is a public group.

BUT...

SPAMMING was originally defined as commercial posting to Newsgroups.

You need to make your posting appropriate for the group and place it conversationally.

ie: "Hey, I found this great deal on golf clubs, check it out!!!"

Then list your domain name with the full address..including the http://www.

You should make yourself a regular and consistent schedule for Newsgroups.

You can check out your mall, find things on special or on sale, then go into a Newsgroup that is appropriate for the item and post. You should do some every day, but at least weekly.