Two weeks ago, I told you about Google Alerts, which automatically tracks websites of interest to you and sends you the links. If you like that tool, you’ll probably be glad to know there’s another site that provides a similar service for all the content posted on the public discussion boards known as Usenet newsgroups.
NetNews Tracker (http://www.netnewstracker.com/) was created by Kevin Savetz, a freelance computer and technology writer who missed the The Stanford Netnews Filtering Service, a similar service that existed years ago.
NetNews Tracker searches Usenet newsgroups twice each day for any phrases that you choose, then sends you an e-mail about any new postings. You can use it to monitor newsgroups for names, companies, or any other subject of interest — and never miss any newsgroup mentions.
Up to three search phrases are free. If you make a donation, you can enter as many search phrases as you want.
The tool is slowly catching on. According to the site, as of July 30, 2003, NetNews Tracker is performing 1,987 searches for 1,098 accounts.
More Poynter tips on using Google Groups:
SUBMIT YOUR TIPS FOR PUBLICATION: What websites do you find most useful in your reporting? Send a description to tips@cyberjournalist.net (with your name and affiliation) and I may publish them.
JON’S LINKS:
