Why Your Usenet Post Isn't Showing Up

If your post isn't appearing on Usenet, there are several potential reasons. Understanding how propagation, article retention, and indexing work across servers can help clarify what's happening.

Common Reasons for Post Visibility Issues

1. Post Propagation Time

When you post to a Usenet group, the article must propagate across multiple servers. This process isn't always immediate. Depending on the servers involved, propagation may take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Give it time before checking again.

2. Retention Differences

Usenet providers maintain different levels of article retention. If your provider has shorter article retention than others, your post may expire and no longer be visible even though it was originally accepted by the network.

3. Missing Groups or Peering Gaps

Some providers may not carry every newsgroup or may lack peering relationships with other providers. If your post was made to a group not carried by your provider—or if there are peering gaps—it may not appear.

4. Indexer Limitations

Many people use a Usenet Indexer to find posts. If your Indexer hasn't indexed the group or is experiencing delays, your post may not show up even if it exists on the network.

5. Post Format

Some newsgroups may reject or ignore certain types of posts due to moderation policies or posting rules. Make sure the group accepts the type of post you've made.

What You Can Do

• Wait a few hours to allow for propagation.

• Check if the newsgroup is carried by your provider.

• Confirm the Indexer includes that newsgroup.

• Review the group’s rules to make sure the post format is acceptable.

• Post again if necessary, using proper formatting.