Big 8

Big 8

Big 8 refers to the major categories of newsgroups within the Usenet system, a global collection of discussion boards predating modern internet forums. The Big 8 hierarchies are a fundamental part of Usenet's structure, organizing thousands of newsgroups into broad categories based on subject matter. These categories facilitate easier navigation and discussion among users on a wide array of topics.

Overview

The Big 8 consists of the following categories:

• comp.*: Covering computer-related discussions, including software, hardware, programming, and networking.
• humanities.*: Focused on arts, literature, philosophy, and other humanities disciplines.
• misc.*: A miscellaneous category for topics that do not fit neatly into the other categories.
• news.*: Dedicated to discussions about Usenet itself, including announcements, policies, and technical issues.
• rec.*: Encompassing recreation and entertainment, such as sports, hobbies, and games.
• sci.*: Covering the sciences, including biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
• soc.*: Focused on social issues, culture, and history.
• talk.*: A category for debates and discussions on controversial topics.

History

The Big 8 hierarchies were established as part of an effort to organize Usenet's rapidly expanding array of newsgroups. Prior to the establishment of the Big 8, newsgroups were less systematically organized, which made finding relevant discussions challenging as Usenet grew. The creation of these categories helped streamline the process of locating and participating in discussions.

Administration

The administration and maintenance of the Big 8 categories are overseen by the Big-8 Management Board, a volunteer organization that manages proposals for new newsgroups within the Big 8 hierarchies, as well as the occasional renaming or removal of existing groups. The board operates with the goal of ensuring that the Big 8 remains a well-organized and accessible resource for Usenet users.

Impact on Internet Culture

The Big 8 hierarchies have had a significant impact on internet culture, providing a structured forum for discussion and information exchange before the advent of the modern internet. Many of the conventions and norms established in Usenet newsgroups have influenced later online forums and discussion platforms.

Current Status

While Usenet and the Big 8 hierarchies are not as widely used as they once were, due to the rise of modern social media and internet forums, they remain an important part of internet history. Additionally, they continue to serve a dedicated user base that values the unique format and community standards of Usenet discussions.