NewsgroupDirect Black Friday Usenet Deals

NewsgroupDirect is home of the popular Terabyte Tuesday offer.  This time around they are offering a series of mystery deals for Black Friday.  The first deal just went live and includes unlimited Usenet downloads for $8 a month.  Which is 60% off the normal price.  NewsgroupDirect will be rolling out more specials in the hours to come so stay tuned to their Black Friday page for more details and to sign up.

Here are some details on the NewsgroupDirect Usenet service:
- Unlimited speed downloads
- 1,185+ days of binary retention
- 1,400+ days of text retention
- Free News Rover newsreader
- Free online backup
- Free 256-bit SSL encryption
- Up to 50 simultaneous connections
- Access to over 107,000 newsgroups
- Server farms in the US and Europe
- 99%+ completion rate
- 24/7 tech support

Read our NewsgroupDirect review to learn more or visit the Black Friday page for more details and to sign up.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

ThunderNews Black Friday Usenet Deals

A huge thanks to our friends over at ThunderNews for offering some excellent Black Friday deals again this year.  With an early start you’ll want to get in fast to get the lowest prices.  With discounted unlimited, metered and block Usenet accounts.  The deals went live around 6:00.  The highlight of which is $5 unlimited Usenet.  There are a limited number of discounted unlimited accounts available.  Just like door busters on Black Friday you’ll need to get in fast.  Visit the ThunderNews Black Friday deals page for more details and to sign up.

The $5 unlimited Usenet offer went live at 6:00 PM EST so if you want the deal definitely get in quick.  Otherwise there are some other great deals.  We especially like the 200 GB and 500 GB block Usenet accounts.  Remember that the blocks are non-expiring so a 500 GB block can be used until depleted.

Here’s are some of the service features for ThunderNews:
- Unlimited speed downloads
- 1,196+ days of binary retention
- 1,400+ days of text retention
- 99%+ completion rate
- Free newsreader (News Rover)
- Free 256-bit SSL encryption
- Up to 50 simultaneous connections
- News servers in the US and Europe
- Access to over 107,000 newsgroups
- 24/7 tech support

Read our ThunderNews review or visit the ThunderNews Black Friday deal page to sign up for one of their unlimited, metered or block specials.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

UseNetNow / BlockNews / Frugal Usenet Black Friday Deals

It’s almost time for the much anticipated Black Friday Usenet deals.  So as the providers get ready for the promotions a few are tipping their hat.  Letting fans in on what’s to come.  At least a teaser of what’s to come from UseNetNow, BlockNews and Frugal Usenet.  It looks like they’ll be offering special pricing on a limited number of accounts for Black Friday.  In addition to some additional holiday specials through Christmas.  While the pricing details haven’t been released yet you can view the account details here.

Here’s what we know so far.  When the pricing is known (after the deals go live) we’ll update the post.  Though if you want to get in on the Black Friday promotions you need to plan on visiting their special page right at 1 AM.

UseNetNow Black Friday / Holiday Special

UseNetNow will be offering 250 unlimited Usenet accounts for Black Friday.  The price won’t be made available until the Black Friday special goes live at 1 AM.  So you should definitely check it out then.

Starting at 11 AM Friday morning and running through Christmas UseNetNow will be offering 6 months of unlimited Usenet access for $XX.  Again the price won’t be known until 11 AM on that special but their isn’t a limit on quantity so you have until Christmas to sign up for the holiday offer.

BlockNews Black Friday / Holiday Special

The BlockNews deal launches at 1 AM like UseNetNow’s Black Friday special but it doesn’t appear to be limited to number of accounts.  Instead it looks like BlockNews will be offering 100 GB non-expiring blocks for $X.XX through the end of the year.  Again this price is unknown until the offer goes live.

Frugal Usenet Black Friday / Holiday Special

The Frugal Usenet promotion will be available from Friday through Christmas Day and includes unlimited Usenet access with 300 days if binary retention (up from 100) for $XX a year.  Again the price is being kept under wraps until the offer goes live on Friday.

We will update the pricing as soon as each deal goes live.  In the meantime save this URL to the special page so you can get in on their Black Friday offers.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Usenet Fans Prepare for Black Friday Sales

With the Black Friday Usenet deals coming up later this week we’d like to share some suggestions.  Preparing ahead of time can save you time and money as the Black Friday specials are normally time sensitive or offered in limited numbers.  We would like to recommend a strategy that will allow you the best value for unlimited Usenet access plus a good block account for filling missing parts and as a backup.

Here are some tips to help prepare for the Black Friday offers.  In addition to a strategy that will help you enjoy Usenet to it’s fullest.  A solid unlimited account plus a non-expiring block through a different back-end provider.

Tip #1 – Look for the right unlimited Usenet account

There are several quality Usenet providers that offer unlimited Usenet access for $10 a month or less.  We’ll get to the list in a moment.  First consider what you want in a Usenet provider.  Are you looking for extras like a newsreader, Usenet search or online storage?  Some providers like UseNetServer, Newshosting, NewsDemon and ThunderNews offer these types of extras for around $10 a month.  While Easynews and Astraweb offer Usenet-only accounts for around $10-$11 a month.  All plans listed below are special offers.

Here are some suggestions for unlimited Usenet accounts with extras:

1.  UseNetServer : $10 a month for unlimited Usenet + UNS Global Usenet search
2.  Newshosting : $9.99 a month for unlimited Usenet + newsreader with Usenet search
3.  NewsDemon : $9.99 a month for unlimited Usenet + newsreader and online storage
4.  ThuderNews : $10.49 a month for unlimited Usenet + newsreader

Here are some suggestions for unlimited Usenet-only access:

1.  Easynews : $9.95 a month for unlimited Usenet (NNTP-only, without web access)
2.  Astraweb : $11 a month for unlimited Usenet
3.  MaximumUsenet : $9.99 a month for unlimited Usenet

You might also consider these annual specials for additional savings:

1.  UseNetServer : $95 a year for unlimited Usenet + UNS Global Usenet search
2.  Newshosting : $99 a year for unlimited Usenet + newsreader with Usenet search
3.  Astraweb : $96 a year for unlimited Usenet

Here are some new Usenet providers to keep an eye out for on Black Friday:

1.  theUsenet
2.  theCubeNet

Note:  We are recommending services based on their tier-1 providers.  Meaning the back-end servers used by each service.  As you will want the block account to have different back-end servers than the unlimited account.  For that reason we left Ngroups, UseNetNow and FastUsenet off the list.  If you don’t plan on purchasing a block account from the list below as a backup then these services are also fine choices.

Black Friday tip – last year saw some great BF specials.  The best was ThunderNews with $5 unlimited Usenet access.  A deal we haven’t seen matched since.  Keep an eye on our Black Friday Usenet specials post and the Newsgroup Reviews home page for the latest updates.  Last year the deals started early Thanksgiving night.

Tip #2 – Look for the right block Usenet account

Once you choose an unlimited account you’re most the way there.  Purchasing a block account as a backup is kind of like buying car insurance.  You may not use it often but when something happens you’ll be happy you have it.  Luckily block accounts are fairly priced as opposed to most insurance.

There are a couple things to look for in a block account.  The first of which is making sure the block is non-expiring.  If you stick to our list that won’t be an issue as we only recommend non-expiring blocks.  However, if you decide to look around at other options make sure to pay special attention to when the block expires.  As some providers call monthly accounts blocks or expire block accounts every 12 months.

The other thing to consider is who the service uses as their teir-1 provider.  You won’t normally find this information on their site.  Again if you stick to our list and choose an unlimited account from above and block from the upcoming list you’ll be fine.  The reason is you want the block to be on different back-end servers.

We recommend you consider these providers for block accounts:

1.  Usenet-News : block Usenet accounts ranging from 2 GB up to 1 TB
2.  Blocknews : block Usenet accounts ranging from 5 GB up to 3 TB
3.  Astraweb : 180 GB block for $25 (skip Astraweb if you chose them for unlimited access)

That should do it.  We would suggest focusing on the unlimited accounts first.  Then pick up a block plan for fills and as a backup.  Stay tuned to our Black Friday newsgroup deals post for the latest sale updates and please help us spread the word.  Enjoy the savings!  You can also follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

November Marks 1,200 Days of Retention and Growing!

November marks a new milestone for leading Usenet providers.  As services like Newshosting, UseNetServer, Astraweb and more pass 1,200 days of binary retention.  Some users have come to expect the continued growth in Usenet retention as many large providers spool daily.  Yet the achievement is no less impressive.  As Usenet fans or perhaps fanatics we tip our glass to those continuously improving the experience.  Both in terms of retention growth and overall value (cost, reliability, performance and new, innovative features).

It’s hard to believe we have access to over three years of binary retention.  At 1,200 days you can access newsgroup posts from 3 years and 3 months ago.  As 1,200 days ago was August of 2008.  In comparison Giganews was the clear leader in retention at that time.  Completing their upgrade to 240 days (eight months) of binary retention in September of 2008.  Times have certainly changed since then as a number of leading Usenet providers are within 10 days of each other now.  All with nearly 40 months of binary retention and growing.

The value offered by Usenet providers has also changed quite a bit since 2008.  With services offering unlimited Usenet for $10 or less a month rather than $20-$30 a month.  Not only has the cost dropped significantly.  The services themselves are much improved.  Including SSL encryption, better reliability / performance and extra features like newsreaders, Usenet search, online storage and VPN access.  All for under $10 a month.

We’ll see you right here in 100 days as we all help celebrate 1,300 days of binary retention.  Then in 9 months we’ll happily help celebrate 4 years of retention.  Until then continue to enjoy all the advantages of Usenet.  Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet retention.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

NZBMatrix Target of Denial of Service (DDOS) Attack

NZBMatrix is working through the results of a denial of service (DDOS) attack.  There have been several such attacks this year in the Usenet space.  Something that we didn’t see much of prior to 2011.  We’re pleased to see NZBMatrix.com is up and running.  They’re still working on the RSS and API bookmarks.  As always for the latest updates visit nzbmatrix.info.  We wish the NZBMatrix team the best as they recover from the DDOS attack.

The NZBMatrix team has been very busy lately.  Earlier this month they put in new servers to better handle the load.  Being popular has it’s advantages but also required more horsepower than the original single core servers could handle.  So they brought in new hardware.  The new servers have been performing well except for a nagging MySQL error.  The good news is the hardware can handle more connections.  The NZBMatrix team has been tweaking the database to allow for more users.  As a result this week saw fewer issues.

The denial of service attack is completely separate from the new hardware and associated issues.  It was outside of their control and is being dealt with.  We’re happy to see Nzbmtrix.com up and running with good performance.  The NZBMatrix team continues to be diligent in working to improve the site.  The results are showing as search results and overall site performance is much improved.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

NewsLeecher Christmas Theme in v5 Beta 8

The latest edition of NewsLeecher – Version 5 Beta 8 – has a new Christmas theme.  The xmas theme is cool.  With snow dropping from the top of the page.  We dig it.  Those who prefer another look can disable the theme.  We look forward to future NewsLeecher themes.  Newsleecher customers can grab the latest beta directly from the NewsLeecher download page.  Those new to the Usenet client can download a 14 day free trial.

The xmas theme is just one of the new features in the latest NewsLeecher beta.  Here’s a full list of changes directly from the NewsLeecher history log:

NewsLeecher v5.0 Beta 8
Release Date: 2011-11-16 17:42:31

*: ---------------------------------------------------------------
   -- Larger Change - Redesigned User Interface -- ---------------
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
   The graphical user interface in NewsLeecher has been changed
   quite a bit, to make the application more streamlined.
+: Implemented an xmas theme for NewsLeecher. The animated
   snow, that is part of the theme, can be turned off via this
   setting:
   Settings -> Adv. Nerdy Tweaks -> GUI Theme Animations Allowed
   This, and future themes, can be turned off complete from:
   Settings -> Adv. Nerdy Tweaks -> GUI Theme Allowed
+: The Repair & Extract Destination Manager can now also match
   PAR2 set names against group names, to decide the destination
   folder for extraced archives.
+: Implemented a GUI compact mode feature, that, when enabled,
   will resize some of the toolbars in NewsLeecher, so they take
   up less space on screen. Can be accessed via settings:
   Settings -> Adv. Nerdy Tweaks -> GUI Compact Mode
*: Vastly reduced the CPU cycles used by NewsLeecher, when lots
   of sets were present in the Repair & Extract view.


Visit Newsgroup Reviews to compare Usenet clients and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest news.

nzb4droid Android Mobile Usenet App

The android market continues to explode with nearly 325,000 apps already available.  One of the recent additions includes nzb4droid.  The nzb4droid app allows Android users to download from Usenet and save the files directly to their device via sdcard.  The nzb4droid app costs $4.04 and is available for Android 2.1 or higher.  For more information or to download the app visit the nzb4droid page on the Android Market site.

The nzbdroid app takes care of PAR repairs and the unRAR process.  Be aware though that each can take some time as the process is intensive.  Especially for larger downloads.  As you can see the application has some nice configurable features.  You can enable SSL and even choose an alternate port if desired.  From there you can set the number of connections and even a maximum download rate.  With additional Par options.

Not to confuse anyone.  nzbdroid is NOT a Usenet provider.  It is a mobile Usenet app to be used with your existing service.  If you need Usenet access take a look at the free trials and special offers sections of NGR.  Along with lots of hands-on reviews and guides.  Also please let us know what you think of nzbdroid.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet and follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

NewsDemon 200 Gigabyte for $9.00 Usenet Special

NewsDemon has run some excellent specials over the years.  From the popular Demon Deal which includes unlimited Usenet access and 30 GB of online storage for $9.99 a month to our NGR special which consists of 150 GB of Usenet access for $8.95 a month.  Now NewsDemon is rolling out a 200 GB monthly account.  Offering members up to 200 GB of monthly newsgroup downloads for $9 a month.

Let’s compare the new 200 GB promotion to the NGR Special and Demon Deal:

Demon Deal – Unlimited Usenet + Online Storage for $9.99 a month

The Demon Deal is our favorite NewsDemon special for those interested in unlimited Usenet.  Along with high retention, SSL encryption, 50 connections and a free newsreader, NewsDemon gives Demon Deal members 30 GB of free online storage.  All for just $9.99 a month.

200 GB Special – 200 GB of Usenet downloads for $9 a month

How much do you download each month?  A majority of newsgroup users would answer with a number less than 200 GB.  Most would be far less.  That’s why NewsDemon is offering the new 200 GB special.  Enjoy up to 200 GB of monthly Usenet access for just $9 a month.

NGR Special – 150 GB of Usenet downloads for $8.95 a month

 The NGR Special was the best deal going on metered Usenet access.  With up to 150 GB of newsgroup downloads for $8.95 a month.  While that’s still a great value the new 200 GB special gives you an extra 50 GB a month for a nickel.

Which NewsDemon deal is best?  It depends on your monthly usage and whether or not you want the online storage.  We like the Demon Deal the most and would pay the extra $1 a month for unlimited downloads and online storage.  While those who are just looking for Usenet and download less than 200 GB a month can save $1 each month with the 200 GB deal for $9 a month.

Some of the specials listed above are only accessible through NGRBlog.com and NewsgroupReviews.com.  Meaning if you go to Newsdemon.com directly or through another site the pricing will be different for some accounts.  To share the deals with friends send them to this post or the NewsDemon specials page of NGR.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest offers.

NewsgroupDirect November Terabyte Tuesday

NewsgroupDirect is at it again.  As they just launched their much anticipated November Terabyte Tuesday promotion.  Allowing new and existing members to buy 1 TB non-expiring block accounts for 50% off.  So you pay $50 rather than $100 for a terabyte of Usenet access.  To be used anytime.  An excellent value at just $0.20 a gigabyte.  Sign up before 12 AM EST on November 16th to take advantage of the Terabyte Tuesday promotion.

Join the NewsgroupDirect mailing list to learn about future NGD promotions like Terabyte Tuesday.  In addition one lucky mailing list member will win an iPad 2.  The winner will be notified within 48 hours after the sale ends.  New and current mailing list members all have a chance to win the iPad 2.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

—————

Here’s the scoop directly from the NewsgroupDirect blog post:

We’re back with a new Terabyte Tuesday sale today, November 15, 2011. We’re offering 1 Terabyte block usenet accounts for $50 (50% off the normal rate)! This is the best way to save on your usenet access costs. The sale runs from 12 AM EST on November 15 until 12 AM EST on November 16. All of our block accounts include access to our world-class retention (currently over 1,185 days), completion, and speed. NewsgroupDirect blocks never expire, so you can buy as many blocks as you want and never worry about losing them.