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Crossposting

Encyclopedia : C : CR : CRO : Crossposting

Crossposting is the act of posting a single copy of a message which is addressed to multiple forums, newsgroups or topic areas. This is distinct from '[Multipostingmultiposting]' which involves posting multiple messages, each posted to a single forum, newsgroup or topic area.

Crossposting in

In Usenet, the destination newsgroup or newsgroups for a particular message is indicated in the "Newsgroups:" header. Most commonly the header will indicate that the message is intended for one newsgroup only. For example;

Newsgroups: sci.space

However it is possible to specify that the message is intended for more than one newsgroup.

Newsgroups: sci.space,comp.simulation

In this case, the message will be visible both in the sci.space and comp.simulation newsgroups. Despite appearing in two separate places, only one message has been posted. This has several advantages.

  • A crossposted message takes up less server storage space, and creates less network traffic, than if individual messages had been posted to multiple newsgroups.
  • Usenet reader software can intelligently track whether or not the user has already viewed the message in one newsgroup, even though they might currently be looking at another newsgroup. If multiple individual messages had been posted, each would appear to be a new unread message in each newsgroup.
  • Replies to crossposted messages will be, by default, also crossposted, and so conversations can occur between readers of the multiple newsgroups without any confusion, so long as nobody "breaks the thread" by changing the groups they post their reply to.
Crossposting is usually practiced when material is relevant and of interest to the readers of more than one newsgroup. However sometimes it is used maliciously to begin a thread between newsgroups whose readers are likely to have violently differing opinions, in the hope of provoking a conflict. This is a form of trolling.

Crossposting to more than a small number of newsgroups is likely to be counterproductive. A commonly suggested limit is three newsgroups.

Other Meanings

A second meaning has evolved on some internet message boards. Crossposting (also known as x-posting) occurs when two persons post responses to the same message thread at almost the same time, often rendering the slightly later post irrelevant, funny, meaningless or inappropriate.

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