Usenet is going crazy with the retention upgrades

For my first post since returning from my "walkabout" I am going to talk about the retention insanity going on with usenet right now.

And when I say insanity, I mean crazy-cat-lady insanity.  Usenet service providers, like Giganews, are BLOWING UP their binary retention.  Massive improvements.

Now, for those not in the know about usenet, I'll offer you 3 quick primers:

1. Check out my previous posts on the subject
2. Get your learn on here (don't worry, it's an easy read)
3. There is no number three. 

Some of you are all, "whatever man, what's retention? why the hell do I care?"  Well, put simply.  Retention is how long a usenet service provider stores posts.  Period.  Retention is measured in days.  It's broken into 2 primary categories:  text and binaries.  Unless you hang out in sci.space.science like, um, nobody I know (ha)...all you care about is binary retention.  The larger the retention (in days) the more posts (i.e. stuff) available for you to sift through.  More stuff (i.e. information) equals more fun.  You care because this insanity of improvement has moved binary retention to within striking distance of 3 calendar years.   

Unless you're really dense, or in a total fog (totally understandable, I just popped out of mine), you should be thinking to yourself...."Hmmm, 3 years of content - HORRY SHIET!!"

In celebration of this insanity, Giganews is running a promotion.  Plus they have a great new signup discount as well.  Now is the time to check out usenet if you haven't done so already.  In addition to what's going on over at Giganews, you have Easynews, Newshosting, and UsenetServer all pulling the same shenanigans.  Massively improving their retention for customers.  Right now Giganews is in the lead, which is per the usual - they tend to keep the best retention in the business.  If you're interested in seeing some comparison between the providers, head here:  vpnandusenetreviews.com   

At this point it's a day for day uptick on the retention numbers.  Every one calendar day that passes, adds one day retention.  In other words, they've expanded their storage space so much they are comfortable letting retention grow every day.  I assume once they get uncomfortable this day for day uptick will stop.  Let's hope that's not before we hit 1,095 days (365x3=1095).

BTW, this shit has been in the news and all over the web lately on the usenet sites, review sites, and the like.  (just a friendly note on Slyck.com - decent content, but don't trust the recommendations.  Anyone that recommends Binverse does not have your best interests in heart...do your research)

He's baaaaaccckkk! Stoneycase is alive and well

Contrary to what you read in the tabloids, I am not dead.  Keeping true to my motto: "Stoneycase, it's more than just a name, it's a frame of mind"  I disappeared into the ether from the end of January, until...um...now.  Yes, this exact moment.  I just emerged.  Yeah, it happened just like that.  You see, a stoneycase frame of mind is well, kinda hazy...and somewhat difficult to navigate.  Sometimes you just end up wandering.

However, I am reminded of a passage from one of my favorites:

Frodo felt Bilbo stir impatiently at his side. Evidently he was annoyed on his friend’s behalf. Standing suddenly up he burst out:

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.

by J. R. R. Tolkien (3 January 1892 – 2 September 1973)
from The Fellowship of the Ring
chapter: The Council of Elrond


So please excuse the wandering, and the absence.  Though I can't promise I won't do it again...once a wanderer, always a wanderer...