What's the status of text posts on #Usenet in 2025? I know it's mostly used for binary file distribution these days, but I'm not interested in that at all. Do people still use it for its original purpose of being a public forum, or is it just overrun with spam? If so, are there any good free / cheap options for providers (again assuming I'm not interested in binaries)? Is it completely impractical to run my own?
in reply to R.L. Dane 🍵

One option for access to text-only Usenet is a web gateway I operate at newsgrouper.org.uk/ . There are a few others also: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web-base… .

Indeed, large parts of Usenet are essentially dead, but there are some corners where worthwhile discussion continues. I try to indicate the most active groups at newsgrouper.org.uk/tops . Spam has reduced greatly since google groups disconnected last year.
#usenet