1. Copyright  2003 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPTs t/a Internet Marketing Intelligence by Edward Forrest 9-1 Internet Marketing Intelligence Chapter 9 Applied Research Methods for Newsgroups and Discussion Groups

2. Copyright  2003 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPTs t/a Internet Marketing Intelligence by Edward Forrest 9-2 Objectives Provides a practical, step-by-step guide for conducting research in newsgroups. Uses a three-level plan for detailed methodology: newsgroup searches posting to newsgroups creating a new newsgroup or discussion group

3. Copyright  2003 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPTs t/a Internet Marketing Intelligence by Edward Forrest 9-3 8 Steps to Research in Newsgroups 1. Read introductory postings. 2. Perform an advanced search for relevant newsgroups. 3. Read the FAQs of the newsgroup. 4. Read postings in specific newsgroups to get a ‘feel’ for the group.

4. Copyright  2003 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPTs t/a Internet Marketing Intelligence by Edward Forrest 9-4 8 Steps to Research in Newsgroups (cont.) 5. If a question is not answered in posts or FAQs, email local ‘experts’ in the group. 6. Post a question, and allow a few days for replies. 7. Post a survey (if the group allows it). 8. Create a new newsgroup.

5. Copyright  2003 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPTs t/a Internet Marketing Intelligence by Edward Forrest 9-5 Three Methods of Research in Newsgroups A—Newsgroup search B—Postings to a newsgroup C—Create a new newsgroup

6. Copyright  2003 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPTs t/a Internet Marketing Intelligence by Edward Forrest 9-6 Method A: Newsgroup Search Use the ‘search’ function in the newsgroup for a specific topic Try using an Advanced search http://www.groups.google.com/

7. Copyright  2003 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPTs t/a Internet Marketing Intelligence by Edward Forrest 9-7 Method B: Posting to a Newsgroup For further clarification on specific topics, or if a search does not yield desired results. To get a simple answer to a question, post the question in a more informal manner for unbiased results. ‘What would you think of …’ ‘Does anyone have any experience with …’ Remember, however, that there are certain ethical implications of not making your motives entirely clear

8. Copyright  2003 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPTs t/a Internet Marketing Intelligence by Edward Forrest 9-8 Method C: Create a new newsgroup For an in-depth, ongoing collection of information, especially in a specific area When no newsgroups match the topic of research Name the group Define the group The researcher should be assigned as the moderator Invite people to the group

9. Copyright  2003 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPTs t/a Internet Marketing Intelligence by Edward Forrest 9-9 Summary Newsgroups provide a very useful resource for gathering information. Many of the groups are full of very knowledgeable people who are able and willing to contribute to the group. If postings to newsgroups are well placed, properly constructed and follow proper netiquette, a researchers experience in newsgroups will be both productive and enjoyable.