What did we do before spielfrieks?

I played Catan and El Grande in 1998 and found both BoardGameGeek and
Spielfrieks soon after they were created in 2000, but I'm trying to
remember what information was available on the web prior to 2000. What
websites were used and what other places? I slightly remember
rec.board.games or rec.games.board or something like that but I don't
remember what it was.

Where did we find our translations?

Also, if there is an article or info about when Jay first brought the games
over for Mayfair, that would be interesting to me.

Thanks!

Brent Mair
- Spielguy