Re: NNTP - how to check for removed newsgroups ?

Auric__,


>> Simple question : using the NNTP protocol - How do I check for
>> newsgroups that have been removed ?

> There isn't a method defined in any RFC to do so,

I didn't see one either.  Doesn't mean I could not have overlooked the 
specific RFC and the appropriate command in it.   Hence my question.

> because there are a number  of hurdles that make it infeasible:

"infeasible" ?  I beg to disagree.

> - *WHO* decides what groups to include on that list?

Who decides which groups to include in the "new newsgroups" list?

> - How far back do you want to go/removed since *WHEN*?

Thats the same problem as for the "new newsgroups" list.  Maybe use the same 
method ?

> - For each user, the server would need to remember the last time that user
>  checked the groups, and what groups have been removed since then. *WHERE*
>  does the server store this information?

As the "new newsgroups" list doesn't suffer any such problems I do not see 
why an "old newsgroups" should suffer them.

> - *WHY* would the server retain information it has already removed?

For the same reason it retains information about which "new" newsgroups it 
has ?

> The *only* method to do this is using the "LIST" command.

Nope.  I already mentioned another one in the initial post.

But now you mention it, that LIST command can also be used to find any new 
newsgroups.  But they still implemented a seperate command for it.  Why ?

> Alternately, you could send the "CAPABILITIES" command and see what
> the server returns. Maybe your chosen server has a method to do what
> you want. (Don't count on it.)

:-) "Don't count on it" :-)

Regards,
Rudy Wieser