Sunnyvale, California-based Talkway Inc today launched a Java newsreader called Talkway 2.0. The applet, which requires a Java- enabled web browser, provides a graphical user interface to the giant collection of online discussion groups known as Usenet. It also replaces Usenet’s arcane hierarchy of names (sci.physics, for example, or rec.pets.cets) with non-threatening substitutes. Talkway advises advertisers that Usenet users turn to the discussion boards when they are ready to make purchasing decisions. The company hopes to license the Java client to advertisers, who can then provide access to relevant newsgroups through their web sites. Conversely, Talkway wants use its point-and-click interface and friendly language to siphon mainstream users off the web and into Usenet. Just what the notoriously touchy Usenet community, many of whose members still regard AOL subscribers as newbies will make of an influx of mainstream consumers to their space is anyone’s guess.
