Rec.arts.tv.soaps.cbs
2770536
74993294
2006-09-10T23:11:52Z
Juppiter
94475
/* Characteristics */
'''Rec.arts.tv.soaps.cbs''' is a [[newsgroup]] which was created in [[1994]] after the dissolution of [[rec.arts.tv.soaps]]. It (along with [[rec.arts.tv.soaps.abc]] and [[rec.arts.tv.soaps.misc]]) was created due to increasing traffic (around 300 posts per day) and difficulty in reading the previous group. The first posts in the [[Google]] groups archive from ''RATSC'' were written on [[December 4]], [[1994]]. In [[2004]], the group averaged 115 posts per day. In 2005, it averaged only 105 posts per day.
==Charter==
The group was proposed by Cari D. Burstein on [[August 11]], [[1994]] with the following charter:
''For specific discussion about the [[CBS]] network's soaps, specifically: ''[[The Young and the Restless]]'', ''[[The Bold and the Beautiful]]'', ''[[As the World Turns]]'', and ''[[Guiding Light]]''- as well as discussion about CBS and soap operas when not related to a specific soap opera''
==Characteristics==
In the mid-to-late nineties, RATSC continued in the vein of its predecessor, providing both commentary and updates on the CBS soap operas. Such updates were normally long, complex, and comical. As the popularity of the [[World Wide Web]] increased, however, episode transcripts and summaries started becoming available on official and fan websites and fewer were posted in RATSC. By the early '00s, people requesting a summary would usually be redirected to one of these websites.
Since not all posters watch all 4 CBS soaps, it is almost like a newsgroup version of Switzerland; four different groups of people united. Some practices would be popular among the fans of one show, but not by the fans of another. ''As the World Turns'' fans, for instance, developed a game called "Favorite As the World Turns Character." Each newsgroup member took on the personality of his or her favorite character on the show, and would occasionally provide commentary from that character's point of view, signing as ''FAC Carly'' for instance. This practice, however, inexplicably stopped around [[2000]].
''The Young & the Restless'' is the most popular show discussed in the group, while ''As the World Turns'' and ''Guiding Light'' are about tied for second. ''The Bold & the Beautiful'' receives discussion in RATSC only sparingly.
==Netiquette==
RATSC has a somewhat contentious atmosphere when it comes to netiquette. Headers are required for all articles since a fan of one soap may not necessarily care about articles concerning another. Spoiler warnings also must be in the topic of any article containing either upcoming storyline or casting news. [[Top posting]] is a despised practice among many RATSC posters.
[[Category:Newsgroups]]