FWIW, in my (somewhat different) experience with usenet, I've noticed
the following.

  - fixed-width fonts are traditional, as usenet predates variable-width
    computer fonts. this is now a preference and is unenforcible. it
    _is_, however, _my_ preference.

  - top-posting is evil!  top-posting arrived with MS Outlook Distress
    and possibly also with the first AOLers.  it is generally preferred
    to quote the relevant _piece_ of text, then reply, then the _next_
    relevant piece, reply, repeat.

  - quoted signatures, likewise, are generally a nuisance.

These things are often addressed in a newsgroup's FAQ or charter,
along with what, precisely, is considered "on-topic" to try to avoid
confusion.  The FAQ/charter would tell new posters _not_ to request
binaries in this ng.

Also, profanity is typically considered vulgar, both in usenet and
elsewhere IRL.  Since this ng is _not_ in the alt.* hierarchy, so I
assume it clings to higher standards.

That said, I belong to no German ngs, and 80% of my subscriptions
are inside the comp.* hierarchy.  I use a text-mode newsreader which
runs in an xterm; I can easily use a graphical news client (a la NS
Messenger) but I don't.  The items in the list above are my opinions
and preferences, though they are hardly "rules" in any sense American's
typically understand.

I realize I'm probably in the minority of this group, but I thought I'd
offer a different viewpoint.

On a different note: I can't recall Eva 04 either, though I remember
03's attack quite well. =(

wrt Disaster's response: YHBT. YHL. HAND.

Tim Hammerquist
-- 
Abel had been dead for a couple of hours now.
But he was starting to feel better.
    -- Narrator, The Sandman