Yahoo Groups closing down

[janusz]

Yahoo has made the decision to no longer allow users to upload content to the Yahoo Groups site. Beginning October 28 you won't be able to upload any more content to the site, and as of December 14 all previously posted content on the site will be permanently removed.

https://help.yahoo.com/kb/SLN31010.html

No big regrets, as far as I'm concerned.

[Tsunami]

I didn't even know those still existed Was anyone still using that?

In a way though, it is a pity is is disappearing. I've known Yahoo Groups back since the days MSN Groups/Communities were still big, Myspace was huge and Facebook still virtually unknown… To see Yahoo Groups disappear is like a last survivor of that era ceasing to exist. The nostalgia element makes me regret this, although I haven't used or visited a Yahoo Group in ages.

[Berenburger]

It does not disappear completely.

Dear Group Moderators and Members,

Thank you for your commitment to Yahoo and for helping us define the power of digital communities. Eighteen years ago, we combined the functionality of a site called eGroups.com with a precursor community platform called Yahoo Clubs to launch Yahoo Groups. Since then, you and millions of others have helped prove our hypothesis, by creating and joining more than 10 Million groups.

A lot has changed about the Internet since 2001, including the ways most people now use Yahoo Groups. Today, most Yahoo Groups activity happens in your email inbox, not on the bulletin boards where Yahoo Groups started in the pre-smartphone age. Increasingly, people want content and connections coming directly to them, and this is why we continue to invest in Yahoo Mail -- including the recent launch of a new Yahoo Mail app that is currently the highest-rated email app in the App Store and Google Play.

So, as our users’ habits have evolved, we have begun the process of evolving our approach to help active Yahoo Groups thrive and migrate to our email platform. To help you plan for these changes, below is the schedule of how this transition will happen.

Beginning October 28, 2019:
Users will be able to join a Yahoo Group only through an invite from the Group Moderator or by submitting a request to join a Group, which requires approval by the Group Moderator.
Since we are moving Group communication from posting on message boards to email distribution, uploading and hosting of new content will also be disabled on the Yahoo Groups website.

Beginning December 14, 2019:
All Groups will be made private and any content that was previously uploaded via the website will be removed. We believe privacy is critical and made this decision to better align with our overall principles.
If you would like to keep any of the content you’ve posted or stored in the past within your Yahoo Group, please download it by December 14 by accessing this link.

As these dates get closer, we will send follow-up reminders. More information about the upcoming changes can be found here.

While this evolution of Yahoo Groups is inspired by how we see the platform being used today, we know change can be difficult. Here are a few important facts as we make this transition:

1. Yahoo Groups is not going away - We know that our users are deeply passionate about connecting around shared interests, and we are evolving Groups to better align with how you use it today.

2. New groups can still be formed - Users can continue to connect with others around their common bonds and interests. From animal rescues to sporting and activity groups, civic organizations to local PTAs, members of our Yahoo Groups will remain connected and able to share their activities and interests. All of the content that you have shared previously on the website, can continue to be shared via email.

We know that Yahoo Groups is an important online extension of your real-life group of friends, interests and communities, and we are committed to supporting communities that rely on Yahoo Groups. Thanks for coming along with us this far. We look forward to seeing where the technology -- and you -- take us in the decades to come.

Sincerely,
The Groups Team

[chrisretusn]

At one time I was a member of several Yahoo Groups. Just counted the folders in my email client, 16 of them. Most quit being active ages ago, only one of them is still active. Last email from that group was yesterday. Been getting the notices that it's shutting down. It a huge discussion topic right now regarding alternatives.

[janusz]

Groups.io is an alternative. Quite a few Yahoo groups moved lock, stock and barrel there.

[jeffpan]

what is yahoo groups? some years later we may ask: what is yahoo mail?

[EricG]

Originally Posted by janusz

Groups.io is an alternative. Quite a few Yahoo groups moved lock, stock and barrel there.

They have a free non-commercial plan with 1GB storage. Last year you could transfer a yahoo group for free. Earlier this year they required a paid account ($100/yr). Last month they doubled the fee because they are overwhelmed.

If someone in the group saved all their emails, can can export them to EML format and distribute in a ZIP for free. If you email client doesn't support import/export of EMLs, use MailStore Home.