Enter a clue or pattern or both:
The Clue
Web forums' ancestor (6 letter answer)
The Answer
USENET
Tags
Notes
The answer USENET is seen occasionally, appearing about once every 800 puzzles.
Related Clues
Early computer forum
Early online forum
Electronic newsgroup system
One of its groups is rec.puzzles
Large system of newsgroups
Online newsgroup system
Predecessor of Web forums
Early online discussion setting
Newsgroup system since 1980
Setting for many early online discussions