Shemes

Shemes is a Usenet provider with a special connection to the Usenet software world: the company is known as the developer of GrabIt, a widely used and reputedly user-friendly Usenet newsreader. Shemes's Usenet service is directly integrated with this software — users who choose a download plan simultaneously get full access to all GrabIt search functions.

The offering targets pure search users (search access without downloads) as well as occasional users with limited data volume and power users with unlimited download needs.

Four Plans – From Search to Unlimited

Shemes offers four plan tiers ranging from pure search access to fully unlimited downloads:

Unlimited Search Only – $2.49/month ($2.08/month with annual billing)

• Access to GrabIt search function with unlimited use
• Up to 10,000 search results per query
• Browser-based access with maximum retention
• No download quota
• Ideal for users who download content via another provider and only want to use Shemes's search

Unlimited Search + 5 GB Download – $3.50/month

• Full GrabIt search access
• 5 GB monthly download quota
• Rollover credits: unused volume carries over to the next month
• 6+ years retention
• 45 simultaneous connections
• SSL encryption

Unlimited Search + 50 GB Download – $10.00/month

• Full GrabIt search access
• 50 GB monthly download quota
• Rollover credits: unused volume carries over
• 6+ years retention
• 45 simultaneous connections
• SSL encryption

Unlimited Search + Unlimited Download – $14.95/month ($12.95/month with annual billing)

• Full GrabIt search access
• Unlimited downloads with no data cap
• EU and US server locations
• 6+ years retention
• 45 simultaneous connections
• SSL encryption

The Rollover Credit System

An interesting feature of the limited download plans (5 GB and 50 GB) is the rollover credits system: unused data volume at month's end carries over to the following month rather than expiring. This makes these plans particularly attractive for users with irregular download habits — anyone using only 2 GB of their 5 GB in one month has 8 GB available the next.

GrabIt: Integrated Newsreader

GrabIt is a well-known Windows Usenet software with a particular focus on ease of use. Integration into Shemes plans means:

• No need to purchase an additional newsreader
• Direct search function within the software (SuperSearch-like)
• Up to 10,000 search results per query
• Browsing Usenet without external indexer websites

Technical Infrastructure

• Retention: 6+ years (over 2,200 days) — over 6 years of stored binary content
• Connections: 45 simultaneous connections (all download plans)
• Servers: own news servers (news.shemes.com) in the EU and US
• Encryption: SSL included
• Infrastructure update: Shemes migrated to its own news servers after completion issues arose with a former third-party provider

The switch to its own servers is a positive signal for long-term service quality: Shemes is no longer dependent on external backbone providers and can control quality directly.

Retention of 6+ years (over 2,200 days) is in the solid mid-range. For current and mid-term archived content, this is more than sufficient.

Assessment

Strengths:

• Unique model: GrabIt newsreader directly integrated
• Rollover credits on metered plans — no volume lost at month's end
• Search access as a standalone plan (for users with their own Usenet access)
• 45 connections on all download plans
• Own server infrastructure in the EU and US

Limitations:

• GrabIt is Windows-only — Mac/Linux users don't benefit from the integration
• No free trial
• $14.95/month for Unlimited is on the higher end

Who is Shemes for?

• Windows users seeking an all-in-one service with an integrated newsreader
• Users with variable download needs who want to make use of rollover credits
• Users with their own Usenet access who only need the GrabIt search function ($2.49/month)
• Users with moderate needs (5 GB/month), for whom the $3.50 plan fits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GrabIt and why is it relevant at Shemes?

GrabIt is a well-known Windows Usenet newsreader developed by Shemes. All Shemes plans include unlimited access to the GrabIt search function with up to 10,000 results per query.

What plans does Shemes offer?

Four plans: Search Only ($2.49/month), Search + 5 GB ($3.50/month), Search + 50 GB ($10/month), Search + Unlimited ($14.95/month). Annual discounts available on Search Only and Unlimited.

What are rollover credits at Shemes?

Unused data volume at month's end carries over to the next month — no volume lost from non-use.

What is Shemes's retention?

Over 6 years (over 2,200 days) of retention on EU and US servers.

Is there a trial at Shemes?

No known free trial.