(Updated Nov, 3, 2018)
(Please refer to back to this Google Doc for the most updated version.
Events are fast moving and both tools and methods are changing.)
(Web-formatted version of this document)
With a few exceptions, most of the Yahoo Groups require that you become a member.
Yahoo has 2 types of Groups:
1, Automatic Membership (anyone can click and join)
2. Moderator Approval membership. If you plan to join a Group that requires moderator approval, here are some sample messages to send to the list owner.
Once you have finished joining your Groups, submit a request to Yahoo/Verizon asking them to send you a download of your Group data (GetMyData). It will include messages, but none of the photos and only a few of the files. Your deadline is Dec 14, 2019 (although we recommend submitting your data request by Dec 1, 2019 to be safe).
Direct link: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/getmydata
The Chrome Message Downloader extension is a free tool that anyone can use (Mac or PC) on their Chrome browser.
Pros: free, Mac or PC
Cons: It will only download messages, not files or photos. Messages are in plain text so hyperlinks (links to other websites) and formatting will be lost
Python (link)
Pros: can download Photos, Files and Messages. Faster and more complete. Plus...Free!
Cons: The messages will not be in an immediately human-readable format (json). May be too difficult for beginners to install
Pros: This is the best one stop solution - it will download your files, photos, and your messages in a readable format.
Cons: a one time fee for $25. There is a free trial version that you can try. It will only download 1000 messages or files. The license process is manual - you need to send an email to the developer. He typically responds in 48hrs.
Video: (link)
You can also help the Archive Team (a non-fandom group) who have developed a Chrome plugin that will allow you to join Automatic Membership groups with a temporary Yahoo account. The Archive Team will then take it from there and will do the downloading. Note: this plugin focuses on both fandom and non-fandom groups and the files will not be sent to Open Doors. If you are backing up a fandom group for submission to Open Doors, use one of the other tools listed above.