> Since I don't care for the graphics, and I only want the 
> html/text I'm using the following string:
> 
> I've tried several variations, and the results either get 
> me the entire site (which I don't want) or I get basically 
> nothing.

You will need to make use of the -* "exclude all" filter.  
So firstly you exclude every link and file except the first 
page you point to, then you build up what you WANT.

For what you need, though, try the following.

Set your start URL to the index of all the archives:
<http://www.novogate.com/boards/archive.php?boardid=2891>

Then set your filter to:
-*  +www.novogate.com/board/2891/Archives/*