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Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 exptools 1/6/84; site ihuxu.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxj!ihnp4!ihuxu!jhall
From: jhall@ihuxu.UUCP (John R. Hall-"the samurai MTS")
Newsgroups: net.news
Subject: Re: Welcome to Usenet 1984
Message-ID: <402@ihuxu.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 29-Oct-84 01:10:50 EST
Article-I.D.: ihuxu.402
Posted: Mon Oct 29 01:10:50 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 30-Oct-84 00:34:56 EST
References: <274@haddock.UUCP>, <444@cbosgd.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 26

Well, I still feel that net articles reflect the views of the posters,
and have no ill effect on my views on the company or university that owns
the machine.  I haven't any idea how "most companies" feel.  However, ATT-BL
has a very strong affirmative action commitment, so it doesn't surprise me
that the Denver machines got restricted net access as a result of the BLKTRAN
joke.  Now, I don't agree with decision because it cut off any further
possibility of discussion.  How else are we to learn?  But I think it's great
that the company didn't ignore the problem.

As far as notifying supervision of wrongdoings on the net, I'd say it's
rarely needed, and is acceptable only if a copy of all correspondence including
the accusor's name is sent to the accusee (is that a word?).  If I were a
supervisor, I'd throw anonymous accusations in the trash.  And if the accusee
doesn't get a copy of the correspondence, it's backstabbing.  My supervisor
scores two points for sharing some very mild threats against me sent to him by
another BTL dept., with no copies sent to me (this had nothing to do with
the net, but the same principle applies).

I think peer pressure is good enough to take care of most all infractions
on the net.  I once generated a string of about 45 flames as the result
of one posting.  I'd say these had a positive effect, in that now I think
more carefully about what I post.  But I'm still very outspoken, and
unmoderated newsgroups are one of the uncensored means of communicating.
And that's the way I think it should be.
-- 
--John R. Hall, ...ihnp4!ihuxu!jhall "And may your days be celebrations"