I've noticed some discussions of IRC (Internet Relay Chat), both as a possible model for CP interactions, as well as a location for implementations of BlackNet (in #wares, etc.) Note that IRC, unlike MUDS, has been designed to ensure 'true-names'. While you do use nicknames, anyone can find out the machine name and user ID you are logged in from, with a /whois. Anytime you join or leave a channel, your full machine name and user ID is displayed to everyone, along with your nick. This is different from any (possibly pseudonymous) e-mail address you register for incoming mail. In #wares, people typically trade names of unauthorised FSP sites (such as the one in the LaMacchia case), which normally remain active for less than a few weeks. Though entry to IRC channels can be by invitation only, everyone knows everyone else's real (in the sense of machine and ID) identity. Not CP-friendly at all. It would be nice to have a #Cypherpunks channel, though... many of us don't mind revealing our identities to each other, and it could increase the frequency of interactive sessions greatly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rishab Aiyer Ghosh "What is civilisation rishab@dxm.ernet.in but a ribonucleic Voicemail +91 11 3760335; Vox/Fax/Data 6853410 hangover?" H-34C Saket New Delhi 110017 INDIA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------