I am sending this here _prior_ to posting it to give advance warning; responses received have varied on the methods of creation of the group, but have largely tended toward a consensus that it is wise to have some sort of discussion period; in addition, I have chosen a cross-post to those groups most likely to have an interest in creating the group, and if this results in a flamewar in alt.config, so be it. After I tally the votes and they vastly outnumber the NOs I will create the newsgroup without further delay. I just wish for people to clarify; sorry if you missed it, but this is going out in four hours exactly to the aforementioned newsgroups. I will implement all important suggestions mailed to me by that time, including alteration of procedural points, wording changes, alteration of Newsgroups: line, etc. I will also delay posting if valid and immediate concerns are brought to light; however, since I leave the major axes: Moderated or unmoderated, length of discussion period, length of voting period, open for discussion, it should not be a disaster if it goes out in its current form. Join the discussion, and if you like the idea, PLEASE send a YES vote only WHEN the Call for Votes is posted. Additionally, suggestions for additions/deletions of Newsgroups from the crosspost, or a more appropriate place to redirect replies, or any suggestions whatever will be adopted if suitable. If you have no interest in the privacy issue, please type 'd' now. ---- Newsgroups: alt.config, alt.privacy, alt.privacy.anon-server, soc.motss, alt.sex, alt.sex.bestiality, alt.drugs, comp.protocols.tcp-ip.eniac Followup-to: alt.config Subject: Call for discussion: alt.whistleblower In light of the current debate concerning whether anonymous posting can serve a useful purpose, I propose the immediate experiment of creating a group which shall provide a genuinely useful service to the public. This newsgroup is to be called alt.whistleblower, and is for the purpose of allowing those who might otherwise be unwilling to come forward to provide information about the illegal activities of government agencies, large corporations and similar malefactors without fear of illegal reprisals against them. The need for this group is evident in light of the extreme usefulness of information concerning the behavior of the governing bodies of the United States, and the large number of government employees and corporate employees with access to the Internet and anonymous posting services. This group could also include reports of illegal discrimination by those who fear reprisal if they reveal their names, information concerning safety issues by those who know that their company is releasing an unsafe or dangerous product, or defrauding customers by dishonest and illegal means. Considering the immediate need for this newsgroup in light of those who, in many cases, provide services for a fee and then provide an inadequate service by cutting their downstream sites from reading anything that the service-provider deems is inappropriate, I request a waiver of procedure in this matter and that, if significant interest is present and seems to form a general consensus, it shall be accepted that I revise and present a prospectus for this newsgroup and a call for votes on a date no sooner than seven days from this initial posting and no later than ten days after the call for discussion. Procedural points concerning the length of the voting period are to be addressed in the public discussion, and anyone wishing to send anonymous mail should forward it to me. This newsgroup is necessary and of great potential use, as those of you with a legitimate need for privacy know well. If you value your privacy, let us discuss this wisely and equitably in order to reach a consensus. Whether this newsgroup is to be moderated or unmoderated, whether the name is appropriate or another hierarchy would be preferable, and all procedural points are to be decided based on the general consensus. I realize there will be those who will oppose the creation of this newsgroup on the oft-cited grounds that "Anyone who needs privacy must be hiding something." This is true; however, in our society there are many things which need to be revealed as well as many things which need to be concealed. I believe that a corollary truism could be applied to those who oppose the notion of public privacy. "Anyone who fears privacy must be hiding something." Let the discussion begin. Final note: Do NOT, repeat, NOT send votes until I post a "Call for Votes" at the end of the discussion period. The length of the discussion period may be increased if some drastic occurrence requires it, but I'm planning to post it in one week. Vote then. I thank you for your consideration in this matter. ---- "Occasionally an honest man is sent to the legislature." Mark Twain rclark@nyx.cs.du.edu PGP key available by mail or finger rclark@metal.psu.edu