At 5:41 PM 9/5/94 -0700, Hal wrote:
Then perhaps we can avoid arguing about what a reputation is, and instead focus on the interesting issue of what the role of cryptography will be in establishing reputations in a possibly-pseudonymous business network.
I think the distinction between "reputation" and "credential" is an important one in this context. I would be interested in discussing "the interesting issue of what the role of cryptography will be in establishing <credentials> in a possibly-pseudonymous business network", i.e. TRW credit reports, drivers licenses, or ATM cards (all of which may or may not be tied to a reputation or to a valuable, wonderful person - doesn't matter to me. Will I get my money outta the deal?). ***************************************** Conrad Walton cwalton@earthlink.net ***************************************** Without JOY there can be no STRENGTH. Without STRENGTH, all other virtures are worthless. Edward Abbey