This morning I read with bemusement (and amusement) the announcement of FV's discovery of keystroke capture programs. Bemusement because we discussed these in a Cypherpunks physical meeting a couple of years ago (and on the list, too). Many of us even have them installed deliberately, for error recovery. Amusement because it looked like much ado about nothing. Then I went out for the day--contrary to popular belief, I do occasionally leave my Internet connection and venture outside--and happened to read the local newspaper. There, in a major new story by Simson Garfinkel, was the FV story plastered all over the newspaper. FUD, indeed. But, it occurred to me, this is just part of the larger syndrom. Simson's article was practically written from the FV press release. While he interviewed some "security experts," clearly the timing of his article (this morning) and the announcement by Nathaniel of his discovery (this morning) suggests the cozy relationship involved. The larger syndrome is that software deals, alliances, mergers, and problems are all based on hype. Nathaniel Borenstein issues press releases, Sameer Parekh issues press releases, and maybe even I would issue press releases if only I knew how to. Every day the business news is dominated by stories of alliances and partnerships between Microsoft, MCI, Intel, Apple, Sun, Verifone, DirectTV, Newscorp, Sprint, AT&T, BT&T, CT&T, and all the rest. And a lot of it is hype, posturing. Much of the supposed future will never emerge (anyone remember Satellite Business Systems?) Journalists seem to love this, because the press releases write the stories. Companies like it, too, because they can get free newspaper space. Everyone is scratching each other's back. And those wacky Cypherpunks, with their t-shirts and their strange ideas, are always good for a quick quote, too. --Tim May Boycott espionage-enabled software! We got computers, we're tapping phone lines, we know that that ain't allowed. ---------:---------:---------:---------:---------:---------:---------:---- Timothy C. May | Crypto Anarchy: encryption, digital money, tcmay@got.net 408-728-0152 | anonymous networks, digital pseudonyms, zero W.A.S.T.E.: Corralitos, CA | knowledge, reputations, information markets, Higher Power: 2^756839 - 1 | black markets, collapse of governments. "National borders aren't even speed bumps on the information superhighway."