Since I saw Paul Raine's presentation on proposed USPS electronic timestamping and CA services (btw, they are also proposing to archive business e-correspondence for a fee), I've been trying to recall a nasty little episode from about 15 years ago. Paul was adamant that the USPS would never seek a monopoly position on any e-service. However, back in the early 80's (It had to be in the 1980-83 range, I suspect 1981) I clearly remember a proposal that the USPS be granted the monopoly status as email carrier that it then and still enjoys for first class mail. As I recall, the proposal would require email to be routed to the nearest post office to the destination, and there printed and delivered as paper mail. Needless to say, this did not happen. I am not certain, but would not be at all surprised, if this suggestion actually emanated from the letter carrier's union. I remember a line from some official, along the lines of "We don't know exactly what this thing [email] is, but we own it!" I know that I am not hallucinating this, but the above is pretty much all I recall. Anyone else have more details? Peter Trei trei@process.com