Whilst the arguments "against" online advertising are many and are BOUND to be the most vocal, I'd just like to put in a pitch that counters that thread. I really like to see what people are up to - if that means they are tryin to earn a living from their activities, then thats fine by me. So I like to see good, clever, informative and interesting advertising material - PROVIDED it is NOT posted repeatedly ad nauseam - i'd forgive once, twice, thrice over a period of a month or so - then if it came in again I'd shout! If you look closely at what actually comes across from all quarters i think you'd agree that we do receive a lot of "advertising" in many subtle guises. Gee - even crediting a magazine from which an article is swiped is a form of advertising ;-) I view the net as a way of life... as such i would even LIKE to be able to order all sorts of things via email. For instance if some of the more prolific writers among us wanted to earn something from their writing, then i believe it would be very acceptable to make books, journal subscriptions, limited print-runs etc available in an online catalog - again, providing it was interesting, informative reading in its own right then I would have no objection whatsoever. I could probably wax lyrical with many other examples, but i'm sure you get my drift. I'm very interested in this debate and hope that some sensible guidelines may be formulated by such discussion. Naturally, in moderated newsgroups, this issue is clearly dealt with... but yet is it correct that the moderator be the "all-powerful" hand of CUT or KEEP. You may also gather from the above that i am totally against censorship of ANY sort - fully knowing what a can of worms that opens up in regard to online communications. ...looking forward to hearing more... enuf from me :-) Michael Ney PO Box 566 Milsons Point NSW 2061 Australia Tel: (+61-2) 692-8168 Email via APC: peg:visionary via Internet: visionary@peg.apc.org Engaged in graphic design, photography, journalism and publishing. No job too small - will work within budget limitations - fast service! ...But that wasnt an advert - I was just telling you about myself :-) ________________ VISIONARY MEDIA _____________________________________