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From: rshapiro@bbn.com (Richard Shapiro)
Newsgroups: news.groups
Subject: Re: ***Call for discussion:  Rec.video.software***
Message-ID: <48512@bbn.COM>
Date: 20 Nov 89 15:03:42 GMT
References: <17100@umn-cs.CS.UMN.EDU>
Sender: news@bbn.COM
Reply-To: rshapiro@BBN.COM (Richard Shapiro)
Organization: Bolt Beranek and Newman Inc., Cambridge MA
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In article <17100@umn-cs.CS.UMN.EDU> kanefsky@umn-cs.cs.umn.edu (Steve Kanefsky) writes:
>This is a formal call for discussion on the formation of a new newsgroup
>to be called rec.video.software (the name is also up for discussion, for
>those who may be opposed to the use of "software" in this context).
>
>This unmoderated group would be for the discussion of video software in any 
>currently available format, including VHS, S-VHS, Beta, ED-Beta, 8mm, and 
>Laserdisc, as well as past and future video formats.


I support this proposal. Discussions of particular video releases
occupy a middle ground between rec.video and rec.arts.movies. They
often wind up cross-posted to the two groups, which seems like the
worst solution. There really are three distinct subjects: movies as
art (or entertainment); pre-recorded videos as commodities; and video
equipment. It makes a great deal of sense to me to deal with these
three subjects on three different newsgroups. I would say, though,
that the charter should explicitly exclude discussions about the
artistic and/or entertainment merits of a movie or video. These belong
on r.a.m.  The last thing we need is more casual reviews of movies. I
could, however, see discussions about issues like wide-screen,
computer coloring, the "bonus" material that often turns up on premium
laser disc releases, etc. Just no movie reviews or actor gossip; and
no equipment reviews or camcorder comparisons...

Laser discs, especially, are generally purchased (rather than rented);
they're not cheap (the interesting ones); and they're of mixed
quality.  While tapes are more often rented, the same issues still
apply for those who like to buy them. A forum for discussion of these
things would be very helpful. 

I'm not crazy about the name, but it is self-explanatory and I can't
come up with anything better. I would support the proposal under this
name.