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From: JAHAYES@MIAMIU.BITNET
Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk
Subject: Re: A Super(cilious)Nova
Message-ID: <90278.135754JAHAYES@MIAMIU.BITNET>
Date: 5 Oct 90 18:57:54 GMT
References: <188@netsys.NETSYS.COM>
Organization: Miami University - Academic Computer Service
Lines: 20

I agree wholeheartedly that there is a need for a program (a la
Nova) or programs addressing the greater issues of what amounts
to "the electronic age". I also think, however, that it is un-
reasonable (and unrealistic) to expect a one-hour program to have
explained the Stoll story to a technologically naive audience,
then delved into the social and ethical issues. It's something
that needs hours to get into, and I'm afraid this squeaky wheel
ain't squeakin' loud enough to get that done. There just isn't
an audience for it. Americans are worried about AIDS because they,
or someone they know/love, can get it, and they now know that.
They DON'T know that this issue of government intrusion into
private databases, and stuff like that, not only CAN happen to
them, but DOES. They don't care. PBS is less commercial than
commercial tv, but it still has to attract an audience, and I'm
afraid the show you people want to see is just not going to happen.
-----
Josh Hayes, Zoology Department, Miami University, Oxford OH 45056
voice: 513-529-1679      fax: 513-529-6900
jahayes@miamiu.bitnet, or jahayes@miamiu.acs.muohio.edu
Now look inside; what do you see? That's easy: that's a pickle.