Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site wivax.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!wivax!dyer
From: dyer@wivax.UUCP (Stephen Dyer)
Newsgroups: net.news.group
Subject: Re: net.gay
Message-ID: <18683@wivax.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 20-Sep-83 04:00:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: wivax.18683
Posted: Tue Sep 20 04:00:00 1983
Date-Received: Tue, 20-Sep-83 22:03:59 EDT
References: <514@qubix.UUCP>
Organization: Wang Institute, Tyngsboro, Ma.  10879
Lines: 41

I will try to keep this from becoming a harangue.

1.) There is really only one criterion concerning the creation of
    'net.gay', and that is demand.  If the demand isn't there, then
    the point is moot.  I would like to get a better feeling for the
    demand, other than the initial postings in 'net.singles.'

2.) If the group is moderated, as has been suggested, then the editorial
    problem of "unsuitable" material disappears.  It is outrageous
    that the topics of "teenagers" and "suitability" are brought up
    selectively for 'net.gay' in the face of such high-brow groups as
    'net.jokes'.

3.) The name isn't an issue, but I am hard-pressed to come up with a
    word that is any less of a red flag to those who would care.

4.) However, 'net.personal' isn't the right group, because the discussion
    isn't necessarily about personal subjects.  Some have expressed
    the opinion that individual discussions should be subsumed within
    already existing news groups--i.e., the status quo.  Fine, but
    the same argument could have been used against many other equally
    valid groups (i.e., net.women.)

5.) Andy's point about "lack of political clout" is well spoken, but he errs
    when he uses it as an excuse for not creating the group.  Sites are
    always free to carry whatever newsgroups they wish (how long do we
    have to repeat this?) and if you think local management would frown
    on it, don't carry it.

6.) Perhaps it's belaboring the obvious, but I invite the many who have
    spoken against the formation of the group to substitute their favorite
    minority in place of the word 'gay' in 'net.gay'.  While I am not
    accusing anyone of explicit discrimination, the exercise is most
    chilling.

7.) Lastly, read point #1 again.


/Steve Dyer
decvax!wivax!dyer
sdyer@bbn-unix