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From: toml@druxm.UUCP (LaidigTL)
Newsgroups: net.followup
Subject: Re: Tim Maroney
Message-ID: <859@druxm.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 23-May-84 11:11:32 EDT
Article-I.D.: druxm.859
Posted: Wed May 23 11:11:32 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 26-May-84 10:19:18 EDT
References: <179@imsvax.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Denver
Lines: 33

I kept telling myself I wouldn't get into this...

From: djw@imsvax.UUCP	Don Whytock

>	And finally, he has dragged the name of his employer through the mud
> by making unjustified statements regarding censorship -- the University didn't
> necessarily prevent Mr. Maroney from putting forth his opinions; they simply
> didn't want their computer used for the purpose.  Already, his postings have
> generated such opinions as "I'm not getting involved with that place if it
> means my life".  And he didn't confine his opinions to his friends, coworkers,
> or even local area, but instead posted it to a news agency with WORLDWIDE
> DISTRIBUTION.
>
>	And that, my friends, is libel.

Quoting someone correctly (no, I have no proof Tim quoted anyone
correctly, but I certainly don't have any proof he misquoted anyone) in
context (similar disclaimer) is not libel.  If people decide Brooks is a
jerk because Tim correctly quoted Brooks in context, that says nothing
against Tim.  It does say that Brooks does not fit the norms of net
society.  If people decide UNC is a terrible place because it is
represented by Brooks (who they have decided is a jerk, as above), that
also says nothing against Tim.  It does say that UNC should decide what
their policy is (perhaps taking into account public opinion), STATE it,
and make sure their administrators are aware of it.  A publicity campain
to reverse the effects of their previous mistakes might also be
warranted, although I wouldn't expect it, since the information we have
suggests that UNC behaves more like an industry (remember Denver) than
like a university.

		Tom Laidig
		AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Denver
		...!ihnp4!druxm!toml