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From: dsmall@well.UUCP (David Small)
Newsgroups: news.misc
Subject: Re: Copyrights on Usenet Articles
Message-ID: <15427@well.UUCP>
Date: 9 Jan 90 05:47:40 GMT
References: <946@crash.cts.com> <1989Dec21.000041.6034@ns.network.com> <45061@bu-cs.BU.EDU> <4198@convex.UUCP> <600@stealth.acf.nyu.edu> <9001070301.AA10109@sorinc.UUCP>
Reply-To: dsmall@well.UUCP (David Small)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link, Sausalito, CA
Lines: 54


I find it interesting that in the interminable USENET->GEnie discussions:

1) The principle of innocent-until-proven-guilty has apparently been
suspended,
with GEnie being accused of everything from copyright breach to "RAPE of
USENET".

2) No one *EVER* bothered to ask GEnie what their policy was. Wouldn't it
be a big surprise if GEnie offered to waive compilation copyright totally
on the USENET area, told everyone they WANT 2-way notes a lot, and want a
good email link? I know for a fact that well before I ever started any of
this work GEnie was talking about it.

3) People have seen fit to jump into a war without finding out if there
was even an enemy. Interestingly, the same "depersonalization" that takes
place in propaganda against an enemy in war is going on here. Gee, GEnie
will do this, do that, how will we defend our poor selves? The original
"RAPE of USENET" note that kicked all t this off was based literally off
someone who knew a friend that I'd mentioned a little bit of possible GEnie
links to -- and who flew off the handle without bothering to check any facts.

	I personally believe the base note was among the worst I have ever
read in my network experience since 1976. To me the power and responsibility
must balance; to have the power to post notes across the world should
carry responsibility to at least bother to check facts, to not accuse wildly,
and when the facts *do* become known, to apologize with at LEAST as much 
fervor as the original damaging note.

	I dial into WELL and PORTAL, pay them what they ask, and am pleased
to be able to. I have no problem with them charging for access to the net.
I would also have no problem with GEnie charging for 2-way access to the net,
no copyright hassles, and email, same as WELL/PORTAL -- and folks, that is
what's wanted. Look, if anything, blame me for presenting it wrong.
But for people on PORTAL signons to flame GEnie is ludicrous, in my opinion.
However, in their defense, they didn't get a fair rendition of the facts.

	In summary, I have strong reason to believe (e.g., I've talked to
them) that GEnie wants and has always wanted a 2-way link, done in
a responsible way as not to stress the net, email, and no copyright
hassles. I hope to post an "official" note from GEnie saying so soon,
but it's a fact of life, like breathing, that corporate lawyers have to okay
such stuff. 

	I understand, now, that USENET has had problems with other systems.
Okay. But don't arbitrarily dump GEnie in with them. Give them at least
some sort of fair hearing; at least listen to their side before discussing
how to sue them. You have *not* been given even slightly fair facts about
what GEnie thinks, what the plans were, or what happened -- just a literally
alt.flame note about an experiment that really touched some raw nerves.

	Enough, please! Even Noriega gets a trial!

	-- Dave Small / Gadgets by Small