Commercial interests and rules

[clawrenc at cup.hp.com]

Writing as list owner:

We have recently acquired a number of members who work professionally
in the field:  Dr Cat, JeffK, Ralf Koster, and a few others I'll leave
nameless as they've not publicised their membership.  Their presence
raises certain concerns for intellectual property, trade secrets,
copyrights, etc.  

As list owner I expect you all to be responsible for what you post. 
The rules are pretty obvious.  If there is something your company or
affiliations does not want publicised, don't post it to the list.  If
you see one of your commercial or other partners post something to the
list that shouldn't have been, don't bring it up on the list -- take
it to direct email.  Raising such issues on the list will be used as
an excuse for removing membership.

Please do not use this as an alibi to start adding disclaimers to your
posts.  You are the members on this list, not your companies.  If it
isn't your opinion don't write it.  If you are reporting someone
else's opinion, state it as such.  

If a post is written as a representative of your company or
affiliation, then identify it as such.  Adding a signature which
identifies your affiliation is not enough.  That can be too easily
automated and is not an explicit statement of representation.  A
leading paragraph identifying the source or representation placed
above all the textual body including the attributions, will do (keep
it short).

Commercial grandstanding, advertisements, chest puffing, or other
forms of promotion are not appreciated on the list and will be
rewarded with removal of membership.  The list is an expressly
non-commercial venue.  It is intended as an intelligent and free
discussion by peers in the field, both hobbyist and professional.  

Membership of the list is not a right.  You are here as my guests. 
This is a private list run as a personal contribution to the field. 
As a sign of respect and trust I allow members to invite others to
join the list they feel would positively contribute to the list.  This
permission is currently given generally to all members as I trust them
to handle it responsibly.  

Posting to the list may be considered analagous to having a
conversation in my living room using bull horns while the windows are
open and everyone has tape recorders.

And on a final note: Attempting to invalidate or discourage a
discussion or avenue of investigation on the list because it strays
too close to a commercial project's field or other such interest will
be deemed an intentional personal insult and due cause for permanent
removal from the list along with all associates.

--
J C Lawrence                           Internet: claw at null.net
(Contractor)                           Internet: coder at ibm.net
---------------(*)               Internet: clawrenc at cup.hp.com
...Honorary Member Clan McFUD -- Teamer's Avenging Monolith...