[IP] Reality check: What this mailing list is all about ...

[David Farber <dave@farber.net>]

-----Original Message-----
From: "Lauren Weinstein"<lauren@vortex.com>
Sent: 7/30/05 11:17:27 AM
To: "dave@farber.net"<dave@farber.net>
Cc: "lauren@vortex.com"<lauren@vortex.com>
Subject: Reality check: What this mailing list is all about ...


Dave,

Implicit in some of the complaining messages lately seems to be
the suggestion that you shouldn't be sending out some of the
more "controversial" material.  To my mind, that's an utterly
wrong-headed view, at least for this list (let's all remember
what "IP" stands for: "Interesting People").

IP is an oddity in today's Internet world.  It's relatively
high-brow, low-tech, and somewhat anachronistic -- and by design is a
bit rough around the edges.  It's not perfect, and errors creep in
from time to time.  IP's substantial volume is run by one person who
makes no claims to being a professional editor.  It will never have
mass appeal.

But in terms of genuine utility it fills a niche that has been
increasingly marginalized over recent years, by bringing a variety
of viewpoints -- unedited -- in front of an appreciative readership.

It also helps to foster a concept that is dear to my own heart, the
idea that there are underlying realities to our lives and societies
that are all too often purposely obscured by spin and propaganda.
We may not particularly enjoy the stark truths that are revealed,
but if readers can't handle this they are free to leave the list
and instead frequent other venues.

Bottom line, Dave, you're doing it right. 

"Illegitimi non carborundum" (popular fake Latin, but still to the point).

--Lauren--
Lauren Weinstein
lauren@pfir.org or lauren@vortex.com or lauren@eepi.org
Tel: +1 (818) 225-2800
http://www.pfir.org/lauren
Co-Founder, PFIR 
  - People For Internet Responsibility - http://www.pfir.org
Co-Founder, EEPI 
  - Electronic Entertainment Policy Initiative - http://www.eepi.org
Moderator, PRIVACY Forum - http://www.vortex.com
Member, ACM Committee on Computers and Public Policy
Lauren's Blog: http://lauren.vortex.com
DayThink: http://daythink.vortex.com


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