Instead of so many leaving this forum, couldn't we convince the founding father(s) to start a new password protected TB2000. This forum is so easy to use and read, which is a added plus for myself since I am all but computer illiterate. Words of appreciation will never quite express my gratitude to all those who passed on their invaluable information. Seems alot of knowledgable people are bailing out. Hopefully, after a short hiatus they'll return.

-- Trish (adler2@webtv.net), January 22, 2000

Answers

Hi, Lisa. One reason this particular forum is so popular is the fact that Sysops allows privacy or anonymity (insofar as it exists with computer usage). There is a lot of very sophisticated information posted here. This implies highly knoledgable sources. I scoped your site when it first came up and it looks very well done. One reason I did NOT sign on is the fact that so much of Texas government has been contracted to private industry - and private sponsorship is not a security for freedom of expression nor does it imply that retaliation would not be forthcoming if opinions against the "party line" were posted by a member on an identity site.I see too much "private information" leaking both ways in these contract situations. Actually most of the really interesting posters would probably just start an unprotected site if the Forum demanded registration: just that desire to ensure First Amendment guarantees. By the way, Sysops' comment earlier about "similar ISP's" makes it pretty clear that we all "register" in a way. It's just that the Founding Fathers-who are certainly a Motley Crew-have established a communication level and pattern of trust that make newcomers and lurkers more comfortable. Please don't take offense: as I said, I think your site is nicely done.But there will only be one Forum. This is the stuff of Internet fact and legend.

-- another government hack (keepwatchin_2000@yahoo.com), January 22, 2000.

The very goal of the more organized trolls is to get this forum, or the true leading posters, to retire from the public arena.

They are trying to drive you all out of the marketplace of ideas.

Or at least they want you to hide behind walls, speaking quietly only among yourselves.

Those who pursue truth are always a target, ***especially when truth matters most!***

Thank God the founding leaders and soldiers of this great nation didn't give up merely because of some verbal abuse.

They froze. And bled. And went hungry. And died.

Has anything great every been created or defended without pain and hardship?

Have we all been comfortable in this wealthy country for so long that we've forgotten how we got here?

-- tim phronesia (phronesia@webtv.net), January 22, 2000.

Trish,

The Sysops are tired of dealing with trolls and spamming. Most of you don't see the bulk of it because the team gets on it pretty fast.

We've looked at various options... like password protecting. Frankly that sticks in my craw. It means the trolls force a closed system. Sad.

Would the requirement of "real" e-mails work?

Doubt it. We've liked the idea of providing for those who choose to remain anon. Whistleblowers, come to mind. Unfortunately, dedicated trolls abuse that privledge.

We could "privatize" the back-up forum for "invitation only" posting. You know, the one set-up for a short while before the rollover, when this forum was closed. That's one quick partial solution.

Ed Yourdon has set up a new discussion forum at eGroups, which allows lurkers to lurk, but only registed/invited posters to post. Details at his web-site...

http://www.yourdon.com

After... one more time... having a well-know troll block a thread it disagreed with using HTML code so no one could post to it, we decided to try posting the ISP of "obvious" trolls. Will this work? Is it a good idea?

Donno. We're tired of the junque flamming.

There are certain limitations of the Greenspun software, the advantages in thread reading are obvious. After MIT classes start Feb 1st for Philip Greenspun, I plan to discuss what "other" options there are, given the problems.

Suggestions anyone?

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), January 22, 2000.

Diane , Ed and the other sysops,

I'd like to thank you once again for your dedication to this board, and all the work you put it.

I would very much like to see some way the Greenspun software could be modified to allow password-protected access for postings. I think it is important that the information be available to read, but I prefer not to have to wade through all the intense hostility.

I'm involved with people who are trying to start up a discussion group (non-Y2k)that can be free of the hostile messages that keep derailing topics. If the Greenspun software, which I find to be a superlative message board interface, could be modified, I'd be happy to suggest our using it.

-- Firemouse (firemouse@fcmail.com), January 22, 2000.

Diane...thanks to all of you who have developed this site!......i know little about this information world we live in and so i will leave the particulars up to those of you who do know to make the right decision...but whatever you do, DON`T LET THIS SITE LEAVE US!.....

-- mutter (murmur@ya.com), January 22, 2000.

you must be mistaken because I did not post this. another forum regular sent this to me so I came to take a look.

what is this nonsense about government controlled bla bla bla??? I fail to see the connection with what you posted and our board. If you are concerned/afraid of it being run by a private corporation, then sorry dude. but government contracted, NOT.

Thanks for taking a look at our board, and no, it is not intended for everyone.

the real lisa

-- LZach (lisa@texasnetworks.com), January 22, 2000.