As a new subscriber to the list-owners list, I'd appreciate your
help.
 
      I've been asked to draft a 'Welcome' message for two proposed
Internet mailing lists relating to oncology.
 
1.         Do you think we should include a section relating to
copyrights?
 
        We are concerned about the possibility of subscribers posting
messages to the list which might include copyrighted  material
for which they do not have permission.
 
         But we are also concerned about the very recent ruling in
the Prodigy case.
 
         If we do include such a provision would this
not then indicate that the messages on the list would be *monitored*
for such postings?    And would this not then open the door to the
same concerns  addressed in the Prodigy case?
 
2.        If you believe one should be included, what wording would be
recommended?
 
3.          If you do feel that there are concerns if a copyright
section is included, would you care to comment about the inclusion of
other provisions about restrictions against postings by advertisers,
or those containing obscene language, etc.
 
           Would such provisions not also invite similar concerns as
the Prodigy case?
 
            And if they do, then conversely, does this mean that a
list owner must maintain a total *hands off* policy regarding
messages to the list?      Have they no *responsibilities* for which
they are *obligated* to act as in the case of postings  of
copyrighted materials or obscenities?    May they establish a policy
against advertising for goods and services on the list?
 
              If they do have such rights and responsibilities, what actions s
 
should they/can they take?
 
              Should they/can they remove the subscriber's privileges?  Should
 
they/can they establish a mail filter to prevent re-subscribing?
 
4.         Would anyone care to comment or direct a 'pointer' toward a
source of  wording which would be appropriate for a 'disclaimer'
regarding the 'medical content' of the messages expected to be
posted?
 
          Thank you for your assistance.
 
Marianne
 
Marianne Brosseau <[log in to unmask]>