Joseph B. Stanford <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > When I get a subscription request, I send a "form letter" back to > the potential subscriber, asking them to send me a paragraph about > themself, their professional background, and their interest in the list. > (If I add them to the list, I forward their response to the list to > "introduce" them to the list. This is a popular networking feature on my > list.) Dear Mr. Stanford & Seniors, Your idea sounds very positive from the operative side, but is it legal to forward such information to the entire list ? - Wouldn't that be objected by the information act ? - Isn't it necessary to ask whether the individual would like his personal info being forwarded to the community ? - Is not better to ask the new subscriber to introduce itself <which we do and only a few go ahead> ? By the way, our new flags (sub=by_owner, private) and "rules of engagement" (enclosed below, any suggestions/criticism is most welcome) implied: Out of 611 subscribers: 0.3% defined me "Jury, Judge and Executioner", "Censor" and "Cyberspace inqvisitor"; 1.3 % in favor. 98+% silent. Is this normal ?. I want to thank in public my Systems Operator in Stockholm <Eric Thomas>, The Greatest One! :-) Thanks again to all Seniors for your valuable advice. Aldo-P. <FISH-ECOLOGY> --------------------------------------------------------------------- from our new welcome file [...] Communications through FISH-ECOLOGY may be informal. However, the network _is for_ professional discussions which may enhance the productivity of members in their research, advice and studies. It is suggested that Senior scientists and advisors moderate discussions when these touch their fields of expertise. Furthermore, well documented/informed posters are expected from Junior researchers and undergraduate students. The FISH-ECOLOGY management will object the publication in this network of _undocumented and unprofessional offenses_ on the integrity of established scientific/advicing institutions and individuals. If certain issues may be controversial, please, check facts and sources before posting anything to the network. It is suggested to call for the expertise of members in the network _before_ posting information which may be inaccurate. All _criticism_ must necessarily follow a logical argumentation and meet academic standards. Neither flames whatsoever nor offenses of any type nor vulgar language usage are desired in FISH-ECOLOGY. Also, issues addressing political agendas are to be excluded from this network. If these particular rules are violated at anytime, the FISH-ECOLOGY management shall object it. Those rules are set up to safeguard the sources which have joined FISH-ECOLOGY and to keep this medium free from particular selfinterests beyond the purposes claimed by the network (i.e. the scientific discussion on the ecology of fish and fisheries and related topics). --------------------------------------------------------------------