(much deleted) (quoted text from logika follows) >> >>One of the obvious uses for this software is to search for people >>who express a need or desire for something which the user sells. >>To be more concrete, we plan to sell InfoMagnet by searching >>LISTSERV discussions for messages about "I can't figure out how >>to do database searches" or "does anyone know of a list about >>so and so" or even "is there anything out there which makes LISTSERV >>easier to use?". We'll contact these people directly, answering their >>question where appropriate, and letting them know about our service. And most of my subscribers would undoubtedly reply, "b****r off!" That's why my lists are set for self-moderation and private notebooks. This is the kind of thing that's going to do to the Internet what bulk-rate mail did to the Postal Service. *blech!* (more deleted) >On Mon, 8 Aug 1994, Murph Sewall wrote: >> While searching discussions for questions you have a (commercial) answer >> for seems a valuable service (and a technology that can be adapted and sold >> to others), I predict it will be highly controversial--there are bound to >> be those who view automated keyword or context searches of hundreds of list >> archives (or NetNews groups) as an invasion of privacy. There will be the >> view that such searches will inhibit the free flow of information and ideas >> because any question may result in a barrage of "sales pitches." > You got <that> right. Most of my notebooks were public until this started. Not anymore. BITNET: NBRINDLE@INDYCMS -------------------- Internet: [log in to unmask] Nathan C. Brindle, Student Activities Office Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Staff Advisor, Alpha Phi Omega Nat'l Service Fraternity, Tau Omicron Chapter List Manager, ACCESS-L, BRTHPRNT, EXCEL-L@INDYCMS and other lists Disclaimer: My opinions are my own. Indiana University can speak for itself. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------