From: noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring)
Subject: Periodic Post of the Newsgroup Charter  (was Re: Net etiquette)
Summary: It's about time to do it again.
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest) 
Date: Thu, 5 Nov 1992 23:07:31 GMT

In article grb@rbyte.proteus.qc.ca (G. Randolph Bickerton) writes:
>In article howard@Redwood.XAIT.Xerox.COM (Howard Bernstein) writes:

>> Could someone tell me what the rules are regarding the introduction of new
>> MLM information to this newsgroup.  This is an MLM in that I am involved in,
>> that I have seen no information about on the net thus far, and that I am
>> interested in finding other people who would also like to be involved.

>Interesting question.  I think the "net" would be a great place to "recruit" 
>however some users might consider it "commercial" use of the "net".  There 
>is a fine line between the personal forsale announcements and MLM 
>"commercial" use of the net.  Personally, I'd like to know of new MLM's as 
>early as possible and as an information source this newsgroup could be a 
>great communication device - faster than newspaper ads etc.  In my opinion  
>short announcement of new MLM's would not be harmful as long as the replies 
>were sent as E-mail not posted.  Maybe we should have a vote on it?  I will 
>personally volunteer to summarize the vote but before we start voting lets 
>get some concensus on the question.  Look forward to learning of "ALL" the  
>various points of view.  In the mean time What is this new MLM?


Well, if it's any help, let me post the original charter for this newsgroup
which contains a no-solicitation policy.  Notice that this does not forbid the
announcement of a new MLM, nor disallows giving information about an existing
one, as long as there is no overt or implied solicitation.  It's hard to
define (like pornography), but you know it when you see it.  If anybody would
like to give information about their MLM to this newsgroup, but are not sure
if it meets the charter, I'd be more than happy to look at it and give
suggestions.  I am not a moderator, and I cannot forbid or cancel posts, so
if you don't like my advice, you can post it anyway, but BEWARE THE SPANISH
INQUISITION!  :^)



Newsgroups: alt.business.multi-level
Subject: Charter For This Newsgroup.  Notice the No Solicitation Policy
Summary: 
Expires: 
Followup-To: 
Distribution: 
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest) 
Keywords: 

Just reposting the charter to let people know what this newsgroup is
all about.  Notice the no-solicitation policy at the end.  If you're
interested in sharing your mlm with the rest, it can be (and should be)
done *objectively* without specifically stating that you're looking for
people, or encouraging them to get more information, or getting all
emotional and hyped up about what a great mlm it is (you know what I mean).
I'm sure if somebody is interested in your mlm after reading your
non-soliciting, *objective* description, they will take the initiative
and get in touch with you.  You can then correspond with the interested
party via e-mail.

Enjoy the charter.

Jon Noring



CHARTER for alt.business.multi-level
************************************

Since being a reader of Usenet for over two years, I have seen hundreds of
postings in various groups concerning multi-level marketing (MLM).  Network
marketing is another name specifically used by some of the companies.
Examples of MLMs include Amway, NuSkin, Shaklee, KM, Mary Kay, Primerica, etc.

alt.business.multi-level was created because:

1) Many on the net are involved in MLMs.

2) There are many opinions about MLMs, both pro and con.  This newsgroup
   can be used to exchange ideas, opinions, and facts about MLM's.

3) There will no doubt be zillions of postings in the future asking
   "should I do this MLM or that MLM" in several newsgroups including
   misc.consumers, misc.jobs.misc, and misc.entrepreneurs.  Channeling the
   ensuing discussion into a dedicated newsgroup will clear up the noise these
   newsgroups experience and provide a proper forum for that person's request
   to be answered.


Things that can be discussed in alt.business.multi-level include what MLMs
are out there;  their bonus structure;  their product line(s);  the history
of MLMs (where did the concept start);  the legal issues;  the ethics (pros
and cons);  future growth;  third world expansion;  etc., etc.

We should strive to make all points of view welcome in this newsgroup, and,
of course, flames should be discouraged.  We should do our best to let cool
minds prevail.

Note, however:

*****************************************************************************
This newsgroup should not be used for solicitation to join an MLM, and this
policy will be rigorously enforced by those who regularly read it.
*****************************************************************************




Hope this clears everything up!

See ya' on the beaches.

Jon Noring


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Newsgroups: alt.business.multi-level