From: tarl@sw.stratus.com (Tarl Neustaedter)
Newsgroups: alt.sci.physics.new-theories
Subject: Original a.s.p.nt charter
Date: 24 Nov 92 02:12:27 GMT
Organization: Stratus Computer, Inc.
NNTP-Posting-Host: coyoacan.sw.stratus.com

Since there was some question about what belonged on this newsgroup, I
figure it's worth re-posting the original charter than Jon Noring supplied
when he created the group. This relates to what he wanted the group to be,
but (as always), the newgroup has evolved in a somewhat different direction.
The charter, as originally posted:

================

The CHARTER
***********

The purpose of alt.sci.physics.new-theories is to discuss alternative physics
theories that do not fit mainstream views.  It will be a forum where both the
proponents and the skeptics can interact (hopefully in a civilized manner)
to discuss these theories.

Let me cite one example as to the value of such a newsgroup.  For example,
if one has come to the conclusion that many UFO sightings are indeed caused
by extraterrestrial spacecraft (because of one's interpretation of the
available evidence), then this belief may require new theories of physics
to take into account the observed anomalous motion (not easily explained by
our current understanding of physics) and to account for how such a spacecraft
could navigate the distance from other star systems to ours in a reasonable
amount of time.  (I would not be surprised that many scientists reject the
extraterrestrial spacecraft explanation of UFO sightings precisely because
such an explanation does not fit into our current understanding of physics.)

A small list of other things that could be discussed include:

* What is gravity?  What about Sakharov's conjecture?  Is anti-gravity
  possible?
* How do Maxwell's original equations compare to some of the approximations
  that have been used (Heaviside approximation) and what are the ramifications
  to our understanding of the universe.
* Is it possible to derive energy from empty space? (There were a lot of papers
  submitted to this year's IECEC discussing this possibility, including some
  experimental evidence (which I admit is meager).  Some of these papers
  discussed alternative theories of physics).  Obviously truly fringe, but
  discussable in this newsgroup.
* Is it possible to travel from one point in space to another point in
  space faster than the speed of light (on Star Trek they do it all the
  time by warping space itself- it must therefore be possible to do! :^) ).
* Is time travel possible?
* Cold fusion theories.
* etc.

If nothing else, this newsgroup should be very interesting:  the proponents
can have a mostly friendly forum to introduce their new theories (and I guess
the skeptics can have a good laugh - careful skeptics, you may be outnumbered
in this newsgroup).

================

This group has discussed most of the above issues at one time or another.
Larsonian physics has been discussed at several times, and I notice there
is a discussion going on now in sci.physics. We've also had discussions
about Kervram's biological transmutations (aka Nuclear Chickens), perpetual
motion machines of various types, and conspiracy theories originating in
beliefs of the russian war capabilities. We've been spared discussions of
Velikovsky's theories.

As it turns out, skeptics have dominated this group, rather than being
outnumbered.  There are a number of real physicists who read this group,
including individuals from SLAC, Fermilab and CERN (or at least, I've seen
postings from those sites at various times). If you make a posting with a
factual error, it will usually be caught by someone in a day or two.

My view of this group? It provides a safety valve where psuedo-science can
be discussed without irritating people who wish to discuss mainstream ideas.
It's not unusual to see posts responding to off-the-wall discussions in
sci.astro, sci.space, and sci.physics requesting that the discussion be
finished in this group. It sometimes works.

Jon, do you care to add anything?
-- 
         Tarl Neustaedter	tarl@sw.stratus.com
         Marlboro, Mass.	Stratus Computer
Disclaimer: My employer is not responsible for my opinions.
Newsgroups: alt.sci.physics.new-theories