Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk
Subject: Ownership of messages?
From: mike@batpad.lgb.CA.US (Mike Batchelor)
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 92 23:08:59 PDT
Organization: The Batchelor Pad

Got a question about something.  Let me quote a message first, which
is why I am asking. It is from the RelayNet International Message
Exchange, a DOS-based store-and-forward network.  Bonnie Anthony is a
member of the Steering Committee for RIME, and is in a position to
speak for the whole organization:

===========================================================================
 BBS: The Holistic BBS - Based on the Premise
Date: 04-11-92 (05:06)             Number: 10096
From: BONNIE ANTHONY               Refer#: 10093
  To: DEKE BARKER                   Recvd: NO  
Subj: Free speech??                  Conf: (616) Users
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DB|Assuming for the moment that making certain characterizations is
DB|a valid (RIME-legal) activity, is it against RIME rules to draw
DB|upon specific statements by that individual/group made on other
DB|conferences or networks?  To take an off-the-wall example:  If
DB|President Bush participated on RIME's DEBATE and (say) a debate
DB|conference on another network, and had made statements like "I
DB|support the Choice movement" in discussions on the other network,
DB|would it be inappropriate to quote such statements in refuting
DB|his anti-choice statements on RIME?  (Assume public statements.)

Because the other networks claim ownership of their messages, yes it
would be inappropriate to quote such statements.  You could of course
say that you saw on another network where President Bush had made
those statements, and then you could get permission from him to post
his quotes on this network, as he owns his own material as well.

I know this is seems silly here but we abide by other networks stated
rules and positions.

Now in here Deke, because this is a resolution conference, we allow
greater flexibility in making specific statements about others.  That
would NOT be permitted in an issue oriented conference per se.
---
 * MegaMail 2.10 #2:There is no pleasing a serpent


PCRelay:RUNNINGA -> #2 RelayNet (tm)
4.11                The Running Board * 301 229-5342 * MD
===========================================================================

Is there any basis for her claim that the RIME network, or other
networks, own all messages passing through them?

I've asked her for clarification on whether RIME itself claims such
ownership.  Meanwhile, it doesn't seem to me like anybody can claim
ownership or copyright on messages or articles posted to a public
forum (so I have felt free to quote Bonnie's message here).

My question may be practically moot, however, since the RIME network
has the ability to put my name in an "insulate" file, and prevent my
messages from propagating if they choose to do so.  They do this
routinely to "problem users" who repeatedly violate their rules.



[] ---
[] Mike Batchelor -- mike@batpad.lgb.CA.US -- cerritos.edu!batpad!mike
[] Long Beach, California
[] TNG Quote: "You were travelling in close formation at over 80,000 kph, only
[] 10 meters from Cadet Albert, and you didn't even know his orientation?!?"
Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk