244 Has the recent series of raids against BBS operators had a "chilling effect" - that is, has it caused BBS owners and users to `censor' their OWN speech out of fear of retaliation? This "code of standards," adopted by a large users' group, in Washington DC, seems to show a definite chilling effect on their BBS speech. This was downloaded from USENET alt.bbs. B66 is the appropriate ILLUMINATI forum for discussion of this issue. Capitol PC Users Group Minimum Code of Standards SCOPE: This Minimum Code of Standards applies to both users and SYStem Operators (SYSOPs) of electronic bulletin boards available to the general public. FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND IDEAS Each user and SYSOP of such systems shall actively encourage and promote the free exchange and discussion of information, ideas, and opinions, except when the content would: - Compromise the national security of the United States. - violate proprietary rights. - violate personal privacy, - constitute a crime, - constitute libel, or - violate applicable state, federal or local laws and regulations affecting telecommunications. DISCLOSURE Each user and SYSOP of such system will: - disclose their real name, and - fully disclose any personal, financial, or commercial interest when evaluating any specific product or service. PROCEDURES SYSOPS shall: - review in a timely manner all publicly accessible information, and - delete any information which they know or should know conflicts with this code of standards. A 'timely manner' is defined as what is reasonable based on the potential harm that could be expected. Users are responsible for: - ensuring that any information they transmit to such systems adheres to this Minimum Code of Standards, and - upon discovering violations of the Minimum Code of Standards, notifying the SYSOP immediately. IMPLEMENTATION Electronic bulletin board systems that choose to follow this Minimum Code of Standards shall notify their users by publishing this Minimum Code, as adopted by the [Capitol PC Users Group], and prominently display the following: 'This system subscribes to the Capitol PC Users Group Minimum Code of Standards for electronic bulletin board systems.' Quit, List, or number to read :