Still more on the FAQ issue (a voice of reason?)

[swhite@inter.die.spam.die.access.com (Steve White)]

Hello,

Having followed the FAQ "debate" (more entertaining than the Dole/Clinton
debates!), may I point out a few tidbits?

1) Nathan's FAQ is his property. He can decide how, when and if ever
   post it. The material is copyright under U.S. law.

2) He can decide who has access to his web site, FTP site, etc. It
   isn't discrimination. The FAQ is his property and he can set the
   rules for its access.

3) He isn't doing anything illegal. The fact that his writing is a 
   "FAQ" doesn't mean that he's required to post it in any format,
   post it to the Usenet, or anything else.

4) So Nathan volunteered to keep the FAQ as a public service. It is
   still his material. If he's changing the terms of how he makes it
   available, than others can decide whether they find it useful.

5) To the extent that the FAQ is not available, it's less than useful.
   Doesn't matter why Nathan has set access rules; if it isn't
   available, it isn't useful.

6) If it isn't useful, then someone else could provide an alternative
   source of information.

7) Writing a FAQ isn't hard, though it does take some time and effort.
   Most of the regulars here could do it. I've done it for other
   forums.

8) Finally: there are better ways to deal with pirates and similar
   assorted mopes than by restricting access to information.


So: all of you who are whining about this have a simple solution.

Feel free to write a FAQ about cmsa2, the Apple II, Apple IIgs, etc. Write
your brains out. Proof it. Post it.

Let others decide what is useful and what isn't.





steve




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