On May 27, 9:05 pm, "YesMan" wrote:
An alternative Primer on Net Abuse, Free Speech, and Usenet
Dave Hayes


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4.6) What is a Dishonorable ISP?


There are those who expend enormous amounts of energy to Censor
articles, either by cancelling them or by complaining to the ISP of
the poster. To the Free Speech Advocate, these are dishonorable
actions at best.


However, if an ISP complies with the intent of these complaints, then
that ISP is dishonorable. The aware Free Speech Advocate should pick
another one, for the net effect of a dishonorable ISP is that
anything
controversial can be silenced with complaints.


Usually, dishonorable ISPs have wording to that effect in their
Terms of Service or Acceptable Use Policy. Here is a gross example:



"[...] While the freedom of speech is protected by the First
Amendment of the Constitution, any activity, action or e-mail from
any user that triggers complaints, hate-mail, or blocks on our
Domains at a particular site is prohibited. Dealing with these
complaints ties up computer and human resources. These are resources
that should be used to maintain the system and support our user
base. [...]"


Notice how easy it would be to silence a user at this ISP. Simply
mail off your complaint, and convince 10 of your friends to help you.

_________

That's the truth, here's what this dishonorable ISP (CTITECH) has in
their TOS

1. You may not post or transmit any message anonymously or under a
false name

2. You may not post or transmit any message which is libelous
defamatory or which discloses private or personal matters concerning
any person. You may not post or transmit any message, data, image or
program which is indecent, obscene or pornographic.

3. You may not post or transmit any message, data, image or program
that would violate the property rights of others, including
unauthorized copyrighted text, images or programs, trade secrets or
other confidential proprietary information, and trademarks or service
marks used in an infringing fashion.

4. You may not interfere with other users use of the Service.

5. You may not post or transmit any file which contains viruses,
worms, "Trojan horses" or any other contaminating or destructive
features.

6. You may not post or transmit any message which is harmful,
threatening, abusive or hateful. It is not the Service's intent to
discourage you from taking controversial positions or expressing
vigorously what may be unpopular views; however, Computer Techniques
Inc. reserves the right to take such action as it deems appropriate in
cases where the Service is used to disseminate statements which are
deeply and widely offensive and/or harmful.

7. You may not post or transmit charity requests, petitions for
signatures, chain letters or letters relating to pyramid schemes. You
may not post or transmit any advertising, promotional materials or any
other solicitation of other users of the Service for goods or services
except in those areas (e.g., a classified bulletin board) that are
designated for such purpose.

8. You may not post or list articles which are off-topic according to
the description of the group or list or send unsolicited mass
emailing's to more than twenty-five (25) email users.

9. You may not use the facilities and capabilities of the Service to
conduct any activity or solicit the performance of any illegal
activity or other activity which infringes the rights of others.

Todd N9OGL