On 18 Aug 98, at 16:58, James C. Armstrong wrote:
> I don't want to moderate the list, I do not have the time. So, I
> can't effectively prevent the list members from posting, I can only
> retroactively unsubscribe them (but does such a retroactive unsubscribe
> open me up for any legal liability? I'd be censoring list members,
> and isn't this similar to what Prodigy did?)
I have a list that is currently running in test mode. I have done a fair bit
of researchi nto this area. Keep in mind that I am from Canada so there
will be some differences - though I think more similarities then
differences.
What you want to do is make sure you are not viewed as a publisher.
That is an entity that controls content. So you do not want to moderate
or otherwise control what is posted (what if you miss something?). You
want to be more like Bell - a carrier. Bell is only responsible for the
transmission - not the content.
To that end I put a header in every message that containes the senders
e-mail address and I put the following footer at the end of every
message:
<<<
=== (c) 1998 ===
This message, and all e-mail to test-l is copyrighted by its original
author. Any copying, posting or other form of re-transmission to
anywhere other then test-l without the expressed consent of the author
is a violation of this copyright. In addition, the owners and operators of
monkman.org, [EMAIL PROTECTED] and any affiliated entity do not
necessarily share the opinions expressed by the author of this message.
The opinions expressed are solely the responsibility of the author.
>>>
This should help you avoid legal entanglements. Keep in mind you
probably will get hassled by the lawyers - they often work on the fear
factor, makes their job easier.
Hope this helps.
Brian
---
Brian Monkman - Nepean, Ontario
[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.monkman.org
Faith and reason are like the shoes on your feet. You can
walk with one, but it is easier to travel farther with both.
