Date   : Fri, 25 May 1984 15:26:20 EDT
From   : David Towson (CSD) <towson@Amsaa.ARPA>
Subject: Re: BBS legal issues

Lauren - As list maintainer of info-cpm, I have been a little concerned
lately that a very few contributors have been providing most of the inputs,
while most of the over-200 list members (many of which are themselves local
distributors of the list) have been passively reading.  This is not a beef!
I just worry what would happen to the list if a small handfull of "regulars"
got tired and quit.  So with this in mind, I am really glad to see a good
hot topic once in a while.  Furthermore, bulletin board systems are plenty
germane to info-cpm, and I expect there is more than just a passing interest
with some readers.

     However, though my view differs from yours in the above respect, I 
certainly agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of the legal issues 
involved.  I sincerely hope that the BBS owner gets his system back without his
having to go into hock for the rest of his life to pay legal fees.  In fact, if
my present scanty understanding of the situation turns out to be correct, I
would be interested in putting some money into a common defense fund.  But I
think the question of who has what responsibility needs to be answered.
 Perhaps
PacTel has chosen this method of bringing the issue to the fore.  We shall see.


Dave
towson@amsaa.arpa