[949] in Commercialization & Privatization of the Internet
Re: Privitization is the issue today
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (terri_watson@cis.ohio-state.edu)
Thu Jul 11 22:55:34 1991
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 91 22:54:18 -0400
From: terri_watson@cis.ohio-state.edu
To: com-priv@psi.com
Well, it's difficult to restrain oneself in the face of such
arrogance, but given the predominantly mature nature of the audience
involved, I will try.
There's no point in going back into history, but I really must admire
the ignorance of human nature displayed by Mr. Abernathy.
/begin{not_really_a_quote}
"Hello folks, despite the fact that my presence on the network is
barely tolerated by many (because of my _previous_ journalistic
activities on topics affecting the Internet), I present myself as the
person most capable of addressing the current issues. I realize that
there are a number of you that feel you were mis-represented in my
previous article(s), however, I don't see it that way, and according
to my standards, the subject couldn't have been approached more
evenly. Now, I would like to cover the current issues, once again
employing my well-refined taste and judgment, and I would like your
cooperation. Yes, yes, I _know_ that what I feel is a good approach
is in direct conflict with your opinions, but won't you let me
represent you to the rest of the world anyway?"
/end{not_really_a_quote}
Really, can you believe that your proposal to "address these issues in
a thoughtful and completely fair way" will be met with anything other
than (in the mildest form) complete skepticism?
If you are so completely unaware of net.opinion of you (and your
"skills"), you simply prove the point that your powers of observation
(or deduction) are not sufficient to the task. I further question
your judgment (and responsibility) in previously covering an issue
which you found to be an "intimidating" and "overwhelmingly complex
subject." In the opinion of many recognized experts in the field, you
mis-represented large portions of the earlier issue; your opinion (as
a non-expert) hardly matters as a justification.
Terri
