In a message dated 12/22/99 10:58:39 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

>  I do not think that a mailing list should be the forum for commercial
promotion.

Actually, this is part of the BP rules, which are managed by honor of the
discussion participants. BP is not a Utopia.

>  addressing it to Mr. Edison in a public forum

Though BP is a limited public forum, it is not readily aparent who it is that
comprises the BP public. This is a systemic problem with e-mail lists. The
no-lurker policy of BP is intended to limit the negative ramifications of an
individual expressing their heart-felt opinion in front of an anonymous
audience. I consider it important that ALL participants on BP feel
comfortable in expressing themselves.

My experience of BP is not always the easiest to take on a personal level as
I am constantly challenged either in my personal bias, my own stupidity, or
crisply made aware of my irrational grasp of the world.

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