Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2002 15:03:35 -0400
From: Elspeth Kovar <ekovar at radix.net>
To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at keithlynch.net>
Subject: [WSFA] Re: My records.
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at keithlynch.net>

lee gilliland wrote:
>
> It matters not one whit WHERE Keith found persaonal information about me or
> anyone else.  He had no buisness doing so.  It is an invasion of privacy.
> And against current Virginia statutes.
>
> _________________________________________________________________

Lee, using Google to look up someone's name is entirely legal.  I've
done it fairly often myself, most recently to learn more about the
people that I'm working with on ConJosé.  If you have problems with
information about you that is posted to on the web it is an issue to
take up with whoever placed it there, not anyone who has read it.

I've also used Google while trying to learn more about fandom, a
community that I love, and our history.  The discussion here not long
ago about fan feuds prompted the latest of those explorations and
resulted in my spending far more time than I had following links through
a fascinating tangle of references.  Wonderful stuff!

Despite the efforts of Timebinders much of fandom's history is
anecdotal, fragments heard and passed along in conversation.  And so,
sadly, we're losing our history.  I'm much relieved that a number of
people are trying to keep this from happening, both by writing down what
is known and by learning it.

An aside to all on accusations: accusing someone of illegal activities
is a serious matter.  Putting aside the fact that libel and slander are
also illegal it is something that shouldn't be done without careful
consideration, solid evidence, and due consultation with the appropriate
legal authorities.

More importantly here, such gossip is a poison, one that seeps through
an group and spreads to all.  It doesn't just damage the reputation of
both accused and accuser, it damages everyone.  I sincerely hope that
people will keep this in mind.

Elspeth