Klarinet Archive - Posting 000432.txt from 1994/11

From: Cary Karp <ck@-----.SE>
Subj: Re: used instruments
Date: Wed, 30 Nov 1994 21:27:35 -0500

On Wed, 30 Nov 1994, Dan Leeson wrote:

> Chris Zello asked about listing requests to buy instruments. I don't
> know what the rules are either. In such a case, Chris, list your requests
> and then wait for the board overseers to yell at you. If they don't yell,
> you're OK. If they yell, you stop.

The rules are written by the people who maintain the networks and host
systems. The basic concept is "legitimate use" of these services. If a
distribution list for clarinets is regarded as legitimate, there should be
no problem in someone posting notification of interest in purchasing an
instrument. Nor should a simple "for sale" message posted by a private
individual be all that risky. Trouble invariably starts when someone posts
what can clearly be regarded as commercial advertising.

Two risks are run. First, if the service provider feels the abuse to be
eggregious, denial of continued service may follow. I don't have a clue
about the attitudes and practices of the hierarchy that supports this
list, but many providers will terminate services without warning. Second,
since denizens of the Internet often react extremely negatively to
advertising, there may be a storm of reaction which can cause all sorts of
secondary unpleasantness.

Cary <Karp@-----.se>