To Participants in the Cyber-Rights Discussion List, I am concerned by the recent email exchanges on the Cyber-Rights discussion list, and asked CPSR's system administrator to discontinue postings temporarily while I drafted this message. Both Richard and Craig have made substantial contributions to CPSR through the Cyber-Rights discussion list, as well as in other forums. These contributions are valued and appreciated by CPSR's Board of Directors .. As CPSR's Executive Director, I would like to resolve this situation so that all subscribers to this discussion list can resume the cordial exchange of views that has characterized most of the Cyber-Rights discussions in the past. To that end, I am contacting both Richard and Craig privately in order to bring closure to this matter. I would also like to clarify the role of Working Groups within CPSR, in hopes that we can avoid misunderstandings in the future. Those of you with web page access may find it helpful to review the FAQ about Working Groups that CPSR Board Chair Doug Schuler has prepared. Our web page URL is: http://www.cpsr.org/home.html. While the Cyber-Rights discussion list is open to all individuals who are interested in participating in the discussion of relevant issues, the Working Group itself, like all CPSR Working Groups, is limited as a matter of Board policy to CPSR members. (Non-members may participate only by invitation.) The policy adopted by the CPSR Board of Directors allows Working Groups to publish and issue position statements and press releases in the name of the Working Group, and requires that each Working Group have a Board liaison. Positions adopted by Working Groups must have the support of a majority of the members of the Working Group. Members may not issue statements on behalf of a Working Group if their position does not have the support of a majority of the members of the Working Group. Obviously, any position or statement issued by a Working Group must be consistent with positions and policies adopted by CPSR's Board of Directors. Since CPSR's membership is open to anyone who wants to join, non-members who would like to have a voice in the Cyber-Rights Working Group are encouraged to join CPSR. While CPSR welcomes hearing from non-members on Cyber-Rights and other discussion lists, non-members may not issue statements or press releases on behalf of CPSR or any of its Working Groups. In order to avoid future misunderstandings, I have asked CPSR's system administrator to establish a separate list service for CPSR members who want to participate in the Cyber-Rights Working Group, as distinct from participation in the Cyber-Rights discussion list. The Cyber-Rights discussion list will remain open to non-members. CPSR members who are interested in participating in the Cyber-Rights Working Group should contact the National Office (•••@••.•••) to subscribe to the new, members-only Working Group list service. Members and non-members who have questions or concerns are welcome to contact me directly at: •••@••.•••. -- Audrie Krause CPSR Executive Director PO Box 717 * Palo Alto, CA * 94302 Phone: (415) 322-3778 * Fax: (415) 322-4748 * * E-mail: •••@••.••• * * * Web Page: http://www.cpsr.org/home.html *
