[FedCom] Message Posting History Retention Necessary?

[A10382]

RE: list archives.

My dos centavos...

I use the archives to:

*Investigate a new list to see if its subject matter is of interest
        (a few lists only let 'members' see the archives)
*Generally look for recently posted similar info BEFORE posting a
        question - particularly if I'm rather new to the list
*Knowledge - past posts are a treasure chest of info.
        Being able to sort it a few ways makes subject info pop out at you.
*When I'm going to be away from my email for a bit, I change my profile
        to 'hold' (no email).  Later, I can read the archives to see what
I've missed.

A six month archive seems, at least to me, to be more than adequate.

It's possible that some users are, in light of today's 'heightened security
awareness', somewhat apprehensive of their past posts.  It's not too wild a
thought to imagine that some 'suits' are going to come knocking on their
door for 'intercepting, receiving comm, and disseminating info'.  Federal
laws have, for a long time, made it a crime to 'divulge' -or- 'disseminate'
the contents of some non-broadcast radio communications. This IS a valid
concern, particularly on the fedcom, spooks, scannist, etc. lists (and
similar lists on Yahoo).  You can ask the list moderator to see if they have
the ability to remove your previous posts.

It's been widely known that the authorities in Europe did peruse the pirate
radio newsgroups, trolling for information.  In one case, a 'radio pirate'
op was prosecuted with info obtained from web sites and newsgroups.  This is
a rare case, but just remember that what you post is there for perpetuity -
something most corporate and government email users have come to understand.

On another note: You can, on some lists, keep you email address off the
member lists.  If you're really concerned, I believe there are still a
number of 'anonymous internet access' and 'email anonomizer' services - ones
that keep absolutely NO browser, email tracking, or history data.  Try a
google search on 'anonymous email'.

73
Frank

 ._._
----- Original Message -----
From: "ken windyka" <ken.windyka@the-spa.com>
To: <milcom@mailman.qth.net>; <fedcom@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, July 21, 2002 9:11 PM
Subject: [FedCom] Message Posting History Retention Necessary?


> As most of you are aware, over 12 months of posted message history can be
> obtained by ANYONE who signs into the qth.net server.  They don't have to
> join any group in order to review all of the postings.
>