An addition to the FAQ

About This Message Board
1

New addition to the "guidelines for posting at the SDMB " FAQ

File-sharing software

File-sharing software (used to distribute files over a peer-to-peer file-sharing network) still has nebulous legal status in the United States of America (the location of the parent company behind the Straight Dope Message Board), and is often used for copyright violations. At the SDMB we take copyright violations seriously and this is an issue close to the heart for the owners of the SDMB (the Chicago Reader). For this reason, we ask our posters to refrain from discussions on how to use file-sharing software at the SDMB. Debates on the legality of this practice are allowed, but do not ask questions of the type “How do I get this peer-to-peer sharing software to work?” or “Can someone help me find a copy of (song or movie clip) using peer-to-peer sharing software?”

Thank you to Troy McClure SF for suggesting a clarification of our current policy in the FAQ

2

Some of you may be thinking that peer-to-peer file-sharing networks are actually a boon to the recording industry, that file-sharing software has many legitimate uses, that the Man at the RIAA needs to bow to the power of the people, that outmoded thinking by executives in business suits is the problem, etc. I will remind posters that discussion of administrative decisions belongs in The BBQ Pit forum.

3

Can I be a mod now?

4

<< Can I be a mod now? >>

Sorry, Troy, being “mod” was a very “in” fashion in the late 60s and early 70s, but it’s been grotesquely unfashionable for years. Besides, the colors are awful.

Unless you’re in an Austin Powers movie.

5

I’ve still got the outfits somewhere! So I get to go first!