alt.paranormal_FAQ
Bruce Daniel Kettler
Archive-name: paranormal/faq
Posting-Frequency: quarterly
Last-modified: 1998/2/20
Version: 1.09
URL: http://www.psicounsel.com/altparfaq.html
(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions of
alt.paranormal
answers
By Bruce Daniel Kettler (c) 1997
E-mail: d...@psicounsel.com
Latest Update Feb. 20, 1998
1 Paranormal
2 Normal
3 Purpose
4 Skeptics
5 Conduct-Charter
6 Crossposting
7 Drawing the unwanted
8 On Topic
9 Polite, Civil, "Skeptics"
10 Why not Debate Polite Skeptics?
11 Debate the Paranormal
12 Law
13 Paranormal Organizations
14 Moderator
15 Leaders
16 Founder
17 Advertising
18 Kooks
1. What is alt.paranormal?
==========================
It is a newsgroup for discussion of the psychic or mental
phenomena outside the range of the normal. If your browser
is of the correct type, access the newsgroup from [link] here.
2. What is "normal"?
====================
"Normal" has to do with experience within the range of the
5 senses: sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. PSI, outside
the 5 senses, is also "normal" in that it constitutes an
accepted standard of society and occurs naturally. There
is scientific testing/analysis, practice, and enhancement
of PSI ability.
Rather than list the various subjects and give a detailed
description of them, it is sufficient to say that the
descriptions of FAQ 1 and 2, above, tell us what may be
included in the category of "paranormal." As examples,
it naturally includes Spirit Communication, Remote Viewing,
and Reincarnation.
3. What is the purpose of alt.paranormal?
=========================================
The central purpose is helpfullness. We urge any and all
participating, to answer questions of those who are troubled,
and who inquire. If you do not feel qualified, refer them to
another poster who shows an awareness of particular subjects.
Generally, to us, the paranormal is not an end, but rather a
means to an end of spiritual upliftment, happiness, fulfillment,
and enlightenment for ourselves and others. Our discussion
with each other is usually for that central purpose, so we may
use the insight gained to help others.
4. What about "skeptics"?
=========================
First, we define **so-called "skeptics." They are sometimes called
"pseudo-skeptics," and should be clearly understood as not in the same
category as "skeptical people" with the true dictionary definition of
"questioning," "doubting" or "suspending judgement."
**
http://www.psicounsel.com/page9328-a.htm
Next, we state that we believe in free speech, and there are many newsgroups
to exercise that free speech in. Therefore, debate regarding the existence
of paranormal phenomena should be conducted in newsgroups such as
sci.skeptic. alt.paranormal is for discussion of the paranormal. This is
the view of Steve Reiser, s...@srv.net, founder of alt.paranormal.
5. What conduct is expected in alt.paranormal, and
what about a charter?
==============================================
When a person writes about us, or our views, in a respectful manner, address
that person in the same way. If they denigrate you or anyone posting in the
newsgroup, lie about, or as bigots, write degrading remarks about us or our
views of reality, then effectively and explicitly **flame them.
**
http://www.psicounsel.com/flame.html
The fact that a person is doubtful, or is sure of the non-existence of
paranormal phenomena, and posts in alt.paranormal, is *not* a reason to
flame them.
If a person thinks the paranormal must be of Satanic origin, that is also
not a reason to flame them. Their views can be debated in the appropriate
newsgroup of their particular sect.
Advise the person wishing to debate that they place that request in
alt.paranormal, inviting those who wish to engage in that debate to
sci.skeptic, a similar "skeptic," or other sect newsgroup. Most of those
reading alt.paranormal will have the opportunity to read or participate in
the debate in other newsgroups.
The sci-skeptic **FAQs answers, updated April 21, 1996, indicate that
discussion between skeptics and paranormal enthusisasts is appropriate in
that newsgroup:
**
http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-dir/skeptic-faq.html
0.1: What is sci.skeptic for?
-----------------------------
Sci.skeptic is for those who are
skeptical about claims of the
paranormal to meet with those
who believe in the paranormal.
____Charter for alt.paranormal____
Regular posters who have an interest in, and find
value in the paranormal, for the most part, do not
feel obligated to justify their interests in,
or their activities with, the paranormal, whether
they are engaged in it only for personal interest,
or for material gain as well.
alt.paranormal is _not_ intended as a forum
for disbelievers to voice their contempt
for paranormalists or to harass them about
their beliefs and demand of them scientific
proof. Groups discussing the scientific validity
of theories are either prefixed with "sci" or
they have some other designation.
The alt.paranormal newsgroup is:
1. To exchange information about experiences
amongst those interested in the paranormal.
2. To exchange opinions and ideas about the
paranormal amongst those who find value it it.
3. To provide spiritual guidance and other advice
or psychically perceived data to those who
seek it publicly, or privately if they
express that desire.
4. To provide text information and references to
WEB SITES, as well as books, which contain
information about the paranormal, or about
scientific research with the paranormal.
5. To provide references for those who doubt
that there is such a thing as the paranormal,
so they may investigate for themselves, and
perhaps debate the research findings in other
appropriate newsgroups.
6. To provide a forum to announce debates in
other appropriate newsgroups, so people may
discuss issues of whether there is such a
thing as the paranormal, or whether it is
necessarily satanic in origin, in those other
newsgroups.
Neither the author of this FAQ, or any of the participants in the newsgroup,
assume legal liability for advice or insights into the lives of those
participating in the Newsgroup.
No paid readings or advice about personal matters
should be placed in the public forum.
6. What about crossposting?
===========================
Please do not crosspost to any "skeptic" type newsgroup. This includes
alt.fan.art-bell in its **present state. Such crossposting invites
"skeptics." Crossposting to opposing view sects invites those people also.
When "skeptics" cross-post, (post simultaneously in sci.skeptic and
alt.paranormal) please advise them this is
against both the FAQ's of alt.paranormal, and that of sci.skeptic, and that
you will cease including their
newsgroup in your header.
**
http://www.psicounsel.com/artbellclub/afabfaq.html
0.1: What is sci.skeptic for?
-----------------------------
...some of the topics covered
might be better kept in their
own newsgroups. [the "topics covered"
list does not include alt.paranormal
- BDK]
CROSS-POSTING from these groups is
NOT APPRECIATED by the majority of
sci.skeptic readers.
7. What draws "skeptics" and other sects, and keeps them in
alt.paranormal?
===========================================================
Extensive discussion about "skeptics" or other sects also invites them to
post in alt.paranormal.
If "skeptics" or other sects wish to engage you in arguments about posting
debate in alt.paranormal, simply copy and paste the appropriate parts of
these FAQ's and post them. If you argue with them, they will have reason to
continue posting in alt.paranormal.
8. What is on-topic posting?
============================
We endeavor to post on-topic. An on-topic post is one about the paranormal.
This includes writing about how
the paranormal subjects are presented and discussed.
9. What about polite, civil, "skeptics" or actual skeptical people who
continue to attempt debate after being asked to post debates in skeptical
newsgroups?
================================================================
Please do not flame them, or harass them with excessively repititive
requests if they treat you, and all those in the newsgroup, with respect.
However, it is strongly urged that you do not engage in debate, or try to
prove the existence of the paranormal, in alt.paranormal. Usually, your
inactivity in that regard discourages future attempts.
10. Why not debate with polite "skeptics" in alt.paranormal?
============================================================
The experience of most people with more than a year of positive contribution
in alt.paranormal, and who find value in the subject of the paranormal, is
that most of the people who argue against the existence of the paranormal,
in alt.paranormal, are obnoxious. The volume, frequency and hostility of
the postings dissuades serious inquirers from reading or posting in the
newsgroup. There are, of course, some "skeptics" who have
debated with no real harm to the newsgroup, but for the most part it has
been, and would likely continue to be, destructive to the harmonious and
productive flow of information and ideas. The exact type of acceptable
"skeptic," or the names of certain individuals to debate whether the
paranormal exists, cannot feasibly be placed in these FAQs.
11. Do we debate about the paranormal?
======================================
Civily conducted debate regarding the paranormal, such as methods of ESP
enhancement, how to communicate with spirit guides, how to channel with
automatic writing, the nature of ghosts, etc. is encouraged, but not debate
about whether such phenomena exists, or if all such phenomena is necessarily
Satanic in origin.
12. What is binding law?
========================
These Freqently Asked Questions (FAQ) and answers do not, necessarily,
constitute binding law either on Usenet, or on the Internet Service
Providers. They serve as guidelines, having been shown to be be the will of
regular posters who have contributed for years, who find paranormal
phenomena to be both real and valuable.
These FAQs are referenced by Internet Service Providers and Usenet if
matters that are written in them also concern matters of Usenet Abuse, spam,
or breaches of netiquette that Usenet or Internet Service Providers normally
take action about.
If you break other laws, outside of alt.paranormal, you answer to those
juristictions.
13. How does alt.paranormal relate to paranormal-type organizations?
======================================================
There are no favorites, nor does alt.paranormal represent any sect or
religion. There are many religions, and many applications of the paranormal.
On the matter of good and evil, or light and darkness, we do favor light,
love, truth, abundance, helpfulness, caring, and discourage darkness, lies,
negativity, hatred, and poverty.
14. What is a moderator?
========================
There are 2 types of moderators:
A. A moderator of a "moderated" newsgroup.
That person determines which posts appear and
which do not. Presently, alt.paranormal has
no such moderator.
B. A moderator of an officially "unmoderated" newsgroup.
There are a number of regulars, people who find value in
the subject of the paranormal, and they tell
what is and is not acceptable by posting
on the newsgroup.
15. Who runs alt.paranormal?
============================
The "regulars" of alt.paranormal, which include, but are not limited to
those who's names appear in this section (#reg) of a certain web page.
http://www.psicounsel.com/page9328-a.htm#reg
A "regular" is a person who has contributed to the newsgroup for a year or
more, who finds value in, and has knowledge of, paranormal phenomena -- not
someone who argues against the existence of the paranormal.
16. Who founded alt.paranormal and when?
========================================
It was founded by Steve Reiser, s...@srv.net, in 1990.
17. What about Advertising?
===========================
Short, to the point, advertising is permitted if it concerns the subject of
the newsgroup, and is not excessively repetitive. As examples, we are not
interested in ads for sex phone lines, get-rich-quick schemes, or health
related items. This is in accordance with present-day netiquette standards.
18. What is a "kook"?
=====================
They are silly, eccentric, or crazy people. Kooks are quoted on certain
**web pages, and a link is provided to a site with the rules regarding the
nomination and election of people declared to be Usenet Kooks. Obsessive
behavior by "skeptics" and other sects in alt.paranormal is silly and crazy,
and will probably lead to nomination and election as Kook of the Month: (kOTM).
http://www.psicounsel.com/intelllig.html#kook
Dr Tim, BsD
>On 23 May 1998 12:42:34 GMT, d...@psicounsel.com (Bruce Daniel Kettler)
>wrote:
<snip a copy of a faq he posts weekly in which he claims he can moderate
alt.paranormal>
Simply posting a FAQ every week that claims that you can moderate a.p
doesn't make it so, bruce.
--
Dr.Tim, BsD
Art Bell, Dr. Laura, Militia Satire Websites
http://extra.newsguy.com/~satire
Order of the ILK
ZOG Agent
Skepticultist, see me at #skepticult
Master Baiter
Official Jackyl, Pack O'Jackyls (TM)
Proper Usenet Authority
High Counselor, New Usenet Order
certified psychic
Lord Supreme Being and Reigning Monarch of afa-b
Owner of a super-inflated ego
ICQ# 11429593
John Fitzsimons
>Archive-name: paranormal/faq
>Posting-Frequency: quarterly
< snip >
quarterley ? If it is posted quarterly then why does my newserver show
it posted on 22/5
Message-ID: <paranormal/faq_88...@rtfm.mit.edu>
and on 23/5
Message-ID: <paranormal/faq_89...@rtfm.mit.edu> ?
Perhaps "quarterly" means a quarter of a week ?
Regards, John.
****************************************************
,-._|\ John Fitzsimons - Melbourne, Australia.
/ Oz \ jo...@melbpc.org.au, Fidonet 3:632/309
\_,--.x/ http://www.vicnet.net.au/~johnf/welcome.htm
v http://www.alphalink.com.au/~johnf/
John Fitzsimons
Newbie alert - Newbie alert - Newbie alert.
Newbies should keep in mind the following points.
>Archive-name: paranormal/faq
>Posting-Frequency: quarterly
< snip >
>14. What is a moderator?
>========================
>There are 2 types of moderators:
>A. A moderator of a "moderated" newsgroup.
> That person determines which posts appear and
> which do not. Presently, alt.paranormal has
> no such moderator.
Yep.
>B. A moderator of an officially "unmoderated" newsgroup.
If an unmoderated newsgroup had a moderator then it wouldn't be
UNmoderated. Duh !
< snip >
>15. Who runs alt.paranormal?
>============================
< snip >
Nobody. alt.paranormal is an unmoderated newsgroup.
dr. digger
jo...@melbpc.org.au (John Fitzsimons) wrote:
> On 23 May 1998 12:42:34 GMT, d...@psicounsel.com (Bruce Daniel Kettler)
> wrote:
>
> >Archive-name: paranormal/faq
> >Posting-Frequency: quarterly
>
> quarterley ? If it is posted quarterly then why does my newserver show
> it posted on 22/5
>
> Message-ID: <paranormal/faq_88...@rtfm.mit.edu>
>
> and on 23/5
>
> Message-ID: <paranormal/faq_89...@rtfm.mit.edu> ?
>
> Perhaps "quarterly" means a quarter of a week ?
What Bruce really meant is "spammed quarterly".
Just like he spams everything.
HTH.
dr. digger, BsD
Dan Kettler
"Dr Tim, BsD" <Dr_...@newsguy.com>
wrote:
> > On 23 May 1998 12:42:34 GMT, d...@psicounsel.com
> > (Bruce Daniel > >Kettler) wrote:
> <snip a copy of a faq he posts weekly in which he
> claims he can moderate alt.paranormal>
1. I made no such claims about myself. I wrote
of "overseeing" by others in a newsgroup, and
that has absolutely nothing to do with alt.config.
2. I have not posted a FAQ weekly.
> Simply posting a FAQ every week that claims that you can
> moderate a.p doesn't make it so, bruce.
"Moderation," in the sense of what alt.config is about, was not
discussed by me in a FAQ. The term was defined as other than
"official" moderation by USENET standards, and later revised
to "overseer."
> --
> Dr.Tim, BsD
> Art Bell, Dr. Laura, Militia Satire Websites
> http://extra.newsguy.com/~satire
> Order of the ILK
> ZOG Agent
> Skepticultist, see me at #skepticult
> Master Baiter
> Official Jackyl, Pack O'Jackyls (TM)
> Proper Usenet Authority
> High Counselor, New Usenet Order
> certified psychic
> Lord Supreme Being and Reigning Monarch of afa-b
> Owner of a super-inflated ego
> ICQ# 11429593
--
dan (at) psicounsel . com - About Newsgroups - /news
< < < < www zot psicounsel zot com > > > >
/webmaster-after "com" - - - URL About The Paranormal
Sherilyn
In article <35692509.1E5BD627@psicounselSPAM_YOT.com>, Dan Kettler
<dan@psicounselSPAM_YOT.com> writes
...
>
>"Moderation," in the sense of what alt.config is about, was not
>discussed by me in a FAQ. The term was defined as other than
>"official" moderation by USENET standards, and later revised
>to "overseer."
You claim to be concerned for putatively impressionable newbies, and
then you come out with rubbish like the above.
There is no such thing as an overseer of an unmoderated newsgroup, any
more than there is a captain, Hauptmann, Fuhrer, corporal,
entertainments officer, or a person responsible for handing out song
sheets.
There is absolutely no distinction of status between the pronouncements
of different posters in alt.paranormal, even if they are written in a
FAQ--except when, as happened quite recently, the poster spams
alt.paranormal. Whenever that happens, the culprit is widely perceived
as a boil on the bum of USENET, and effective action will be taken to
curtail his abuse.
Oddly enough, the only regular who has ever spammed alt.paranormal is
you.
http://www.sidaway.demon.co.uk/paranormal/spam/kettler.html
--
Sherilyn
We control the horizontal, we control the vertical.
dr. digger
Dan Kettler <dan@psicounselSPAM_YOT.com> wrote:
> "Dr Tim, BsD" <Dr_...@newsguy.com>
> > <snip a copy of a faq he posts weekly in which he
> > claims he can moderate alt.paranormal>
>
> 1. I made no such claims about myself. I wrote
> of "overseeing" by others in a newsgroup, and
> that has absolutely nothing to do with alt.config.
DAN.. what the hell is "overseeing"?
> "Moderation," in the sense of what alt.config is about, was not
> discussed by me in a FAQ. The term was defined as other than
> "official" moderation by USENET standards, and later revised
> to "overseer."
Ok, Overseer DAN.. so, an Overseer on Usenet is the Moderator of an
unmoderated newsgroup? Wow.
And you, Overseer DAN, being Queen of alt.paranormal, will naturally
assume the position of Queen Overseer? I wonder what Earl will be...
dr. digger
"What we have here, is a failure to communicate with sense, honesty
and civility." -- Overseer DAN
Dan Kettler
dr. digger
bhe...@spamfree.polarnet.com.gov wrote:
alt.config snipped
> Dan Kettler <dan@psicounselSPAM_YOT.com> wrote:
> DAN.. what the hell is "overseeing"?
I really believe, digger, that your remarks are best made in
alt.paranormal, not alt.config. No formal proposal has been
made to moderate alt.paranormal.
Why are you writing with such hostility? Are you upset?
I would guess that a good dictionary would suffice for
looking up words, rather than writing your questions to
a newsgroup.
> > "Moderation," in the sense of what alt.config is about, was not
> > discussed by me in a FAQ. The term was defined as other than
> > "official" moderation by USENET standards, and later revised
> > to "overseer."
The above explanation can be readily understood by anyone reading
the "FAQ CHARTER alt.paranormal" placed in alt.paranormal on
May 24, 1998 --- http://www.dejanews.com
> Ok, Overseer DAN.. so, an Overseer on Usenet is the Moderator of an
> unmoderated newsgroup? Wow.
You do know how to change meanings around, and attempt to make
the writer look ridiculous. I believe any person seriously
interested can find what was written and interpret for themselves.
> And you, Overseer DAN, being Queen of alt.paranormal, will naturally
> assume the position of Queen Overseer? I wonder what Earl will be...
And, you like to ridicule people, making up titles like "Queen Dan."
Do you think it will get you "points" with anyone of character and
dignity? No, I don't believe so.
> dr. digger
> "What we have here, is a failure to communicate with sense,
> honesty and civility." -- Overseer DAN
http://www.psicounsel.com/intelllig.html
Sherilyn
Please trim headers out of alt.config.
In article <3569af87...@news-reader.wcg.net>, dr. digger
<bhe...@spamfree.polarnet.com.gov> writes
>Dan Kettler <dan@psicounselSPAM_YOT.com> wrote:
...
--
Sherilyn
Lucianarchy
Overseer Dan wrote in message
<3569B5EC.F1E0B1FE@psicounselSPAM_YOT.com>...
>
>You do know how to change meanings around, and attempt to make
>the writer look ridiculous. I believe any person seriously
>interested can find what was written and interpret for themselves.
>
Overseer Dan wrote......
" da fac, man, is dat the facs 'r all dere and here, and dey not
so stuk, man - like yew dig, huh?
He dud, ya don dig, man, do ya? Lik d wold is not lik dat.
Lik dere loooogic, ad dere co-heeer-anc, an den all dat not so
wit it allll da TIIIIIIM, but you don dig, i 'cn see."
He did.
Really, he did.
Lucianarchy.
dr. digger
Öberkook DAN wrote:
> bhe...@spamfree.polarnet.com.gov wrote:
>
> > DAN.. what the hell is "overseeing"?
>
> I really believe, digger, that your remarks are best made in
> alt.paranormal, not alt.config. No formal proposal has been
> made to moderate alt.paranormal.
Then why have you been posting all this foolishness to alt.config? I
didn't add that newsgroup, Overseer Dan. You did. You proclaimed
yourself Overseer on alt.config, and I responded with valid questions.
> Why are you writing with such hostility? Are you upset?
> I would guess that a good dictionary would suffice for
> looking up words, rather than writing your questions to
> a newsgroup.
Overseer: Superintendent, Supervisor [Webster's New Collegiate]
How do you intend to perform the responsibilities of Overseer in a.p.?
By complaining to people's ISPs when they disagree? By starting
flame-wars? By endlessly posting off-topic about skeptics when they
write about the paranormal? By carrying on hate campaigns against
believers who don't toe your line? By being an overbearing kook?
Will you have minions of Associate Junior Overseers to enforce your
edicts, and to robo-spam violators for you so your account doesn't get
cancelled again?
This is turning into a replay of your escapade last summer with the
Art Bell Chat Club. You began intercepting all the incoming phone
calls and email, because you fancied that you could sieze control of
the Chat Club and turn it into your personal enterprise. You tried to
make sure everyone who read the Chat Club website came through your
psychic-reading website. The net result was that you got shitcanned
as Chat Club Webmaster and Board Member.
Now, even the densest members of Kettler's List are beginning to see
you for what you are. Overseer DAN, do you see a pattern developing
here?
> > Ok, Overseer DAN.. so, an Overseer on Usenet is the Moderator of an
> > unmoderated newsgroup? Wow.
>
> You do know how to change meanings around, and attempt to make
> the writer look ridiculous. I believe any person seriously
> interested can find what was written and interpret for themselves.
You have proclaimed yourself Overseer of a.p., not I. But you are
right, any person seriously interested can find out that what you
write makes you look ridiculous. That's why you're the current KotY.
> > And you, Overseer DAN, being Queen of alt.paranormal, will naturally
> > assume the position of Queen Overseer? I wonder what Earl will be...
>
> And, you like to ridicule people, making up titles like "Queen Dan."
> Do you think it will get you "points" with anyone of character and
> dignity? No, I don't believe so.
I didn't make up the title "Queen of alt.paranormal", Queen DAN. You
did. You crowned Lucy Ferr with that title. All I did was preside
over your coronation after Queen Lucy dumped you for a
SKEP-TI-CULTist®. Please note that there is no Usenet rule that
forbids this, therefore it must be valid.
If a.p. needs a Queen, who else could do it?
> > "What we have here, is a failure to communicate with sense,
> > honesty and civility." -- Overseer DAN
dr. digger, BsD, PMAFA
alt.paranormal Executive Moderator
Sherilyn
In article <3569ca97...@news-reader.wcg.net>, dr. digger
<bhe...@spamfree.polarnet.com.gov> writes
>Öberkook DAN wrote:
>
>> bhe...@spamfree.polarnet.com.gov wrote:
>>
>> > DAN.. what the hell is "overseeing"?
>>
>> I really believe, digger, that your remarks are best made in
>> alt.paranormal, not alt.config. No formal proposal has been
>> made to moderate alt.paranormal.
>
>Then why have you been posting all this foolishness to alt.config? I
>didn't add that newsgroup, Overseer Dan. You did. You proclaimed
>yourself Overseer on alt.config, and I responded with valid questions.
>
>> Why are you writing with such hostility? Are you upset?
>> I would guess that a good dictionary would suffice for
>> looking up words, rather than writing your questions to
>> a newsgroup.
>
>Overseer: Superintendent, Supervisor [Webster's New Collegiate]
Aufseher [Collins GEM German & English Dictionary]
>dr. digger, BsD, PMAFA
>alt.paranormal Executive Moderator
Jawol, Mein Kapitan.
--
Sherilyn
Grand Panjandrum of alt.paranormal
anonym
dr. digger wrote:
>
> Dan Kettler <dan@psicounselSPAM_YOT.com> wrote:
>
> > "Dr Tim, BsD" <Dr_...@newsguy.com>
> > > <snip a copy of a faq he posts weekly in which he
> > > claims he can moderate alt.paranormal>
> >
> > 1. I made no such claims about myself. I wrote
> > of "overseeing" by others in a newsgroup, and
> > that has absolutely nothing to do with alt.config.
>
>
> > discussed by me in a FAQ. The term was defined as other than
> > "official" moderation by USENET standards, and later revised
> > to "overseer."
>
> unmoderated newsgroup? Wow.
>
> assume the position of Queen Overseer? I wonder what Earl will be...
Drunk off his ass.
Lou Minatti™
dr. digger wrote:
>
> Öberkook DAN wrote:
<snip>
> > And, you like to ridicule people, making up titles like "Queen Dan."
> > Do you think it will get you "points" with anyone of character and
> > dignity? No, I don't believe so.
>
> I didn't make up the title "Queen of alt.paranormal", Queen DAN. You
> did. You crowned Lucy Ferr with that title. All I did was preside
> over your coronation after Queen Lucy dumped you for a
> SKEP-TI-CULTist®. Please note that there is no Usenet rule that
> forbids this, therefore it must be valid.
Personally, I prefer "Idiot the Bruce." All hail Idiot the Bruce!
--
My World has been redesigned to better serve your needs.
http://www.concentric.net/~Slaroche/
Includes all-new hate mail and Strange Foreign Objects!
Bilbo3232
Wasn't an overseer the man who used to keep his eye on the slaves on the
plantation?
John Mcgowan
* While speaking of Overseer DAN on 25 May 98 07:54:46,
dr. digger Replied in the following manner:
dd> From: bhe...@spamfree.polarnet.com.gov (dr. digger) Subject: Overseer
dd> DAN Organization: Angstrom Medal Award Committee
dd> Dan Kettler <dan@psicounselSPAM_YOT.com> wrote:
> "Dr Tim, BsD" <Dr_...@newsguy.com>
> > <snip a copy of a faq he posts weekly in which he claims he can
> > moderate alt.paranormal>
> 1. I made no such claims about myself. I wrote of "overseeing"
> by others in a newsgroup, and that has absolutely nothing to do with
> alt.config.
dd> DAN.. what the hell is "overseeing"?
I warned Bruce of using the word OVERSEER, in leiu of Chairman or any other
commonly accepted word. He must have been reading Bill Cooper's Books again.
:)
An OVERSEER is technically exactly as it implies, a Person who oversees the
functions of something. However, the word has had Bad Connotations ever
since 1984 was put out, and got worse since Bill Cooper used it. An OVERSEER
is more commonly known as a Dictator, Digs. :)
--
|Fidonet: John Mcgowan 1:114/314
|Internet: John.M...@ghostrdr.wierius.com
|
| Standard disclaimer: The views of this user are strictly his own.
John Fitzsimons
On Mon, 01 Jun 1998 23:20:46 GMT, John.M...@ghostrdr.wierius.com
(John Mcgowan) wrote:
< snip >
>An OVERSEER is technically exactly as it implies, a Person who oversees the
>functions of something.
However, in the case of an unmoderated newsgroup there is nobody to
oversee anything. It is UN-moderated.
John Mcgowan
* While speaking of Overseer DAN on 02 Jun 98 13:59:13,
John Fitzsimons Replied in the following manner:
JF> From: jo...@melbpc.org.au (John Fitzsimons) Subject: Re: Overseer
JF> DAN Organization: Melbourne PC User Group Inc, Australia
JF> On Mon, 01 Jun 1998 23:20:46 GMT, John.M...@ghostrdr.wierius.com
JF> (John Mcgowan) wrote:
> An OVERSEER is technically exactly as it implies, a Person who oversees the
> functions of something.
JF> However, in the case of an unmoderated newsgroup there is nobody to
JF> oversee anything. It is UN-moderated.
No Kidding??? :)
If bruce is claiming there exists an overseer here now, he is highly deluded.
No one claims there is a moderator or overseer for AP as of this moment. It
has not even been decided if there is a moderator for the EMail group yet.
However, when laying out a proposition to make a moderated NG out of an
existing un-moderated one, or in creating a new NG, One must call the
Moderator something. Bruce chooses the word `Overseer' which I oppose.
And I have yet to see Bruce say this group *is* Moderated, I see him making
proposals. His proposal is to create a moderated group, or maybe even an
advisor group, which would require a Chairman or moderator of the advisor
group (Overseer in Kettlerese.).
Lucianarchy
John Mcgowan wrote in message ...
>* While speaking of Overseer DAN on 02 Jun 98 13:59:13,
> John Fitzsimons Replied in the following manner:
>If bruce is claiming there exists an overseer here now, he is highly
deluded.
>No one claims there is a moderator or overseer for AP as of this moment.
It
>has not even been decided if there is a moderator for the EMail group yet.
There are no leaders. We all have the responsibility to oversee.
The Overseer - alt.paranormal
(If you are new to this newsgroup, or a confused lurker, email me at:
luc...@dial.pipex.com
and I will enlighten you.)
Sherilyn
In article <ad7_980...@ghostrdr.wierius.com>, John Mcgowan
<John.M...@ghostrdr.wierius.com> writes
>
>If bruce is claiming there exists an overseer here now, he is highly deluded.
No problem. By your declared standard above, Bruce Dan Kettler is
indeed deluded. Here's the current version of his FAQ.
http://www.psicounsel.com/altparfaq.txt
14. What is a moderator? What is an overseer?
There are 2 types of people who facilitate a newsgroup:
A. A moderator of a "moderated" newsgroup.
That person determines which posts appear and
which do not. Presently, alt.paranormal has
no such moderator.
B. An overseer of an officially "unmoderated" newsgroup.
There are a number of approved regular posters,
people who find value in the subject of the
paranormal - proponents, and they tell what is
and is not acceptable by posting on the
newsgroup.
15. Who runs alt.paranormal?
The approved "regulars" of alt.paranormal, which includes those
who's names appear in this section (#reg) of a certain web
page. Others, with the (no objection) consent of the approved
"regulars" may assist.
http://www.psicounsel.com/page9328-a.htm#reg
An approved "regular" is usually a person who has contributed to
the newsgroup for a year or more, who finds value in, and has
knowledge of, paranormal phenomena -- not someone who argues
against the existence of the paranormal.
It's clear from the above that an "overseer" is supposed to be "[one of
a group of] approved regular posters [who] tell what is and is not
acceptable by posting on the newsgroup." Also, BDK is under the
impression that this means the people he designates as such "run" the
newsgroup in some way that he doesn't make clear.
And at the quoted URL, the text implies that the closed email group
"runs" a.p in some way, but that BDK is out of the decision-making loop
and may not even hear of designated changes. So according to BDK, John,
you and a few others are "overseers" who "run" the unmoderated newsgroup
alt.paranormal.
Yes, I have no problem with the possibility that he's deluded.
http://www.psicounsel.com/page9328-a.htm#reg
This part of the page is referenced from the alt.paranormal FAQ
and answers URL.
As of May 31, 1998, the following were part of a group of the
Newsgroup alt.paranormal, in that they adequately express that
the paranormal exists, or probably does, and have sufficient
knowledge of how it does or would exist. They have significantly
contributed. They were overseers, and had joint authority.
The group member list was changing then, and I did not list
everyone participating in discussions since nothing had been
decided conclusively. I expect the list will change in the
future.
I, Bruce Daniel Kettler, officially withdrew from the group,
though I've been welcomed back should I decide to rejoin in the
future. The main reason I have decided to withdraw, is that the
others seem to have the knowledge, experience, and awareness to
carry on our mutual goal of bringing alt.paranormal to the
status of a peaceful and on-topic newsgroup to read about and
discuss the paranormal.
The status, at the time a person reads this may change. This
list is not necessarily current at the time of reading.
Earl Gordon Curley webde...@hotmail.com
John McGowan John.M...@ghostrdr.wierius.com
Charles Gregory cha...@hwcn.org
Tom Eleven Tome...@aol.com
Wizard wiz...@primenet.com
Bruce Daniel Kettler d...@psicounsel.com
Steve Reiser s...@srv.net
Ron Bobo ron...@stlnet.com
Br. Kurt Van Kuren OSB stp...@orion.sk.sympatico.ca
This may develop into others having the same degree of
authority, without my necessarily listing the names here, but it
should be with the consensus of opinion of the above persons, or
varying list as agreed upon by the above, and I may not be
informed of every step that is taken.
--
Sherilyn |alt.paranormal.moderated - flame-free discussion of the
|paranormal. http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Shire/3581/
twi...@worldnet.att.net
John.M...@ghostrdr.wierius.com (John Mcgowan) wrote:
<snip>
>And I have yet to see Bruce say this group *is* Moderated<snip>
Ah, John, that was you who said that this group is
moderated.
BTW, how does it feel to have a hurricane in the Pacific for
the year 2000 named after you?
Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes,
our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot
alter the state of facts and evidence.