I joined this list recently because of a matter of major personal, professional and social concern to me in regard to a mailing list to which I subscribe. Personally, and as a psychotherapist and professional author, I am feeling violated by some new decisions affecting copyright and privacy on posts sent to a mailing list, and I am trying to clarify the ethical and legal issues in this regard, and to determine a course of action.
THE SITUATION:
I am on a mailing list devoted to a discussion of group dynamics,
esp. as pertains to online mailing list group dynamics. The list is
a public one, although newly subscribed members receive information
as soon as they join stating that the archives of all posts are
available to all who subscribe who seek to access them using the
specific listserv commands.
Because of the nature of this group, and its focus upon its own process and interpersonal dynamics as part of studying online group dynamics, many of the post are somewhat personal in nature. I myself have posted over 200 messages since I joined, which I knew could be read by anyone who subscribed, including lurkers, but which were directed specifically to active group members with whom I was engaged in discussion. I am also planning both a Web site and a book which will include dozens of excerpts from my many of my posts, some of which are complete articles in themselves. I earn my living through my writing, and through the practice of psychotherapy -- and do not wish my therapy clients who are online to have easier access to the posts which I send to mailing lists. I no longer post to newsgroups or any mailing lists accessible to Internet search engines for this very reason.....
Now a situation has arisen in which the list has the opportunity to post all the archives of the group since its inception on a public site on the Web. Anyone on the Internet will have open access to them. The listowner, who happens to be a lawyer, adamantly supports this new development, as do many of the members who do not care if their posts are openly accessible. A small minority - interestingly enough, all women - are opposed to this, and view it as a personal, ethical and perhaps also legal violation of copyright and individual rights. Previous members, who are not even subscribed to the group anymore, are not even being consulted as decisions are being made in regard to Web site access pertaining to both their personal and professional postings to the group during the time in which they were members (when they were informed that their postings would only be available to subscribers).
I am deeply upset by the above situation, and seeking help in regard to the ethics and law regarding the issues involved, as well as any course of action one can take to protect one's messages and articles from more public posting without one's permission. Any and all responses - privately and to the list - will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Tracy Marks
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