BG> ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ
BG>  þ Forwarded by : Bill Grimsley of 3:711/934.18
BG>  þ Original From: Philip Brown of 3:640/213
BG>  þ Original Date: 13:35 on Sat, Oct 15, 1994
BG>  þ Original Area: ZONE3_SYSOP
BG> ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ

PB> Given the recent report by the Attorney-General regarding BBS, and
PB> the recommendations thereof, I'd like to propose voluntary
PB> classification of echos by Sysops.

PB> The idea would be to use the same classifications as are used for TV
PB> and film, and would refer to the 'normal' echo content:

PB> G  - For General Exhibition or Consumption.

PB> M  - Recommended for mature audiences (15 years and over).

PB> MA - For mature audiences - not for persons under 15 years without
PB> parental

PB> approval (approval required per individual Sysop's requirements).

PB> R  - Restricted access - not for persons under the age of 18 years -
PB> proof of

PB> age required at Sysop's discretion.

PB> X  - Explicit in nature - contents may offend.  Access restricted as
PB> per R

PB> rating.

PB> The following descriptive qualifiers could be available to provide
PB> further details for users, and would reflect normal echo content:

PB> S  - Sexual references.

PB> A  - Adult themes.

PB> L  - Coarse language.

PB> V  - Violence depicted.

PB> The idea is not to impose restrictions on FidoNet, or any of
PB> FidoNet's Sysops or users, but rather to help guide people as to the
PB> 'normal' content of an echo.  This should help people make informed
PB> decisions regarding their choice of echoes, and should show the
PB> authorities that FidoNet is providing useful and effective
PB> self-regulation as suggested by the A-G.

PB> I'd be interested in comments and responses?

Talk about jumping the gun, there has only been a report to the AG so
far, we dont know what he will do about the reports recommendations.
And the classification scheme is only one option, not even the most
favoured one.

--- PQWK202