HomeSchool Echo Rules
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As a moderator, I tend to prefer the 'King Log' approach, and to keep
moderation to a necessary minimum.   However, past experience has
convinced me that a basic set of rules of courtesy is essential to the
operation of this or any echo.    Please don't make me have to add to
them.
First, since I feel that too much moderating detracts from an echo rather
than contributing to it, I want to keep my involvement as moderator to a 
minimum.    Please remember that common courtesy applies here at all times.   
I am going to presume that everybody here is a mature adult and is capable 
of carrying out a courteous and intelligent discourse without interference 
from me.    In addition, this is a 'real names only' echo.    Handles or
bogus names are not permitted.    Blatant violations of what rules it 
becomes necessary to have _will_ be dealt with immediately and firmly, 
however.
Second, I've been asked about penpals/keypals on this echo.   Since one of 
the purposes of education is to learn about the world we live in, other 
people and other ways, and thus penpal/keypal traffic is of direct benefit 
to homeschool children, the answer to this is 'Yes', now and until such time 
as such traffic threatens to overwhelm the primary purpose of this echo, at 
which time we will work on finding an alternate channel for such traffic.
Third, the topic of religion on this echo.   This has been a perennial 
problem and (I believe) was the proximate cause of my predecessor's 
departure.   The topic of this echo is homeschooling and alternative 
education.   There are more than sufficient echos in Fido and elsewhere for 
the promulgation and reiteration of particular religious and theological 
doctrines.    This is NOT one of them.    Discussions _of_ religions (note 
the quite intentional use of the plural), and of the teaching _of_ 
religions, including history and evolution/migration of religions, 
sociology, literature, art, and mythologies of religions, and so forth are 
officially on topic.   Attempts to advance a particular religion or 
theological agenda, or to criticize or denigrate another religion, are now 
and forever _OFF_ topic.    This specifically includes evangelizing (or the 
'teaching' of material the primary purpose of which is evangelical), 
'witnessing', or any attempts to limit or cripple children's education/
socialization for the purpose of enforcing or indoctrinating particular 
theological strictures.   Take such to the appropriate religion's echos, if 
you must do so at all, but do not bring it here.
One final topic.   Selling of homeschool-related material between 
individuals is, as topical, permitted in a limited fashion, although 
anything much beyond the initial establishment of mutual interest between 
buyer and seller should be conducted in netmail.   Commercial advertising 
is a violation of Fido policy and is prohibited.
Also, PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) clearsigning is permitted in this echo, 
for any who care to use it.   I will always use it for 'Moderator' 
announcements, to permit their authentication by anyone who is 
interested/concerned about the validity of a message.   My public key is 
always available by f'req from 1:128/203, or is reposted monthly in the 
backbone echo PKEY_DROP.    Encryption, as per Fido policy, is not 
permitted in echomail.    Save it for netmail.
This is all I've got at the moment.   Please don't make it necessary for 
me to add to this list.    See you in the echo.
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