GP> On (13 Nov 03) PETER BRADIE wrote to GEORGE POPE...
GP>  PB> GP> One user has complained, suggesting that it feels
like an invasion
GP>  PB> of
GP>  PB> GP> privacy to her, to have "non family intruding on our
GP>  PB> conversations". . .
GP>  PB>
GP>  PB> GP> Thoughts?
GP>  PB>
GP>  PB> Kinda strange having an expectation of privacy in an open echo...
GP>  PB> It's not
GP>  PB> like a private chat room, or email for that matter.

GP> There is that, in a strict sense, but I understand what she means -- if
GP> you're part of a club and you're at the meetings, you have a semi-closed
GP> group with which you feel more comfortable sharing, knowing that
GP> whatever gets said stays amongst this like-minded set of friends -- it
GP> could certainly change how you view the group if you knew that Buddy in
GP> the corner who doesn't say much at the meetings, is running around
GP> gossiping all that gets said! :|

GP> True, it's not a private chat room or email(netmail would be that
GP> semi-equivalent, but still not quite as private) but it is like a rented
GP> room at a convention centre, where all attendees must register before
GP> gaining admittance. . .

GP> A slight difference from a wide open arena (such as a public park, or
GP> sidewalk, for example)

I'd venture to say that there's at least one lurker, monitoring the messages 
here, just to see whether they wish to join in.  They may have seen the title 
to the echo, or been invited to join in by a member, but the upshot is they 
are here although not participating.  No registration required, or admission 
requirements.  This is a wide, open area.

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