English Update March 15, 2007

Archive
Literature..... Censorship...... CompuServe is no more responsible for messages posted on its system than book store owners for the contents of their books. DLN (Dec. 2, 94), A7.

Literature..... Censorship..... “Silent Night” is forbidden in schools while condoms are available in the nurse’s office. DLN (Dec. 13, 94), A3.

Literature..... Censorship..... “The answer to bad TV is to switch channels or turn it off, complain at the top of our voices and, if necessary, boycott the advertisers. If a majority of Americans are truly offended and not reveling in the slop they claim to detest, things will be set aright. If they prefer to indulge their worst instincts, censorship will not save us.” DLN (Dec. 12, 95). A9.

Literature ..... Censorship..... “Tolerance of an activity means endorsement.” Putting the authority to censor in the hands of local groups will mean chaos and many different “community” standards. The answer to objectionable material is to turn it off or don’t turn it on in the first place. If people don’t watch it, advertisers won’t support it. DLN (Dec. 14, 95), A12.

Literature..... Censorship..... “Indecent” defined: “Language or material tha, in context, depicts or describes in terms patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards, sexual or excretory activities or organs.” WSJ (Dec. 15, 95), A2.

Literature..... Censorship..... American Online has decided to reject certain words used in its online network, including “breast.” Reversed their decision when cancer societies objected. “Body parts that might be named in medical diagnoses do not fall under the category of offensive online communication.” Inq. (Dec. 2, 95), A2.

Literature..... Censorship..... Newt Gingrich: How do you maintain the right of freedom of speech for adults while also protecting children in a medium which is available to both? Inq. (Jul. 30, 95), c1/c8.

Literature..... Censorship..... How define the role of on-line services? Publisher or library? [For what it’s worth, I cannot see how on-line services could be called “publishers.” Publishers’ control over publications is exacting, for the purpose of selling a particular product by a particular author. Control of the content of materials published is the source of tension between author and publisher throughout the process, with authors often submitting to ‘suggested’ changes. Further, the publisher actively markets the materials in their finished form. The purpose of the publisher is to sell the materials submitted for publication. The purpose of individual members of on-line services is to express their opinions. The online service is not actively involved in helping the member sell the opinions expressed.]