DharmaNet Charter + Policy 1. Overview 1.1 Name and Abbreviation +quot;DharmaNet Internati

DharmaNet Charter & Policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Overview 1.1 Name and Abbreviation "DharmaNet International" is the name of the corporation and may be abbreviated as D.N.I. The name of the computer network, which exists to further the purposes of DharmaNet International, is "DharmaNet." 1.2 Nature and Purpose of DharmaNet International DharmaNet International is a not-for-profit corporation, organized to promote the use of computer, network and telecommunication technologies in the service of the global Buddhist community. D.N.I. is dedicated to preserving and advancing Buddhist values, beliefs and traditions in the world through new and evolving models of organizations and of communities, making full use of contemporary technologies while embodying traditional Buddhist ideals and practices. 1.3 Nature and Purpose of DharmaNet DharmaNet is a voluntary network of computer system operators and users throughout the world, organized for the purpose of promoting free communication and dissemination of information in support of the global Buddhist community, and the purposes of DharmaNet International. 1.4 Membership Membership in DharmaNet is open to anyone capable of receiving and processing electronic mail, compliant with Fidonet technology, and who agrees to operate in accordance with the policy set forth in this document (and its revisions). It is not necessary to be a Buddhist in order to be a member of DharmaNet, although members acknowledge that Buddhism is the purpose and object of the network. There are no fees or dues required to be a member of this network; however, all members contribute to the network, enabling it to function, through the voluntary sharing of resources and the linkage of individually-owned and -maintained BBS sites, as well as the long distance charges incurred in polling for mail and/or files (if applicable). General members of DharmaNet have no voting privileges in the corporation, but represent an important voice in shaping DharmaNet policy (along with the Board of Advisors). General membership is represented by the weekly listing of current members in the nodelist file, DHARMLST.###. 1.5 Affiliations DharmaNet is a non-sectarian association of Buddhists and non- Buddhists. DharmaNet is intended to provide a means for Buddhists, of various schools, lineages, and practices, to be able to communicate with each other and to form a global online sangha or community of Buddhists. To this end, DharmaNet hopes to facilitate neutral ground for communication and sharing amongst Buddhist monks and nuns, lay teachers, laypractitioners, and scholars. It is further hoped that we can all learn from each other, and support each other in human community, minimizing and/or transcending such artificial boundaries of age, gender, race, ability, class, nationality, or religious sect. 1.5.1 Parent corporation DharmaNet is affiliated with, and responsible to, the not-for- profit corporation, DharmaNet International. The Director of DharmaNet International serves as the International Coordinator of DharmaNet. The Director of DharmaNet International is responsible to its Board of Directors and its Board of Advisors. DharmaNet International is a non-sectarian Buddhist organization, inclusive of all schools and lineages of the global Buddhist community. 1.5.2 Steering Committee The Board of Advisors of DharmaNet International is comprised of prominent representatives of the global Buddhist community -- monks, nuns, lay teachers, scholars. The Board of Advisors acts as a "steering committee" to help DharmaNet International to address and meet the needs and interests of Buddhism and the global Buddhist community. 1.6 Goals and Objects DharmaNet, in general terms, has the goal of creating and acting as a "bridge" to nurture and facilitate free communication and access amongst Buddhist communities and organizations throughout the world and across all schools. To this end, electronic resources can, and will, play an increasingly important role in Buddhism of the 21st Century. In furtherance of this purpose, some specific goals and objects of DharmaNet, include: 1.6.1 To provide a networked infrastructure to interlink Buddhists and Buddhist communities and organizations, across geographical and/or school boundaries: - To cultivate and nourish a global online sangha; - To cultivate a pool of technical volunteers; - To promote local/regional user groups to serve local Buddhist populations and groups, and to help local Buddhist centers to develop online access. 1.6.2 To develop and promote global access to the Three Treasures and to Dharma resources: - To develop and promote electronic publishing and free distribution of Buddhist canonical texts, commentaries, dharma talks, newsletters, bibliographies, articles, books, etc, via computer networks and electronic media; - To develop and make available low-maintenance networked resources, such as user-maintained databases of Buddhist centers, teachers, events, etc.; - To encourage and to develop working models for dana-generated resources (such as Dharma-oriented BBSs, "small-run" donation- funded publications, etc); - To develop online libraries accessible by users of DharmaNet, Internet, and other networks. 1.6.3 To establish online Buddhafields or "zones of influence" -- personal and/or organizational models embodying Buddhist principles and practices to promote peace and alleviate suffering in the world; 1.6.4 To develop meaningful skills, tools and channels of dialogue and communication; 1.6.5 To utilize electronic media as tools to support personal "practice" -- making dharma meaningful in everyday life. 1.7 Basic Services In carrying out these goals, certain "basic" services are provided freely to DharmaNet members: -Netmail (also known as e-mail) -Echomail (also known as conferences or newsgroups) -Electronic journal, GASSHO -Electronic texts (also known as e-texts, or simply as "files") -Other electronic resources, as they become available 1.7.1 "Open Access" Policy Since the purpose of DharmaNet is to encourage and to provide access and communication, it is expected that DharmaNet sites have policies of "open access" to all DharmaNet services. "Open access" suggests minimizing hindrances to access, rather than creating hindrances. Accordingly, BBS policies that require, or aggressively solicit, contributions from users, whether financial or in terms of file and/or message usage ratios, are strongly discouraged. BBS policies and/or practices inconsistent with the purposes and policies of DharmaNet may be cause for disallowing membership. There are exceptions and site policies will be reviewed on a case- by-case basis. 1.7.1.1 Free Access to Files One of the negotiated conditions between DharmaNet International and the authors and/or original publishers who assign electronic distribution rights to DharmaNet International is that texts distributed via electronic media be made available at no cost. In order to honor this agreement, BBSs which require user contributions are not eligible to participate in the File Distribution Network. These sites may obtain the files from other sources, but not as a part of DharmaNet's automated distribution network. Acceptance of freely-offered donations is not to be construed as a violation of this agreement. 1.7.2 Recuperating Costs Since DharmaNet is a volunteer network, it is assumed that members, having read and agreed to these policies as a requirement for membership, accept to absorb the costs to provide access to DharmaNet for their users. Buddhism embodies a centuries-old tradition of interdependence between laity and monastic community. Dharma-oriented BBSs, as a vessel for disseminating Dharma, can usefully be considered analogous to a Dharma center and, as such, cultivating a tradition of "dana" (freely-offered generosity) is to be encouraged. "Freely-offered" is key here in how DharmaNet interprets individual policies. "Freely-offered" is taken to represent the sysop's agreement to provide access, and "freely- offered" is how user contributions to the BBS should be encouraged. DharmaNet does not seek to exert unreasonable control over how a sysop organizes or operates his or her own BBS, but it does want to cultivate a consistent model amongst DharmaNet sites using generosity (dana), lovingkindness (metta), compassion (karuna), sympathetic joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha) as operational principles and practices. 1.7.2.1 Net-level cost sharing Cost-sharing amongst sysops at a net level, in order to fairly distribute the costs of importing DharmaNet to the net amongst the participating sysops, is acceptable and is to be encouraged. 1.8 Foundation in Precepts The Five Precepts (Panca-sila) form the foundation for Buddhist practice amongst all schools of Buddhism. DharmaNet encourages DharmaNet members to integrate these core principles as an intrinsic part of a site's operational outlook and policies. Even where a BBS is not a Buddhist BBS or the sysop is not a Buddhist, these principles provide a very beneficial foundation. These Precepts are: 1.8.1 Panatipata veramani - sikkhapadam samadiyami. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from harming living beings. 1.8.2 Adinnadana veramani - sikkhapadam samadiyami. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from taking what is not offered. 1.8.3 Kamesu micchacara veramani - sikkhapadam samadiyami. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from misuse of the senses. 1.8.4 Musavada veramani - sikkhapadam samadiyami. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from false speech. 1.8.5 Surameraya - majja - pamadatthana veramani - sikkhapadam samadiyami. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from intoxicants causing heedlessness and unmindfulness. 1.9 Policy The purpose of DharmaNet policy is to provide guidelines for the smooth and efficient operation of the network. It is not intended to cover all situations. 1.9.1 Exceptions Exceptions to this policy may be made by the Administration of DharmaNet when such accommodation is in the best interests of DharmaNet. 2 Definitions These definitions are understood to represent the usage in this document. 2.1 Administration Administration refers to the Officers responsible for the organization and operation of the network. The Director of DharmaNet International serves as the International Coordinator of DharmaNet, and is responsible to the Board of Directors and the Board of Advisors. Additional, the Administration of DharmaNet includes the International Echo Coordinator, the Nodelist Coordinator, the Filebone Coordinator, and the Regional Coordinators. 2.2 Best Interests of DharmaNet The best interests of DharmaNet are those interests that can be properly protected by any reasonable accommodation in order to further the goal of providing quality communication to the Buddhist community in accordance with available technology and the directives of the Administration. 2.3 Dissemination Dissemination as used in this document is not a requirement that electronic mail be delivered by the carrier, but only that the carrier exercise reasonable diligence in ensuring that mail may be expected to reach its destination. Mail delivery must not be impeded; however, mail may be placed on hold for pickup. 2.4 Fidonet technology DharmaNet operates in compatibility with Fidonet technology. All members must be capable of meshing with the network, either through operating FTN-compatible softwares, or through an authorized gateway. 2.5 Nodelist The nodelist is an ASCII file that is updated weekly and which lists all recognized DharmaNet nodes. The file is released by the Nodelist Coordinator every Friday and is made available through the *C structure to all nodes. DharmaNet occupies Zone 96 and all members of DharmaNet will be assigned a unique Zone 96 address. 2.6 Gating Gating is to be considered as the passing of messages from DharmaNet to other networks. Gating is to be further construed as more than just crossposting a single message between networks but rather the ongoing constant process of total access by 2 or more networks to all or selected echomail conferences. 2.7 General Membership The general membership of DharmaNet consists of the Sysops who are listed in the current DharmaNet Nodelist. 3 Netmail The DharmaNet *C structure will participate in the routing of netmail to or from any DharmaNet site, following the topology of the DharmaNet nodelist. Routed netmail must use DharmaNet addresses. There are no inter-network gateways in DharmaNet at this time. 3.1 Privacy The use of contemporary encryption technologies, such as public key encryption, is acceptable within DharmaNet. Hubs that accept encrypted mail bear the ENC status flag in the DharmaNet nodelist. 4 Echomail 4.1 Required conferences Only two echoes are required for all systems carrying DharmaNet echoes: DHARMASYS so that DharmaNet sysops and network administrators can communicate easily and quickly with each other, and DHARMA so that users have a common basis for some of what may be discussed in other DharmaNet echoes. Since network-wide announcements are posted in DHARMASYS, it is important that DharmaNet sysops read there regularly. DN_FILES is a required conference for DFN and DFL sites (see below). DHARMASYS and DN_FILES are sysop-only echos; all others are open access. 4.2 Aliases and Handles DharmaNet echoes are name-relaxed. That is, you may use the name of your choice in these echoes, so long as you are accountable to that name. Of course, it is the right and privilege of the sysop to disallow use of aliases on his or her BBS. 4.3 Responsibilities There are no restrictions with regards to DharmaNet echoes, other than the echos retain their correct zones (health & independent echos = Zone 1, Buddhist echos = Zone 96) and that reasonable care is taken by the receiving systems to not generate dupes. 4.4 Guidelines Echo rules are posted at the beginning of each month. 4.5 Moderation Moderation of the echoes is the responsibility of the moderators but the cooperation of the sysop is expected. The moderator will issue warnings to users, if necessary, and should any user disregard these warnings, we may ask the sysop of that node to remove that user's access to the echo or to the network. Failure to comply with a request of this nature may result in the loss of the DharmaNet feed. 4.6 Conference Names and Ownership Areatag names for conferences created as a part of DharmaNet remain the originary property of DharmaNet, not of the moderator. Reserved names include, but are not limited to, DHARMA, DHARMASYS, DN_FILES, AHIMSA, PEACEWORK, TIBET_NEWS, ZEN, THERAVADA, VAJRAYANA, PURELAND, SANGHA, MEDITATION, BUDDWEST and VINAYA. Areatag names for conferences distributed by DharmaNet but created by the originating moderators remain the intellectual and originary property of their creator. 4.7 New Echos Suggestions for additional echo areas are always welcome. However, any and all additions to the network must first be approved by the International Echo Coordinator. Proposals for new echos should be posted for discussion in DHARMASYS. 4.8 Local Echos Creation of local net and regional conferences are recommended to support the needs of local communities and to prevent "local" posts from appearing in international conferences. 5 File Distribution Network DharmaNet coordinates and operates an automated file distribution system. The DharmaNet File Network (DFN) is a voluntary service. There is no requirement to carry DharmaNet files or to participate in the distribution routing. Participating hubs will bear the DFN flag in the DharmaNet nodelist. Agreement to and compliance with the DharmaNet Filebone policies specified herein is the only requirement for being an DFN hub. Violation of these policies is cause for suspension or loss of access to the file network and/or DharmaNet. File distribution will be automated through use of Tick and/or Tick-compatible softwares. Only the Filebone Coordinator will release ("hatch") files into the DFN. 5.1 Free access All DharmaNet files must be made available at no cost to users. DharmaNet sites may accept donations in the spirit of dana (freely offered generosity), but no DharmaNet site may require payment, in any form, in order to have full access to any DharmaNet service. 5.2 Author rights and authorizations The Filebone Coordinator must have on file either (1) a copy of a netmail message or a hardcopy letter from the author or publisher of a text, giving either specific or blanket permissions for their work to be distributed in an "electronic edition" via DharmaNet, or (2) a facsimile of the publisher's information page from a published work which explicitly gives permission to copy and redistribute on a dana basis. ONLY files for which there exists such permissions will be distributed via the DharmaNet FDN. Authors retain all rights for works published electronically via DharmaNet International. 5.3 Transcription coordination and format DharmaNet has received permission to distribute electronic editions of selected texts from certain publishers. Transcription of these texts is being done manually by volunteers. In order to ensure consistent and quality electronic publications, we have devised certain style formats for electronic texts; please contact the appropriate File Librarian or the Filebone Coordinator to receive the Format Guidelines. Also please coordinate transcription efforts with the Librarians and/or Filebone Coordinator, so that we do not have duplicated efforts and so we can make sure that permission has been granted to release a given text. We prefer to allow the Librarians to coordinate permissions with publishers or authors whenever possible, so that those authors are not bombarded with multiple requests, and so that we can ensure that the Electronic Distribution Agreement is clearly understood. 5.4 File inserts All files distributed via the DharmaNet FDN will include at least 2 additional insert files: (1) README.1ST, the DharmaNet standardized Electronic Distribution Agreement, and (2) FILE_ID.DIZ, a formal machine-readable description of the file. By special request of the author/publisher, other inserts may be included as well. A sample of the README.1ST insert is enclosed in the archive DHARMA.ZIP. These inserts may not be removed or altered. 5.5 Changes to files DharmaNet will hatch files in ZIP archive format. End sites may convert DharmaNet files to other archive formats, but no changes may be made to the contents of the archives nor to the naming of the file. The cooperation of all DharmaNet sysops is required in order to ensure consistency and non-duplicated file nomenclature and cataloging. 5.6.1 Other distribution channels DharmaNet International does not seek, nor require, sole distributorship for any electronic text. Files distributed through DharmaNet channels, though, must conform to these procedures and practices outlined herein. Presently, DharmaNet FDN files are being mirrored via the Fidonet Filebone. There is also a small file archive (Dharma Electronic Files Archive) available to "anonymous ftp" access for Internet users at ftp.netcom.com in the subdirectory pub/dharma/ . 5.6.2 Conditions Distribution of DharmaNet files along the distribution systems of other networks is acceptable provided: (1) the texts, or its insert texts, are not altered in any way, or the file renamed (rearchiving is permitted, so long as the filename remains the same), (2) there are no monetary charges (other than phone costs) to receive the file (subscription and commercial BBS services are not eligible to distribute DharmaNet files), and (3) access to the files is not restricted (open access policy) or conditional (upload/download ratios). These conditions are intended to protect and respect the rights and intentions of the authors/publishers, to promote global access to Dharma texts in keeping with Buddhist principles, and to assure sysops that these files do not violate copyright provisions. 5.7 Required conference for DFN/DFL sites Sites carrying the DFN flag must carry the DN_FILES conference. This will be where new files hatched into the network will be announced, as well as any administrative or technical announcements pertinent to the DharmaNet File Network or DharmaNet File Libraries. 6 File Libraries DharmaNet will maintain, as an adjunct to the file distribution network, regional file libraries. These libraries will carry the DFL flag in the DharmaNet nodelist. The purpose of the regional libraries is to provide an alternative source for DharmaNet files to those who do not want to participate in the automated file distribution network. All DharmaNet files are available for file request (f'req) or download from these sites. Regional file libraries will maintain online availability of all DharmaNet files, whereas File Distribution Network hubs, may or may not have all files online. 7 Structure and Duties 7.1 Nodes The smallest subdivision of DharmaNet is the individual site, corresponding to a single entry in the nodelist. The system operator (sysop) is responsible for being familiar with and understanding DharmaNet policy and for being compliant, both technically and with regard to policy. Furthermore, the sysop is responsible for the actions of any user of the site that has an effect on the network. 7.1.1 Points There are no point systems in DharmaNet. All systems capable of processing echomail will be assigned their own node number, regardless of hours of operation or whether there is a BBS attached. 7.1.2 Identification of DharmaNet affiliation All DharmaNet sites MUST display somewhere in their opening logon screen the fact that they are associated with DharmaNet. This can be as large (a full screen) or as small (simply stating your DharmaNet address) as each sysop sees fit. Additionally, the Origin line in DharmaNet echoes must also designate DharmaNet affiliation in some way. For example: Origin: BODY DHARMA * Richmond CA 510/234-9431 * DharmaNet (96:101/33) 7.1.3 Online availability of DharmaNet information All DharmaNet sites must make the DharmaNet information package (DHARMA.ZIP) available for download and for File Request (if your BBS supports F'Reqs). 7.1.4 Feeds Leaf nodes draw their feed from their designated HUB/NC/RC as appropriate in the local area. For efficient topology, it is recommended that leaf nodes do not distribute echos to a downline, without approval of the area host/hub. It is the responsibility of each individual node to poll their HUB system for mail in a timely manner, whether this be done manually, or automatically -- unless special arrangements have been made for the HUB to deliver mail to local nodes. 7.2 Hubs (HUB) Hub systems will be designated when there are sufficient affiliates within an area as to require an NC to enlist additional help in making mail available within the net. In this case the Hubs will draw from the NC or NC-designee and disseminate to the designated nodes. 7.2.1 Availability of conferences All DharmaNet HUB systems MUST either carry all of the DharmaNet echos or make them available to their nodes as requested. If neither the HUB nor any of it's nodes wish to carry a particular conference, it will not be mandatory to carry that conference on that particular HUB. We feel this is not an unreasonable request to make of our HUBs at this time. However, should the network develop to a degree where the size and number of conferences available would make this a burden, this bylaw may be revised. All other member systems may carry any or all conferences at their own discretion. 7.3 Network Coordinator (NC) NCs will be designated by the RCs, or in the absence of an RC then by the Nodelist Coordinator. Network Coordinators will be assigned to those areas that are justifiably distinct from other nets in the area for reasons of cost, distance, or size. 7.3.1 Feeds NCs will draw the mail from their RC and disseminate it within their Net. NCs may draw their mail from outside their region, for reasons of toll costs, but links within region should be encouraged whenever possible to facilitate efficient netmail routing topologies. NCs will also be functional hub systems. NC's may implement net-level cost recovery, if they choose, in order to fairly distribute the costs of importing DharmaNet to the net amongst its participating sysops; sysops may not, however, pass these costs down to their users. 7.3.2 Responsibilities and duties NCs are responsible for receiving applications from prospective members and for assigning node addresses. The NC is responsible for forwarding new applications on to the Nodelist Coordinator, and for providing the Regional Coordinator (or Nodelist Coordinator, in the absence of an RC) with any updates to the nodelist. The NC is responsible for making available the weekly nodelist to nodes, either by delivering it or by placing it on hold. The NC further agrees to participate in the dissemination of electronic mail, and for overseeing and ensuring the smooth functioning of DharmaNet operations at the level of the net. 7.3.3 Disputes All disputes regarding net-level management, mail dissemination and overall functioning are to be referred to the NC. Where such an unresolved dispute proves beyond the ability of the NC to resolve to the satisfaction of all parties, any party with standing may petition the RC to resolve the dispute. 7.3.4 NC Designees (NECs or HUBs) NC's may designate, with the advice and consent of the RC, systems to assist in the process of moving mail (NEC's or Hubs). Such delegation of duties is an accommodation to be granted liberally when need is demonstrated. Administrative duties of NC's are non- delegable. 7.4 Regional Coordinator (RC) RCs draw their mail directly from the backbone system and disseminate the mail within their appointed Regions. They receive applications and are obligated to forward updated nodelist information reflecting current regional membership lists as required to the NLC or IC as appropriate. RCs are authorized to provide access for applicants to DharmaNet network resources. 7.4.1 Disputes Where an unresolved dispute proves beyond the ability of the RC to resolve the dispute to the satisfaction of all parties, any party with standing may petition the IC to resolve the dispute. 7.4.2 RC Designees (REC) RC's may designate, with the advice and consent of the NLC, systems to assist in the process of moving mail. Such delegation of duties is an accommodation to be granted liberally when need is demonstrated. Administrative duties of RC's are non-delegable. 7.5 International Coordinator (IC) The Director of DharmaNet is the International Coordinator (IC) and has the authority to make any exceptions to policy as needed in order to serve the best interests of DharmaNet. The IC is the final authority within DharmaNet, but is responsible to the Board of Directors of DharmaNet International. 7.5.1 Channels Questions involving the operation, maintenance, purpose or projects of DharmaNet should follow an ordinary course (HUB>NC>RC>IC) before involving the IC, however the IC may of his or her own prerogative take under advisement and act finally disposing of any issue concerning the network. 7.5.2 Responsibilities and Duties The IC, or the IC's designee, operates and maintains the mail backbone and the file distribution network. The IC delegates authority as needed to serve the best interests of the net. 8 Special Positions In addition to the above sections, a member may be designated by the IC to serve DharmaNet in any of (but not limited to) the following administrative positions: 8.1 NodeList Coordinator (NLC) This person is responsible for designing and modifying the DharmaNet nodelist. RC's are required to report network topology and changes to the NLC, which the NLC will then use for the purpose of issuing current nodelists of affiliated participants. The Nodelist Coordinator is the final authority on all territorial or address assignation disputes arising under him. Disputes decided by the NLC are final, subject to petition for review by the IC (or a committee or tribunal appointed by the IC for the purpose of hearing the appeal). The NLC will promulgate the required formats for nodelist reports or updates to all RC and above systems. 8.2 Filebone Coordinator (FC) This person is responsible for organizing and coordinating the DharmaNet File Distribution Network (DFN) and the DharmaNet Regional File Libraries (DFL). Assignation of DFN and DFL nodelist status flags is the responsibility of the FC, who will make such notification to both the appropriate RC and the NLC. The Filebone Coordinator will compile and maintain a network-wide catalog of files distributed via the DFN/DFL sites, that is hatched periodically as deemed appropriate. The FC also maintains the central library of DharmaNet files, and is the sole person with authority to release files into the Distribution Network. Prospective new files should be submitted to the FC, along with the appropriate releases. 8.2.1 Disputes Disputes concerning the filebone and/or regional file libraries, or DharmaNet file policies, will be reviewed by the Filebone Coordinator. Disputes decided by the FC are final, subject to petition for review by the IC (or a committee or tribunal appointed by the IC for the purpose of hearing the appeal). 8.3 File Librarians The File Librarians are appointed by the Filebone Coordinator to assist in the maintaining and cataloging of file libraries. The File Librarians assist the Filebone Coordinator in properly identifying and cataloging of files, with producing appropriately accurate and concise FILE_ID.DIZ inserts, and with making recommendations to the Filebone Coordinator. The Filebone Coordinators may also be responsible for coordinating activities pertaining to a given Library, such as the Theravada Librarian coordinating the transcription of Buddhist Publication Society texts between the BPS and the volunteer typists. Existing Librarians include Theravada, Zen, Pure Land, Vajrayana, and Art Librarians. 8.4 Echomail Coordinator (EC) The Echomail Coordinator is responsible for organizing and coordinating the DharmaNet echomail "backbone." Proposals for the addition or removal of conferences should be addressed to the Echomail Coordinator. The Echomail Coordinator may appoint or replace Moderators, as needed, for DharmaNet conferences. 8.5 Moderator (MOD) A conference moderator is responsible for the supervision and promotion of a given echomail conference. The moderator has the authority to arbitrate what is "on-topic" and acceptable within a conference's specified topic, and to help keep the conference on course. The moderator will draw up the appropriate guidelines for participation in the conference and has full authority to enforce those expectations. Sysops are expected to cooperate with the moderators, when necessary, to resolve inappropriate behaviors. Conference guidelines will be posted at the beginning of the month. In the case of an unresolved dispute between moderator and sysop, it will be reviewed by the Echomail Coordinator, whose decision is final, subject to petition for review by the IC (or a committee or tribunal appointed by the IC for the purpose of hearing the appeal). 8.6 Editor (ED) The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for producing the bimonthly newsletter GASSHO. The Editor has full authority with regard to the operations of this project. 8.7 Gateway Operators Gateway Operators are those individual systems authorized by the DharmaNet Administration to provide cross-network compatibility with other networks. They are responsible for the proper technical operation of the gateways they are in charge of. 8.8 Tenure of Special Positions Persons appointed by the IC serve at the pleasure of the IC. The IC may remove any person serving in any advisory or special capacity. Persons appointed by any *C are directly responsible to the *C directly above them, subject to DharmaNet policy. Where disputes arise, the supervising *C will assess and resolve the issues. 8.8.1 Channels Each individual within the matrix is responsible to the *C at the level above, and may, after having made reasonable attempts to resolve difficulties at this level, appeal to the next higher individual in the hierarchy. Conversely, a *C may remove any *C and appoint a replacement at a level below if that *C is not acting in the best interests of the net. The displaced *C may then take any appeal to the removing *C's superior. 8.8.2 Removal of Coordinators Unwarranted removal of *C's will not be tolerated. Sanctions for unwarranted removal will be decided on a case by case basis and are to be wholly within the discretion of the ZC. ZC decision may be appealed to the IC. 9 Standing Committees 9.1 Policy Committee The POLICY COMMITTEE is an advisory body made up of no more than six individuals that serve as both the sounding board and conscience for the network. It assists in the formulation, development and implementation of policies designed to benefit the network. Members of the committee are appointed and serve at the pleasure of the IC, who also serves as chair of the committee. 9.2 DharmaNet Policy Revision This document will be reviewed on a bi-annual basis by the DharmaNet Policy Group for the purposes of considering such changes, deletions, and/or additions as shall be deemed necessary by the experiences of the DharmaNet Policy Group as drawn from the previous six month period. Any revisions resulting from this review will be released on the following first day of the next June or December. 9.3 DharmaNet Policies Discussion Echo Area All discussions relating to the revision of this document, or proposals for changes in DharmaNet policy or structure, or any other general network business or issues, will occur in the echo known as DHARMASYS. 9.3.1 Access to DHARMASYS is restricted to DharmaNet sysops and co- sysops, and/or echo moderators. [last revision date: 28 January 1996] ======================================================================= Barry Kapke, Director DharmaNet Policy Committee P.O. Box 4951 Berkeley CA 94704-4951 e-mail: dharma@netcom.com =======================================================================