🚀 go-pugleaf

On Sat, 09 Nov 1996 19:57:33 -0500 in article <3285287D.2203@ids2.idsonline.com>, dan@ids2.idsonline.com mumbled:
: klaatu wrote:

[...]

: > Dan, I think that it's absolutely time for us to do a newgroup.
: > 
: > dc.crimes
: > 
: > Charter should be, reporting of crimes, reporting of unusual events,
: > local disturbances, threatening personal experiences, etc., in the
: > District proper and all contiguous/coterminous counties in both Maryland
: > and Virginia.
: > 
: > It's clear that there's a lot that's not making it onto the news, and
: > that needs to be known. Let's create a new group dedicated to letting
: > the public be sure it's notified, and not have to depend on
: > increasingly-slanted and untrustworthy media.
: > 
: > Also, I propose a newgroup for dc.reports, same coverage area, more
: > dedicated to the merely unusual, noteworthy or peculiar.
: > Klat -
: 
:    Thanks for your direct and positive response to my posting.  I, too, think 
: that we need to have a "dc.crime" newsgroup, but in truth I don't have the 
: foggiest idea how to start one.  Do you?

You folks are on the right track.  First step would be a Request for 
Discussion.  Someone needs to take on the task of writing the charter for 
the group you are interested in.  Once written, the charter should be 
posted periodically for a period of time and discussion on the subject 
invited.

If the item seems like it is accepted by a majority, the next step is a 
voting period.  One individual needs to set up a Call for Vote.  This can 
be a tough and thankless job, but necessary just the same.  If, after all 
of this, the group passes the voting, then a local news administrator 
will create the group.

:    I think that this issue has gotten new urgency lately by the failure of 
: the police and media to report things like the NW shotgun duo, or the early 
: morning attacks on the Rock Creek bike path.
: 
:    In fact, I think it's important enough that I would put some of my (to me) 
: precious time and money into it.  Perhaps we could get some support from 
: various community groups, block associations, etc.
: 
:    By the way, I had a somewhat funny and related incident happen to me 
: today.  I was picking up a prescription for my elderly mother at the Giant in 
: the Leesburg Pike Mall just east of rte 395 when a van pulled up to me (I was 
: walking towards the supermarket) and a young white guy in the passenger seat 
: rolled down his window and asked me if I wanted any speakers, as he and his 
: partner had been loaded with an extra pair.  I was lost in my own thoughts 
: and simply replied "No, not interested," and continued to walk.  Then I 
: remembered reading about these guys on the Net - they were in a van with some 
: professionally painted signs saying "Omni" Speakers, or electronics.  So I 
: went back to them as they were hustling someone else, and told them that I 
: had read about them on the net, that their speakers were crap, and that they 
: were running a scam.  They didn't like my comments.

Indeed.  Surprised they didn't engage in an arguement with you.

:    Anyway, I think that a "DC.Crime" newsgroup is a capital idea, so to 
: speak.  I bet we could really help the cops, start keeping track of judicial 
: decisions, and identify nasty trends.  Since Rex is gone, I can also float 
: the idea that it be a "DC-Area" sort of thing, as many of these Alfa Hotels 
: (military phonetics) zip in and out of the District proper.

Bear in mind that the dc.* hierarchy is not DC-only, but is the DC and 
metro area.

:    I would greatly appreciate other thoughts, comments, and suggestions.  I 
: think that Klat's newsgroup idea is great.

Start thinking about that charter, and get input from the dc.config and 
dc.general newsgroups!

Best regards,

- Alan Reichert, SA