🚀 go-pugleaf

    I would like to second Scott Thompson's suggestion about putting 
working papers on-line.  This would lead to clear benefits for the
profession.
    In another area -- newsgroups have to potential to allow 
wideranging discussions among those of us who are geographically disperse,
rather similar to the types of discussions we end up having at
professional meetings.  To date, such discussions have not occurred on
sci.econ, primarily because, IMHO, participating in most of the 
threads in this newsgroup has been akin to teaching an undergraduate
course on macro topics in the U.S. that is out of control.  There has
been no professional benefit from participating.
    A series of newsgroups devoted to subtopics within the discipline
and aimed at professional economists, however, could have considerable
professional benefits.  Such groups may have to be moderated to serve
the intended purpose.  NSF could help by setting up and publicizing the
newsgroups, and, if necessary, reimbursing the moderators for a short,
initial period.

    Coty Pinckney

    Thomas.C.Pinckney@williams.edu
    Phone: 413 597 2192
    Fax: 413 597 4045