[ExI] origin date for the list

[BillK]

On Sun, 23 Dec 2018 at 00:18, Keith Henson  wrote:
> The oldest I have is Oct. 17, 1991.  But it is clear from the
> conversation that the list had been running before that.
>
> Perry Metzger was the main person in those days who wanted the list
> private.  He considers that decision incorrect now.  I really doubt
> the early archive will attract the attention of any but old time
> extropians and historians even if I made it public.
>
> But your point is correct.
>
> Are there any objections now to making the early postings public?
>

Some early posters are now deceased and unable to give permission.
If they were still alive they might now disagree with something they
wrote 27 years ago. Also, some early posters may no longer be in
contact with Exi and would not know that their historical discussions
might now be made public.
I believe the original intention of having a private
mail list was so that anything at all could be discussed, no matter
how abhorrent the subject might be.

We are now living in the #MeToo generation where much of the social
behaviour of the 1980s and 90s is now condemned as unacceptable by the
politically correct standards of today.
Some of these early private posts might cause unexpected problems,
especially if people have moved on and become rich or well-known.





BillK