[sci.astro] CALL FOR VOTES -- Creation of a SCI.GEO newsgroup.

ss6349@leah.Albany.Edu (Steven H Schimmrich) (05/20/89)

   This  is  a  call  for  votes  on  a  proposal  to  create  SCI.GEO -- an
unmoderated newsgroup to discuss the  earth  and  planetary  sciences.  Send
votes for or against the proposal to "SS6349@LEAH.ALBANY.EDU". The following
should clear up any questions regarding the newsgroup proposal.


		   What is SCI.GEO and why is it needed?
		   -------------------------------------

   SCI.GEO  is the proposed name for an unmoderated newsgroup to discuss the
earth and planetary sciences.  There currently does not exist any  newsgroup
for  the  discussion  of  geology,  paleontology,  geophysics,  planetology,
meteorology, climatology, etc.  except  where  they  might  fit  into  other
newsgroups  such  as  SCI.BIO,  SCI.ASTRO, SCI.CHEM, SCI.PHYSICS, SCI.SPACE,
etc. There are  no  SCI  newsgroups  dealing  specifically  with  the  earth
sciences  and  this  one  would  fill that gap. I believe that the newsgroup
would  also  be  broad  enough  to  stimulate  interest  and  discussion  by
non-professionals  in the above fields.  I can envision discussions on plate
tectonics,  earthquake  risks,   petroleum   reserves,   mass   extinctions,
dinosaurs, claims made by creationists, the geology and meteorology of other
planets, ice ages, the greenhouse effect, el nino, etc.

	      What were the results of the discussion period?
	      -----------------------------------------------

   During  the  one month discussion period (begun by the posting of article
<1775@leah.albany.edu> to NEWS.GROUPS on April 20), the postings and all  of
the  mail  I  received  indicated  a positive interest in the formation of a
newsgroup to discuss the  geological  sciences.   I  received  no  responses
against the proposal. The only point of contention among the respondents was
what  to  call  the  newsgroup.  Most  felt  that  SCI.EARTH,  the  original
suggestion, was not the best choice although they would support such a group
regardless of what it was named.  The various suggested alternate names were
SCI.GEO,   SCI.GEONOMY,   SCI.PLANETS,   SCI.PLANETS.EARTH,  SCI.EPLAN,  and
SCI.EARTHPLANET.  The largest number of respondents supported SCI.GEO  which
I  believe  to  be the best choice being both brief and succintly describing
the purpose of the newsgroup.

			How long will the vote last?
			----------------------------

   The  call for discussion was posted on April 20th, this call for votes is
being posted on May 20th, and the voting will  last  until  June  20th.   No
votes will be accepted after that date. In two weeks, I will post a reminder
of the call for votes, and on  June  21st  I  will  post  the  final  voting
results.  If  I  have  received  100 more YES votes than NO votes, the group
should then be created shortly thereafter.

		 How do I vote for the creation of SCI.GEO?
		 ------------------------------------------

   To vote for the creation of a SCI.GEO newsgroup, send mail to :

			 SS6349@LEAH.ALBANY.EDU

and explicitly state in the text of the mail message either "Yes, I vote for
the  creation of a SCI.GEO newsgroup" or "No, I vote against the creation of
a SCI.GEO newsgroup." Don't bother suggesting new names for  the  newsgroup,
that  stage  has  passed. It will be named SCI.GEO or it will not be created
(at least through my efforts).
   To make the vote counting easier for me, may I suggest placing either YES
or NO on the subject line of your mail message.  I will try  to  acknowledge
the  receipt  of  each  vote.   REMEMBER  -- DON'T POST YOUR VOTE INSTEAD OF
MAILING IT! A POSTED VOTE DOES NOT COUNT! Please, If you  want  to  see  the
group  created  then  mail  me  your vote -- this is not too controversial a
topic so every vote will count and is needed. Thank you for your time.

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| Steven H. Schimmrich                    | Internet : ss6349@leah.albany.edu |
| Department of Geological Sciences       |  "The Rock Men are very primitive |
| State University of New York at Albany  | Flash, they have no science."     |
| Albany, New York 12222  (518) 442-4470  |                      Dr. Zarkhov. |
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