Interesting thread, and the evolution of BDNow! continues. The archives are a tremendously valuable asset, and it would be a shame if they were not made available to those who truly have an interest in BD. The fact that anyone, with the stroke of a key can access them, can lead, as Allan has found out, to problems. I know from personal experience that this accessibility has limited my exchange with the group. The notion that free speech is really �free� is unrealistic.
I frequent the archives often. It seems that back in the innocence of the 90�s people were more comfortable with the free exchange of ideas. The information there is considerable and priceless (especially for those new to BD). Seems lately there�s been more �global news� and less �biodynamic theory�. Fact is, I believe that making the archives inaccessible to search engines is a great idea. The idea that a majority of the people in this world are ready for the �whole package� of Steiner and His agriculture is (again) unrealistic. So how do we go about it? How do we promote in depth open discussion, while making sure that only those that want it (and need it) have access to it. Four years ago I didn�t even now that biodynamics existed. Thanks largely due to this forum, I exist in a different world (cosmos) now. But try to explain this to the average joe, one must be careful�.there�s a lot of ignorance and unreasonable fear in the world (especially here in the Bible belt). The internet is what it is. If someone really wants to see it, and they have the technological know how, they can access both public and private email. You can only prevent this by using snail mail. CD�s with the archives for members of the group is a good idea. Ungoogling the archives is another thing that would create a more comfortable atmosphere for discussion. Actually the specter of some of the folks on the list throwing caution to the wind is almost �scary�. Do it Allan. You know it�s the right thing to do. Most of the people reading this are lurkers. That�s OK, lurking is not a crime. People come to different lists for different reasons. How many lurkers out there were stirring and spraying before they came to this list? It�s time for some of you to chime in. This discussion affects you too! (c�mon just this once). Just one opinion, FWIW, Ed
