Charter of Ethiopian E-Mail Distribution Network ------------------------------------------------ EEDN is a computer based network that provides a platform for participating in a discussion and information exchange about the development and WELFARE of Ethiopia and her people. EEDN is run by a list-owner/postmaster, EEDN-board/board members and advisory group comprised of Ethiopians who have volunteered their time and resources. EEDN encourages constructive discussions on current affairs, socio-economic and political issues and the like. It has a particular focus on providing a medium where goal-oriented technical and non-technical projects that make significant contributions to the Ethiopian community both at home and abroad are initiated and carried out. Professional networking among peers in all disciplines is highly encouraged. EEDN strives hard to encourages unity among Ethiopians of all ethnic, social, economic and political background and persuasion. EEDN desires to be a non-partisan equal opportunity platform for all Ethiopians irrespective of their ethnic origin and political beliefs. EEDN, however, places a particular strong opposition to any attempt to sow seeds of discord and division among Ethiopians in any form. All Ethiopians who accept these principles are welcome and can apply to be added to this network. Friends of Ethiopia who have demonstrated good will and understanding to the people of Ethiopia are welcome and encouraged to apply. EEDN extends its invitation to researchers, journalists, Human Right advocates and other non-Ethiopians involved in bringing positive light to the various issues Ethiopia and Ethiopians face today. The postmaster and the board reserve the right to deny membership and to cancel subscription to this e-mail alias. The term subscriber hereon means an individual who has been added to EEDN. The name EEDN, Ethiopian network and network are used interchangeably to describe the same thing. RULES AND REGULATIONS --------------------- 1) Upon request for subscription to the mail alias, the subscriber is REQUIRED to fill out a profile form in FULL! Statements on what the subscriber expects from the alias and hopes to contribute to it are required as input towards improving the format and contents of the network. Only when this questionnaire is filled in FULL and returned to the Postmaster will an applicant be considered to join the network. 2) Each subscriber has the full right to post any opinion(s), news update job advertisement, humor, book reviews, seminar announcements etc.,. However, the author of the posting is the sole party responsible for the accuracy and copyright protection rules, if any. Subscribers who post on EEDN news items and articles obtained from other sources should be aware of the copyright protections. EEDN does not assume any responsibility and will not be hold accountable for any copyrighted items posted on this alias. 3) The discussions on the network, irrespective of their content and message, are not MODERATED (i.e. filtered). The Postmaster feels that there will be no need for moderation as long as the minimum standards of courtesy are met. 4) Contents of e-mails posted to Ethiopian Net is the sole property of EEDN. Forwarding, quoting and redistributing of these e-mails to any outside alias or newsgroup in any form is strictly forbidden. Subscribers are permitted to cross-post or redistribute articles only with the consent of the author of the article AND the Postmaster. Failing to abide by this rule results in the termination of subscribtion with no exceptions. 5) EEDN has the full ownership to all postings on the alias. Any kind of derivable benefits that come out of postings and discussions on the alias are the sole properties of EEDN. Publishing academic or non-academic results or findings about events on EEDN without the knowledge and consent of at least the majority of the subscribers and the board is unethical and strictly forbidden. EEDN board reserves the right to terminate the subscription of violaters and take the necessary legal actions. In the event the majority of EEDN subscribers and the board approve such studies, proper acknowledgement to EEDN should be given wherever appropriate. 6) Posting product advertisements for financial benefits on this mail alias is strictly forbidden and will result in automatic expulsion. 7) The postmaster and the board reserve the right to deny membership or cancel subscription for any individual who runs an exclusionary network that bars Ethiopians from joining because of their ethnic background. 8) Subscribers have the full obligation to respect the person and integrity of a fellow subscriber. Ideas, opinions, beliefs can be argued. However, uncalled-for attacks on anyone on the network due to his/her opinion is totally unacceptable. First time violators will be warned through personal e-mail. A subsequent violation will automatically result in termination from EEDN. 9) In the event, situations arise that have not been covered in the above rules, the board would discuss the matter and take necessary action to the best interest of the network. 10) Board members reserve the right to a) deny membership to new applicants at any time b) take the necessary disciplinary action on members of EEDN c) not give notice of their disciplinary action to the EEDN community Postmaster & Board Members Ethiopian E-Mail Distribution Network (EEDN)