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| --Tech & Moderator Notes |
| About Wikileaks |
| 2010-12-09 |
| To all good Rantburgers, Our regulars have had a spirited discussion recently about the Wikileaks cables. Fred and the mods have had a discussion as well behind the curtain. We mods are concerned about one specific issue in handling anything that might appear on Wikileaks: the concern that classified information might appear on Rantburg. That then would cause the Burg to be banned from computers owned/operated by the federal government, and that is something that we don't want. We note some of Rantburg's readers work for the U.S. government in various capacities. If they open a web page that contains a WikiLeaks cable, they are required at a minimum to scrub their computer completely. If they do this multiple times their employment could be at risk. Rantburg will not be party to that, given these are the people actually fighting the War on Terror. We are also reminded that classified information remains classified even if stolen and disseminated on the web. Therefore, the mods will not permit posts that quote Wikileaks cables, nor will we permit posts that link directly to them. We will permit posts of news items about Wikileaks as long as they don't quote directly classified information. Posts that contain banned information will be deleted. Thanks for your understanding. |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #9 "As a suggestion, for those who work in a capacity where there is sensitivity to such information, it might be good to keep a look out for any ban lists, keywords, or "special sensitivities" of topics, that if possible, could be provided to the mods." Google chrome had an add-on for blocking the RTHVN sites....Just need the specific html's in a text list. Something similar to that for wikileaks and other sites to posted content may help. |
| Posted by: newc 2010-12-09 17:53 |
| #8 As someone with 3 USG email accounts (if you know what I mean), I applaud your efforts to keep this site clean. |
| Posted by: Bangkok Billy 2010-12-09 15:06 |
| #7 smart policy, thinking about the welfare of the 'Burgers, and patriotic as well. Thank you |
| Posted by: Frank G 2010-12-09 13:55 |
| #6 As a suggestion, for those who work in a capacity where there is sensitivity to such information, it might be good to keep a look out for any ban lists, keywords, or "special sensitivities" of topics, that if possible, could be provided to the mods. This would be for "derivative" information that is not Wikileaks, per se, but will create annoyance. There is at least a good chance that those lists themselves would not be under security, so could be handy trouble avoidance guides. And it could likely be addressed as easily as substituting Burgspeak for keywords. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2010-12-09 13:00 |
| #5 A firing squad at the Fort Leavenworth Disciplany Barracks for Private Bradley Manning would belay a signficant amount of my frustration. |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2010-12-09 12:43 |
| #4 Thanks Fred, Doc and the Mod Squad. It has been somewhat frustrating. |
| Posted by: OldSpook 2010-12-09 12:30 |
| #3 Those of us that had a security clearance are outraged at the process of leaking classified material. We took our responsibilities seriously then. There are problems with the process of classification, for sure. And Wikileaks has exposed bad policies and thought processes. However, there are unintended consequences of leaking classified information. I am appalled by the access of State Department cables. Who has set up the system of handling classified information there??? Even going back to Watergate. Those leaks started the open season on leaking anything to the media, regardless of content or consequences. And that is the crux of Wikileaks. There is no thought of consequences to nations or individuals. Pretty despicable and irresponsible. |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2010-12-09 12:27 |
| #2 Integrity, standards, operational security, consideration for others, patriotism....how refreshing! Would that our nation's leadership could do nearly as well. Thank you Doctor. |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2010-12-09 12:10 |
| #1 Thank YOU for the work to keep Rantburg clean. It's like a minefield some days. Even on the drive home I find I'm too-often forced to quickly change the station when Wikileaks is mentioned in a news broadcast. Thank you. |
| Posted by: JonC 2010-12-09 11:52 |