[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference 7.286::digital

Title:	The Digital way of working

Moderator:	QUARK::LIONELON

Created:	Fri Feb 14 1986
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	5321
Total number of notes:	139771

1.0. "Introduction and Policy" by HUMAN::CONKLIN (Peter 235-8364 DSG1-2/E6) Thu Jul 20 1989 21:19

    This file for issues about our Company, how we work here, how we could
    work better, etc...

    Speak what's on your mind, even if it's a complaint or criticism of
    someone, some group, or the company as a whole. However, don't forget
    some basic guidelines of behavior in expressing yourself "in public." 
    Although this file is restricted to Digital employees, remember that
    you are addressing a large and diverse group of people. What you write
    here will be on record for many years. See below for some advice on
    propriety.
    
    And remember, noone has never been fired out of DEC because he/she
    tells what he/she thinks. But that is no reason to be indiscreet. Use
    common sense and prudence. Don't write something you may later regret. 
    Your frank opinion about someone you specify by name may be considered
    damaging to that person.
  
    Also be mindful of the interest of the company. Don't make remarks
    that may result in legal liability for Digital.
    
    This conference is moderated by a group of volunteers. We don't expect
    to do much if any "moderating", as we trust that commonsense and
    prudence will prevail without intervention by the moderator. Therefore,
    we do not feel that any rules need to be made. If this trust be
    violated, however, we reserve the right to "do what is right"
    considering circumstances. If you feel that someone has been imprudent
    in their wording, please mail them your suggestion (use SEND/AUTHOR).
    In an emergency, you can SEND/MEMBER to get to the moderators.

    Lest it needs be said, we will resist attempts at censorship or
    harrassment by anyone.

    This conference and all the notes and replies are 
  
  
	    *************************************
	    *                                   *                         
	    *     DIGITAL INTERNAL USE ONLY     *                         
	    *                                   *                         
	    *************************************
    
    
    
    I have enabled keyword creation by anyone. Please feel free to add
    appropriate keywords to your notes, and create additional keywords as
    needed.
    
    The VAX Notes commands that can be used with keywords are:
    
    SHOW NOTE/KEYWORDS [note-id]
    SHOW KEYWORD keyword              SHOW KEYWORDS/ALL
    DIRECTORY/KEYWORD=keyword         DIR/ALL/KEYWORD=keyword
    ADD KEYWORD keyword [note-id]     DELETE KEYWORD keyword [note-id]
    CREATE KEYWORD keyword
    

I n t e r o f f i c e    M e m o r a n d u m


To: GEORGE CHAMBERLAIN                  Memo: 5347246525COR92
                                        Date: Wed 27 May 1987  8:44 AM EDT
                                        From: CARY ARMISTEAD
cc: MARIETTA ETHIER                     Dept: LAW
    TOM SIEKMAN                         Tel:  223-3980
                                        Adr:  MSO/M6 (DECMAIL @MSO)

Subject: Employee Statements as Evidence of Corporate Intent


This memo expands on some of the points made during my recent
presentation to the Finance Staff. 
        
Intent Counts -- 
        
The pending patent and antitrust litigation has created a need to
reissue an important message - DIGITAL'S INTENT CAN BE AN ISSUE IN
LEGAL CHALLENGES TO ITS BUSINESS CONDUCT AND MAY BE PROVED FROM
STATEMENTS IN DOCUMENTS WRITTEN BY EMPLOYEES. 

Under antitrust law proof of corporate intent may be a critical
element of a plaintiff's claim.  In some cases intent is all that
separates appropriate, vigorous competitive activity from predatory
conduct that may subject a company to significant liability. 
        
Internal Documents are Discoverable -- 

Some employees do not appreciate that documents marked "Company
Confidential" or "Internal Use" are not immune from discovery in
litigation and, therefore, may become available to our adversaries.
Nearly every document that our employees create can be admitted into
evidence at a trial.  It is, therefore, very important that everyone
takes care to avoid inaccurate, misleading, speculative or overzealous
statements in what they write. 

Areas of Concern -- 
        
Inaccurate statements about the intent of Digital's selective
distribution and licensing programs present one immediate area of
concern.  These programs have been examined closely.  They have strong
pro-competitive aspects and are legally appropriate and defensible.
However, if they are challenged, any uninformed, inaccurate
speculation by employees about the reasons for Digital's practices
might jeopardize our position and would undoubtedly increase the cost
of any defense. 

Aggressive comments capable of being misconstrued to suggest an
anticompetitive intent or the potential for an adverse affect on
competition sometimes appear in memoranda and presentation materials
proposing new products, promotional campaigns or distribution
practices.  Negative statements like "this program will make it
impossible for competitor x to compete" or "the attached proposal will
lock out x and y" are quite troublesome.  Invariably, more positive
alternative statements, in terms of product acceptance, technological
advantage and customer satisfaction, would more accurately convey the
message without the potential risk of later use by an adversary in an
attempt to prove predatory intent. 

The degree to which a company has "economic" or "monopoly" power in a
"relevant market" is often an issue in antitrust litigation.  The
existence of market power depends upon how the "relevant market" is
defined.  The word market has no precise definition and is used in a
wide variety of contexts.  Its use in business documents rarely
creates a problem, but should be avoided when referring to Digital's
customer base.  Documents inaccurately suggesting that Digital is
"dominant" or actually has economic "power" in a market segment are
clearly troublesome. 

Some General Guidelines for Drafting -- 
        
  o  Be accurate and avoid speculation or exaggeration. 
        
  o  Accentuate the positive aspects of programs, technologies and
products for customers and avoid speculation about their potential
negative impact on competitors. 
        
  o  Avoid statements that could be misconstrued to suggest an intent
to "control", "dominate" or "monopolize" a customer or market. 
        
  o  Avoid statements that could be argued to suggest an intent to
"lock out", "drive out" or "eliminate" competitors or "raise barriers"
to competition. 

  o  Remember that any document relevant to an issue in litigation may 
be produced to the opposition and used at trial.
        
It is difficult to assure that every employee will remain constantly
aware of the dangers of inaccurate, overly aggressive or ill-chosen
statements.  The topic has been included in a wide variety of Law
Department training modules and guides, and I understand that Marietta
Ethier will be addressing the subject further at an upcoming Finance
Staff meeting.  As education on the subject of inappropriate
statements in Company documents is a continuing effort, you should
feel free to circulate this memorandum broadly. 

Message-class: DECMAIL-MS
From:	NAME: SCHWARTZ
	INITLS: ED
	FUNC: LAW
	ADDR: MSO/M6
	TEL: 223-5500 <4232@DECMAIL@RANI@PKO>
Posted-date: 31-Jul-1987
Subject: WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

  
 The practice of preventive law - helping Digital avoid costly legal 
 problems - is an important element of the Law Department's function.  As 
 part of that effort, I am providing this brief reminder about the legal 
 risks that can be created when employees are careless about the content of 
 their written communications.
 
 Digital's growth and corporate success make it an increasingly attractive 
 target for litigation.  Over the past several years, the Company has been 
 involved in significant securities, patent, antitrust and product cases, 
 and we must recognize that the potential for additional litigation is 
 always present.  The pretrial discovery process in such cases allows our 
 adversaries wide latitude to request the production of internal Digital 
 documents in their search for evidence to support their claims.    
 
 Not everyone appreciates that even documents marked as "Company 
 Confidential" or "Internal Use Only" are subject to being produced to an 
 adversary in litigation.  In fact, nearly every document that is written by 
 a Digital employee is capable of being introduced into evidence at a trial.  
 
 If documents are not carefully written and are capable of being 
 misconstrued, they may significantly increase the cost and risk of 
 litigation.  In some circumstances, an employee's uninformed statement 
 about the reasons for a corporate practice or decision could even be held 
 to be an admission of corporate liability.  It is, therefore, very 
 important that everyone takes care to avoid inaccurate, misleading, 
 speculative, emotional or overzealous statements in whatever documents they 
 create. 
 
 There are several publications which give our employees guidelines in this 
 area, including DEC Standard 197-0, Legal Requirements and Guidelines for 
 Digital Publications and Software and Digital's U.S. Antitrust Compliance 
 Guide.  In addition, however, all employees should remember the following 
 general rules for careful writing:
  
   o Be accurate, clear and concise and avoid speculation, generalization 
     or exaggeration;
  
   o Accentuate the positive aspects of programs, technologies and 
     products for our customers and avoid speculation about their 
     potential impact on customers or competitors;	
  
   o Never draw conclusions about the legality of the Company's policies 
     or practices or our liability to a third party;
  
   o Avoid statements that could be misconstrued to suggest an intent to 
     injure any competitor, or to dominate or control any customer or 
     market; and
  
   o Remember that any document relevant to an issue in litigation may be 
     produced to the opposition and used at trial.
  
 This memorandum was drafted for a broad audience, and I suggest that it 
 be distributed throughout your organization.

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
1.1	DIGITAL CONFIDENTIAL info prohibited	HUMAN::CONKLIN	Peter 235-8364 DSG1-2/E6	`Sat Aug 19 1989 11:29`	25
	Posting of information labelled "DIGITAL CONFIDENTIAL" is prohibited. The confidential label means that it's not supposed to be forwarded all over Digital by people who weren't on the original distribution list. It means that it isn't supposed to be posted in Notes conferences. It means that it is supposed to be distributed on a "Limited distribution based on absolute need-to-know". Information is classified "DIGITAL CONFIDENTIAL" when "it's unauthorized or inadvertent disclosure could have a substantially detrimental effect on the company". From Digital's "Security Philosophy": Digital recognizes the need to protect its assets -- people, property, and information. Although Corporate Security is responsible for developing common sense security programs, all employees have the responsibility to protect Company assets. Security policies are designed to protect these assets and to contribute to a safe and secure working environment. If you are uncertain about Digital's Information Security policies and the various classifications for proprietary information, you might contact Jim Schweitzer @MSO, who is responsible for Corporate Information Security. He can be reached at DTN 223-8064. Or you might ask your secretary to get copies of the "Proprietary Information Protection Guide", EZ-J4022-60, and review it.
1.2	This is not a general announcement conference	CVG::THOMPSON	My friends call me Alfred .	`Mon Sep 11 1989 14:23`	12
	In general, this conference is not the place to announce courses, seminars or other general announcements. Please do not use this conference to make announcements. Pointing someone to a course or the like in response to a question in a topic which is otherwise related to the way Digital works is acceptable. If you have an announcement which you believe does fit the charter of the conference please contact one or all of the moderators prior to posting it.
1.4	Shadow conference information	CVG::THOMPSON	Aut vincere aut mori	`Sat Oct 20 1990 00:57`	42
	Most people who follow this conference, as with most conferences, are read only. Many others who do write do so seldom. There are a lot of people who do write and there is a very large number of people who follow this conference on a regular basis. This can sometimes cause access problems. A solution has been implemented. Two shadow copies of this conference are maintained and updated regularly. Regularly means roughly once an hour or two. These conferences are read only. They are located at: CNOTES::NOTES$SHADOWED:DIGITAL and CVG::DIGITAL The moderators highly recommend that people use these shadow copies if they are just going to read. Replies and new topics must still be made to the primary copy. However access to the shadow copies is much faster then access to HUMAN. Also cutting down on the links to HUMAN means that people who are writing are more likely to be able to get in and out in a reasonable time. To change your entry to a shadow copy use the command: MODIFY ENTRY DIGITAL/FILE=CNOTES::NOTES$SHADOWED:DIGITAL You may always open the primary file without changing your notebook by using the command: OPEN/NONOTEBOOK HUMAN::DIGITAL and then either WRITE a new topic or move to and reply to a specific topic. If you have questions about this procedure please contact a moderator by mail. Alfred Thompson PS: The shadows are maintained using a tool called PAN. See the conference at LESLIE::PAN for information on this tool.
1.5	EMERGENCY OVERLOAD on HUMAN::DIGITAL	HUMAN::CONKLIN	Peter 293-5553 BXB1-2/C04	`Tue Nov 27 1990 23:20`	36
	For 4-5 years, HUMAN has been pleased to host the DIGITAL conference. During this time, readership has grown by several orders of magnitude. And during this time, the conference has earned the respect of the corporation, both officially and unofficially. Unfortunately, the load on HUMAN now exceeds what a mere MicroVAX-II can absorb and still do useful work. Over the past several days I have attempted to manage the notes load down but to no avail. Furthermore, the DIGITAL accessing preempts access to the other conferences on HUMAN. The biggest problem is that I don't have the time to manage the system under this load and also provide service to the DIGITAL community. Therefore, with regrets, we are finding a new home for DIGITAL. I dislike doing this on short notice. However, we had several crashes yesterday due to the post-Thanksgiving holiday traffic. We have located a machine which will be able to sponsor DIGITAL. However, it will take us a week or so to get the hardware and software installed and configured appropriately. During the interim, we will allow MODERATE access to DIGITAL. This means that during off peak hours, generally the notes server will allow access. During peak times (especially during daytime EST) we reserve the right to zap the server without warning. This was done today and the machine became useable. WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP: (1) Please read the conference via the shadow conferences. They are current. And better access. See the previous note in this topic for instructions. (2) Access HUMAN off hours if possible. (3) Access DIGITAL less frequently. If all the readers keep the load down, we can sustain reduced service until the new system is up and running. I regret taking this action so abruptly. And a number of people are working off-line to establish a new higher class of service. Until then, please bear with us.
1.8	Move completed	HUMAN::CONKLIN	Peter 293-5553 BXB1-2/C04	`Sun Dec 02 1990 22:23`	2
	This conference is now open for business in its new location here at HUMANE::DIGITAL.
1.9	We apologize for any inconvenience	DR::BLINN	So, who's really normal here?	`Wed Dec 26 1990 15:52`	10
	Due to a screw-up on our part, this conference was unavailable for a while. We apologize. You may have missed a few notes written on December 26th, 1990. To make sure, you can do a SET SEEN /BEFORE=26-dec-1990 and then keep reading. You'll eventually see all the notes that are here. Tom
1.10	This conference is NOT a bulletin board	SCAACT::AINSLEY	Less than 150 kts. is TOO slow	`Wed Nov 13 1991 11:23`	8
	The moderators have had to remove multiple postings of an event announcement/ solicitation. Bulletin board type announcements are not in accordance with the charter of this conference. Please DO NOT post bulletin board type announcements in the DIGITAL conference. Thanks, Bob - Co-moderator DIGITAL
1.11	Employee Interest Notes guidelines from John Sims	DR::BLINN	I'll buy that for a dollar!	`Thu Jan 30 1992 10:23`	109
	From: Ron Glover, Corporate Personnel Policy Manager Subj: A Message to Employee Interest Notes File Users I N T E R O F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M Date: 29-Jan-1992 11:49am EST From: RON GLOVER GLOVER.RON Dept: Corporate Employee Relations Tel No: 508-493-9569 TO: Conference Moderators Subject: A Message to Employee Interest Notes File Users By way of introduction, I am the Corporate Personnel Policy Manager. Part of my responsibility includes providing interpretation of Digital's Personnel Policy, including the Personnel Policy 6.54. I would greatly appreciate your assistance in posting the attached memo from John Sims in the Notes files you moderate, and as many other Employee Interest Notes Files as possible. Please give me a call if you have any questions. I N T E R O F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M Date: 30-Jan-1992 From: John Sims SIMS.JOHN AT A1 at CORA @ CORE Dept: Strategic Resources Tel No: 223-7243 TO: Employee Interest Notes File Participants Subject: A message to employee interest notes file users A MESSAGE TO EMPLOYEE INTEREST NOTES FILE USERS Over the last few months I have received a number of complaints from employees, and individuals outside of the company about material communicated in electronic mail systems and posted in various employee interest notes files. After reading some of this material it is clear that a reminder about appropriate comment and behavior in these systems is necessary. First, and most critically; the electronic mail systems and notes files are company facilities subject to normal workplace rules of conduct. As such, the same rules that govern conduct and comment in any other Digital workplace apply with equal weight in these systems. Stated simply, if you wouldn't say something in a Digital business meeting, you shouldn't say it in electronic mail or notes. PERIOD. Statements that attribute improper, illegal or immoral motives or actions to others; statements that cast aspersions on the character or integrity of others or that amount to libel or slander are not permitted. PERIOD. In this regard, it does not matter whether the individuals subject to the comment are elected public officials or directors of organizations disfavored by the author. There is no "Public Figure" exception in these systems. Comments of a sexual nature are not acceptable whether they are about the author or directed at others. Similarly, comments that degrade, devalue or discriminate against others are also prohibited. Neither the notes conferences nor electronic mail should be used to solicit other employees. This prohibition covers efforts to solicit employees for personal or political gain, to sell or market goods or services (except authorized marketplace or discount conferences) and efforts to solicit employees to take action, sign petitions or support particular causes or candidates. Finally, employees should remember that it is never appropriate to spend working time in employee interest notes for non-work purposes. Personal or entertainment activities in these notes files should be limited to assigned break times, lunch time and before or after business hours. Employee interest notes files and conferences provide an electronic forum to share ideas and opinions about matters of common interest. In supporting these conferences, the company understood that there would be occasions where employees would disagree on issues being discussed, but we believed and continue to believe it is possible to disagree without being disagreeable. Personnel Policy 6.54, Proper Use of Digital Computers, Systems and Networks provides further information about appropriate conduct and comment in these systems. Employees who fail to meet these expectations, or who use company computer systems in ways that are contrary to the letter or spirit of that policy are subject to Corrective Action and Discipline up to and including the termination of their employment. The moderators of these conferences, along with your system managers, personnel representatives and the Personnel Policy Manager are all available to answer any question you might have about appropriate use of these systems. Please feel free to forward this memo to other Digital notes files and conferences. Distribution: Selected conference moderators [Original list deleted]
1.12	Profanity	RT128::BATES	NAS-ty Boy	`Tue Jul 21 1992 14:04`	28
	The moderators would like to remind conference participants that the gratuitous use of profanity - including the use of ""'s or other characters to partially mask out such words - is prohibited from use within this conference. Many noters find entries which contain such language offensive. We understand and can sympathise with the fact that given the current company climate many employees may be under a much higher level of pressure than under other circumstances, but this should not serve as an excuse to disregard proper noting etiquette or this conference policy. The moderators ask noters to use their better professional judgement and common sense when entering notes containing profanities that others may object to. Please be aware that notes entered which contain such language will be removed and returned to their author. If such a case exists where profanity must be used in order to illustrate a point, "comic-book" type swearing (%$#@&^!!) is the recommended form of expression and is permissible. Your cooperation in this matter will be appreciated both by your fellow conference participants and the moderators. -Joe Bates Co-Moderator
1.13	Livewire - 22-Dec-92	RT128::BATES	NAS-ty Boy	`Thu Dec 24 1992 12:39`	40
	Digital cracks down on misuse of computers, systems, and networks Digital's systems and network utilities are powerful business tools, which encourage creativity and the exchange of ideas needed to maintain a competitive edge. They are intended to support the company's business activities, to enhance the cost effectiveness and efficient running of the business, and to help employees be more effective in doing their jobs. Comment and content in Digital's systems must meet established workplace standards of behavior, and Digital intends to audit its systems to ensure that these standards are met. Violations of the company's policies can result in corrective action and discipline up to and including termination of employment. Recently, employees involved in the transmission of pornographic material through Digital's computer systems and networks were immediately terminated. The investigation of that case continues, and others found to be involved will also be terminated. The worldwide policy on "Proper Use of Digital's Computers, Systems and Networks" is published in the U.S. in the "Orange Book" of Personnel Policies and Procedures (6.54) and can be accessed through the Corporate Videotex Library. Employees are encouraged to read and understand this policy and to discuss any questions with their manager or Personnel consultant. To return to the previous menu, press PF3
1.14	Please, no more "Layoff" topics...	ROWLET::AINSLEY	Less than 150 kts. is TOO slow!	`Wed Jan 20 1993 08:39`	41
	There are over 20 notes with the word "Layoff" in the title. Please check these notes to see if they are appropriate for you BEFORE you start a new layoff topic. Remember, a reply added to an old topic gets the same visibility as a topic. You DON'T have to start a new topic to make sure everyone sees your note. Thanks, Bob - Co-moderator DIGITAL BTW, here's the list of layoff topics... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The DEC way of working Created: 14-FEB-1986 20:02 2335 topics Updated: 19-JAN-1993 20:25 -< DIGITAL INTERNAL USE ONLY � Policy #1, Directory #1042 >- Topic Author Date Repl Title -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54 TOROID::MCKINLEY 23-AUG-1985 10 DEC Layoffs? 1015 COVERT::COVERT 23-JAN-1990 54 DEC Layoff Rumour published in DECUSCOPE 1333 SMAUG::GARROD 4-JAN-1991 154 First ever Digital layoffs 1340 STAR::PARKE 10-JAN-1991 21 A question around the "layoff" 1362 SMOOT::ROTH 4-FEB-1991 219 Note 1361.0/Instant layoffs 1460 QUARK::MODERATOR 6-MAY-1991 89 The Reality of Cost Controls and Layoffs? 1520 FSLENG::JOSEPH 8-JUL-1991 38 Layoff Process Memo to Ken Olsen - and Response 1523 QUARK::MODERATOR 9-JUL-1991 61 Layoffs lose us the wrong people 1543 SMOOT::ROTH 29-JUL-1991 32 Post-layoffs: Ideas for returning to 'normal' 1552 ALIEN::EDP 13-AUG-1991 4 Management and Layoffs 1625 FORTSC::CHABAN 4-OCT-1991 20 Layoff Humor? 1843 SDSVAX::SWEENEY 9-APR-1992 143 Layoffs to be reinstated in May 1992 1944 BALZAC::BULMER 16-JUN-1992 28 Les layoffs 1948 ZENDIA::P$CIGNOTTI 17-JUN-1992 877 FY93 layoff,package rumors! 1957 TOOK::TBOYLE 23-JUN-1992 14 projects cancelled, now layoffs? 1976 TOOK::TBOYLE 10-JUL-1992 40 Layoff a bad business decision? 2024 BEING::EDP 27-JUL-1992 157 Digital Stinks Because It Screws Up Layoffs 2032 ICS::DONNELLAN 2-AUG-1992 218 Layoff central 2056 SOLVIT::COBB 18-AUG-1992 43 Future Layoff Plans 2216 SOLANA::BROWN_RO 11-NOV-1992 58 Dec 7th layoffs (bombs away!)
1.15	Please don't discuss legal actions involving DEC or its employees	QUARK::LIONEL	Free advice is worth every cent	`Mon Mar 08 1993 12:05`	7
	From time to time, there will exist various legal actions involving Digital and/or its employees. Please do NOT use this (or really, any) notes conference to discuss or comment on such actions. Your comments may cause harm to Digital or to employees involved. The moderators will return any such notes. Steve - co-moderator
1.16	Don't make remarks about Digital's legal liability	QUARK::LIONEL	Free advice is worth every cent	`Mon Mar 29 1993 09:55`	14
	I find myself having to repeat a statement made in note 1.0: Also be mindful of the interest of the company. Don't make remarks that may result in legal liability for Digital. DO NOT make remarks about whether or not you think Digital could be sued if it took some particular action. Such remarks could be extremely damaging to Digital in the future. Please leave the legal issues to the corporate legal staff. Remember that what you enter here becomes a "corporate document" which could be used as evidence in a trial, no matter how unqualified the author. Steve
1.17	Bill Strecker on "Need to Know" - Read and heed!	QUARK::LIONEL	Free advice is worth every cent	`Thu May 26 1994 16:59`	50
	From: NAME: Bill Strecker @MLO FUNC: VP Engineering TEL: 223-3726 <STRECKER.BILL AT PNDVUEA1 at MLMAIL at MLO> To: See Below CC: See Below In a knowledge-based economy, NO ASSET IS MORE CRITICAL THAN THE INFORMATION WHICH GIVES A BUSINESS ITS MARKET IDENTITY AND COMPETITIVE EDGE. Sadly, there are a few individuals within our workforce who are maliciously and deliberately "leaking" information to the media to embarrass or harm this corporation and its employees. Such activity will not be tolerated and the Corporation will exercise appropriate ethical and legal remedies against such violators of trust. Digital has past successes in recovering sensitive business information given to unauthorized persons when such information was appropriately marked with such proprietary labels as DIGITAL INTERNAL USE ONLY, DIGITAL CONFIDENTIAL, and DIGITAL RESTRICTED DISTRIBUTION. I am personally committed to full compliance with the provisions of "Information Protection Policy 10.0" and "Information Protection Standard 10.1" (both are available on VTX) and expect a similar endorsement from each of you. The overriding question is whether something has to be reduced to writing. If so, the author of any Digital business document is required to evaluate the type of security labeling warranted by the information, and determining the minimum number of employees who have a BUSINESS NEED-TO-KNOW on the particular issue. In cases of doubt as to whether information should be classified, consider whether you, as the author, would be uncomfortable with the information appearing in public media. If so, protect it accordingly or use alternative means of communicating. Individuals receiving DIGITAL CONFIDENTIAL or DIGITAL RESTRICTED DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION may not distribute it further without specific permission of the original author (unless stated otherwise in the document). Digital is truly a great company and we should be proud in protecting that which is uniquely ours. I expect each of you to fully promote the safeguarding of such assets and to cascade such commitment throughout your respective organizations and geographies.
1.18	Please use ASKENET or geography-specific conferences for questions	SMURF::BLINN	Stop worrying, now.	`Wed Jun 08 1994 13:03`	24
	Of late, there have been multiple postings asking for answers to very specific questions. It has NEVER been the policy of this notes conference to be a forum for such question and answer topics. Note that the ASKENET conference has, as its charter, being the place to ask questions and get answers. Please take questions there, or to one of the geography specific conferences, such as the MASSACHUSETTS conference (which would, in the opinion of this moderator, be a more appropriate place to ask questions about the unemployment benefits provided by the State of Massachusetts than a world-wide conference about "The Way We Work at Digital"). In the future, topics that are purely requests for information (as distinguished from discussion topics that fit the charter of the conference, as stated in this topic) may be removed without notice to the author or any respondents. (Respondents, if you want to be sure the author sees your reply, use MAIL, not a reply in here, as your reply will be history, with the topic note.) In the past, we have usually forwarded the topic note and replies to authors when the material is removed; this is an unnecessary burden that should not be imposed on the moderators. Tom
1.19		FUNYET::ANDERSON	http://www.harrybrowne96.org	`Mon Oct 14 1996 11:33`	0