Tom Jennings 1:125/111 Box 77731 San Francisco CA 94107 USA Last February I withdrew my permission, in writing, from the¨ group previously known as "IFNA" to use my trademarks, "Fido",¨ "FidoNet" and the dog-with-diskette drawing, after the network¨ members voted that IFNA did not represent their desires. Apparently some of the people that were in "IFNA" at that time is¨ continuing to use the trademarks, and further, to claim that they¨ represent the network and to have privy access to the nodelist,¨ and are "signing up" network members, claiming that they are the¨ "International FidoNet Association". Let's make a few things clear: One, IFNA is legally required to¨ remove the registered trademark "Fido" and "FidoNet" from their¨ name, and in all other instances. Two, they do not represent the¨ network members at large. Three, to the best of my knowledge,¨ entry into the nodelist is monetarily free, as long as you meet¨ the minimal technical requirements. * * * This network of ours is as decentralized as humanly possible.¨ There is no one organization "in charge", no matter who may imply¨ what. The *C structure is as close as we get, and even they are¨ volunteers with generally localized powers and responsibilities.¨ Anyone implying otherwise is trying to mislead you. Bear with me a minute. I have fought to keep some of the basic precepts of this network¨ intact -- decentralization, local control, responsibility in the¨ hands of the sysops in the net. "Fido", "FidoNet" and the dog-with-diskette are registered U.S.¨ trademarks of Tom Jennings, address above. Individuals and¨ organizations that wish to use these trademarks (such as¨ newsletters, sysop organizations, etc) must request permission¨ from me first. I know that sounds awfully harsh and formal -- but in reality,¨ nearly all of the requests I have received have been well within¨ the spirit and the letter of how our network operates, and¨ permission has been granted. I grant permission taking into account only the benefit of the¨ FidoNet network at large -- even at my own personal expense. My¨ only desire is to see the FidoNet network continue to allow and¨ encourage free communication between people all over the planet.