The Linkbuffer: A new approach to non-endorsed links Edited version of post sent to PLANET list, Friday Jan 31, 2003 From: Prodos Dear Friends, As you are aware, Celebrate Capitalism (tm) has a strict "No Links - No Endorsements" policy. [snip] Until now this has meant there could be no links whatsoever to any non-endorsed web pages. Over the last few weeks I have been testing a new approach to non-endorsed links called the "Linkbuffer". To see firsthand how the Linkbuffer works, please visit: Linkbuffer.ORG To apply for a Linkbuffer to a non-endorsed web page (a Snewpy) please use the form @ Linkbuffer.ORG/application No Links - No Endorsements Policy Edited/Updated version of post sent to PLANET list 30 October 2001 From: Prodos Q: "What links are permitted or prohibited on my campaign website?" Reply: Celebrate Capitalism™ (formerly Walk FOR Capitalism™) does not endorse any organisation, party, or association. They may support us but may not claim or do anything that makes it seem that Celebrate Capitalism™ supports them. Of course that doesn't mean that Celebrate Capitalism™ is *against* them either. On the contrary, practically every single participant and Coordinator is also involved in some other excellent organisation(s)! Those who know me, know that I'm involved in quite a few myself. But I would be breaching the ad hoc nature of the campaign if I started linking or endorsing them in my role as either Melbourne C1 or Global Coordinator. Celebrate Capitalism™ does not have a reciprocal links policy. If you have an authorised Celebrate Capitalism™ campaign website it is important that it contains NO unauthorised links [unless they use an approved Linkbuffer] Thank you for your cooperation. Clarifying position regarding organisation, parties, ideologies Updated/Edited version of post sent to PLANET list 20th November 2001 From Prodos I've already corresponded privately with most coordinators on this matter but I thought it might be helpful to put it online for easy reference. Here we go ... 1. Celebrate Capitalism™ (formerly Walk FOR Capitalism™) does not endorse any organisations or parties. 2. This is absolutely *not* a criticism of those organisations or parties, since nearly all participants (including me!) are also involved in other excellent organisations - most of which are *strong* supporters of the campaign. On a personal level I appreciate such a support - but as far as the campaign is concerned, there is no reciprocation. Celebrate Capitalism™ has a one-way-street policy. 3. Anyone who accepts our position statement @ CelebrateCapitalism.ORG/bernsteindeclaration should be made welcome, and, generally speaking, their membership to other organisations should not even be a factor. Do you accept our position statement? Yes! Welcome. Do you accept our position statement? No! Bye bye. 4. No organisation may claim that they are endorsed, nor do anything which suggests or appears as if they are endorsed, by Celebrate Capitalism™ (or Walk FOR Capitalism™) or the PRODOS Institute Inc. Clarification The problem with including an organisation's name on a placard is that it lends itself to misinterpretation. I appreciate that this may not be intentional - however, in my experience, that's what happens. Similarly, the use of terms such as "libertarian," "christian," "objectivist," etc. are inappropriate. Again, this is not in any way a criticism. How could it be? Afterall I am myself aligned with one of these three philosophies! In setting up an ad hoc campaign such as this there are only two choices: either allow *everyone* to display their organisation or allow *no-one*. For this campaign I decided to allow no-one. No campaign websites may link to anyone else, no street placards may list anyone else. We stick to the ideas and principles. We focus on "Capitalism." Of course, this, unfortunately, means that many fine organisations are unable to be displayed or promoted. This is regrettable. However, on the positive side, it allows the campaign to remain "ad hoc" and confined to the narrowly defined common ground - no more and no less. Displaying an organisation's name will reduce the degree of participation possible, because the various pro capitalism groups will focus on their differences, rather than on our common ground and we don't want that, do we? We want to be inclusive and positive - but ...? But without making it appear that there is no disagreement at other levels. There is indeed disagreement. Which is a good thing! :-) Regrettably, therefore, Coordinators should politely decline the use of all ideological or political organisation and party names on placards and handouts. There's no need to be shy about this. My experience throughout this campaign has shown that if the issue is explained clearly and logically, cooperation follows. Coordinators should not get into arguments or debates about this with participants. Simply refer the matter to me and I'll do my best to resolve it in the most cooperative, amicable way possible. I feel this approach will give us the best chance of cooperating in those areas where it is most useful to do so, without appearing to agree in areas that we don't. I hope these notes have been useful. :-) "Let's Walk!" CelebrateCapitalism.ORG