> It would be very bad form though to quote a private conversation in a > public forum without letting you know I was quoting you first... > I've exchanged emails with researchers privately that I thought offered > some very good information or raised important points that i wanted to > discuss with b-eel subscribers, but when asked, they said no... I'm glad we're talking about this. If endorsement or support for a position is implied from an innocent statement excerpted from a private or public writing, then one must walk a thin line and use exquisite judgement. For publications, as I understand it, there are legal rules in place as to how much one can quote without attribution or permission. Context is important too. However, most of us are not too worried about the legal aspects compared to the moral questions, and usually making a good moral call leaves us on the safe side of the law. Not always, but usually. The way I usually deal with the whole question is this: instead of pestering people about permission I simply do not name names or even quote, unless I am sure that the person in question has consented or would be pleased. In most cases there is no real reason to drop names or identify sources, and I either paraphrase or allude to the statement, or use a short quote and attribute to 'a bee researcher' or 'a friend' or such. The sensitivity of the information being used must also be considered. There are things that are pending and not decided that a correspondent in a sensitive position may have personal opinions about and express in private, but not ever want revealed in public. We must sometimes keep secrets. There may be breaking stories that are on hold until everyone concerned gets a chance to comment and get on-side. In such cases, some of us are privy to this information and must use our judgement and not 'leak', or, if we feel encouraged to do so by our source, must write discreetly without betraying the source. As far as people or magazines using my own writing is concerned, I offer it freely, the only stipulation to those quoting is that they must not alter my intent by editing or cutting. If I am quoted and my work is changed in any way I reserve the right to examine the result before printing if I am identified with the piece anywhere. And, as for my writing, lately I have been putting most of my work into the diary pages I have started and the occasional post to sci.agriculture.beekeeping -- which, incidentally has been really good lately. s.a.b. covers lots of beginner stuff and chatter which is interesting but does not really belong here. With the diary project, those who don't appreciate my rambling aren't bothered by it and those who enjoy it can. I can also use lots of good close pictures and explain things in detail. Come visit at http://www.internode.net/HoneyBee/ and select 'A Beekeepers Diary'. Also, if you are trying to get s.a.b. and haven't figured out how, I have a whole page dedicated to s.a.b in my menu at http://www.internode.net/HoneyBee/ (left side). Regards all, allen