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