2nd RFD: rec.games.chess reorganization From: rpowell@uoguelph.ca (Reid Powell) Date: Fri, 12 May 1995 00:00:00 +0000 REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION (RFD) unmoderated group rec.games.chess.analysis unmoderated group rec.games.chess.computers unmoderated group rec.games.chess.play-by-email unmoderated group rec.games.chess.politics unmoderated group rec.games.chess.misc (replaces rec.games.chess) The major change in this RFD from the previous RFD is that rec.games.chess.play-by-email is now proposed unmoderated instead of moderated. PROPOSAL: rec.games.chess split Proponent: rpowell@uoguelph.ca (Reid Powell) Mentor: jimj@eecs.umich.edu (Jim Jewett) This RFD is being posted in accordance with the Guidelines for Newsgroup Creation. Its language is based on previously submitted RFDs. The RFD will be cross-posted to the following relevant news groups: rec.games.chess, news.announce.newgroups, news.groups, rec.games.pbm, comp.ai.games and rec.games.puzzles. In this context, it is proposed that the parent newsgroup -- rec.games.chess -- be renamed rec.games.chess.misc, and that this item be voted on as a separate issue, independently of creation of the individual groups proposed. Voters will be allowed to Abstain or vote No on some parts of the proposal while supporting others. For example, voters can cast favorable votes for only the IECC-sponsored component -- rec.games.chess.play-by-email -- and for rec.games.chess.politics, if they so choose this simplification. In the following proposal, it has proposed that four new chess-related newsgroups be considered during this process. A few words of explanation about changing the name of rec.games.chess to rec.games.chess.misc. This conception of restructuring newsgroup clusters is currently being implemented, as is shown in many postings in news.groups. Please note that item 2 [rec.games.chess.play-by-email] has been changed to unmoderated status. ----------------------- === BACKGROUND The unmoderated newsgroup rec.games.chess has been the paramount forum for news and discussion related to the game of chess; to both international and national organizations of chess players; to results of national and international tournaments and matches; to chess books and periodicals; and to all aspects of the impacts of computers and computer programs, developments and competition. Item 1. Rename rec.games.chess -> rec.games.chess.misc The new play-by-email group and other new groups would separate out portions of existing rec.games.chess traffic that produce a clutter that is not easy to wade through if one is looking for particular subject matter. The renaming of the base group follows modern usenet convention. It does not indicate the relative importance of the various groups; it only servers as a marker that more specialized groups do exist. The charter will remain as it is, with the exception that postings more relevant to subgroups should now be posted there, rather than to the main group. Item 2. Group Name : rec.games.chess.play-by-email Status: unmoderated: Distribution: world-wide Proposer: rpowell@uoguelph.ca (Lisa Powell) Purpose: discussion and exchange of information regarding all aspects of play-by-email chess organizations. === CHARTER The rec.games.chess.play-by-email newsgroup will provide a place to disseminate news regarding the largest international organization of free correspondence chess activity; to post information regarding competition, ratings, and the teaching of chess to players new to chess-via-email. Further, the creation of this specialized newsgroup will relieve the existing rec.games.chess newsgroup of clutter by the anticipated volume of postings by the International Email Chess Club and similar organizations who elect to participate in this newsgroup. === BACKGROUND We calculate that in an average month, we're looking at about 700-800 messages. With the traffic about to be added by IECC -- encouraged by en environment devoted to chess via email, we estimate that number will grow to between 1150-1200, thus avoiding what have been objections to postings in rec.games.chess by chess-via-email groups. Further, as a Swedish chess master has written: "I find it tedious to browse rgc for the IECG/IECC stuff. I find 90% of the rgc articles less interesting, to put it nicely, so that in itself makes me welcome the proposal for a new newsgroup. "I also think that a lot of players feel less reluctant to post email chess related stuff if there is a dedicated Usenet newsgroup for it." Item 3. rec.games.chess.analysis Status: unmoderated Distribution: world-wide Purpose: Postings of published and reported chess games, analysis and discussion of actual positions, openings, middlegames, endgames etc. === CHARTER The rec.games.chess.analysis newsgroup will provide a place to disseminate reports, discussions and analysis of published and reported chess games, analysis and learned discussion of actual positions, openings, middlegames, endgames etc. Item 4. rec.games.chess.politics Status: unmoderated Distribution: world-wide Purpose: Discussion of the political and organizational problems and questions regarding such national organizations as the United States Chess Federation [USCF], as well as international such as the Federation International Des Echecs [FIDE], as well as other national and international chess organizations. === CHARTER The rec.games.chess.politics newsgroup will provide a forum dedicated to questions and discussions involving such organizations of the United States Chess Federation [USCF] and the Federation International Des Echecs [FIDE], as well as other national and international chess organizations. Because of the complexity of the issues, as well as the frequent heated discussions between partisans the organizations involved, it is felt that this dedicated newsgroup will prove beneficial for chess players of all international and national chess organizations. Item 5. rec.games.chess.computers Status: unmoderated Distribution: world-wide Purpose: Postings of game servers, databases, software dedicated to chess-playing, calculations of ratings, tournament pairings === CHARTER The rec.games.chess.computers newsgroup will provide a place to disseminate reports, discussions and analysis of game servers, where chess games can be played in real time, similar to playing games of chess via telephone; information and discussion about databases, games collections, chess-playing software, and other computer programs of a similar nature, either offered for sale, or in the state of development. === CROSS POSTINGS This RFD is being posted to rec.games.chess, news.announce.newgroups, news.groups, rec.games.pbm, rec.games.puzzles and comp.ai.games. When Call For Votes (CFV) are issued, it can also be cross-posted in these groups. === FUTURE CALL FOR VOTES After a discussion period of 21-30 days, if there are no overwhelming objections to the proposed group, there will be a Call For Votes (CFV) posted to the same groups as this RFD. The voting period will be at least 21 days. If the group passes by receiving 100 more YES votes than NO votes, and (at least) twice as many YES votes as NO votes, it will be created. Submitted by Lisa Powell *--------------------------------------------------------------* * Lisa Powell Internet: rpowell@uoguelph.ca * * Guelph, ON, Canada * * CEO/TD of IECC: International Email Chess Club * * Founder of IECG: International Email Chess Group * *--------------------------------------------------------------* Up