From: Simon Spero <ses@tipper.oit.unc.edu>
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 17:20:22 +0800
To: Bill Frantz <frantz@netcom.com>
Subject: Re: "This post is G-Rated"
In-Reply-To: <199601252156.NAA28375@netcom6.netcom.com>
Message-ID: <Pine.SOL.3.91.960125154936.1505F-100000@chivalry>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain


On Thu, 25 Jan 1996, Bill Frantz wrote:

> ... Discussion of rating systems elided.
> 
> Does anyone have suggestions for achieving the goals of the V-Chip with
> many non-govermental rating agencies?  It seems to me that empowering
> parents would head off the TV/Internet censors.  Any parent who was

THere are several schemes being put about that work along those lines,
with message formats being standardised, but not the actual values - you
should then pick your favourite rating agency, and they determine what is
rated and how.  This system creates a new market for rating agencies, and
it also helps parents to determine more precisely what *they* think is fit
for their children. 

There are pros and cons for both the single set of standard codes, and 
the niche model - a single set is likely to be just a little above the 
lowest common denominator; with niches kids whose parents who pick the CC 
rating agency aren't going to be getting talk.origins in their newsrc 
anytime soon.