Tom Jennings
1:125/111
Box 77731
San Francisco CA 
94107 USA


Last February I withdrew my permission, in writing, from the¨
group previously known as "IFNA" to use my trademarks, "Fido",¨
"FidoNet" and the dog-with-diskette drawing, after the network¨
members voted that IFNA did not represent their desires.

Apparently some of the people that were in "IFNA" at that time is¨
continuing to use the trademarks, and further, to claim that they¨
represent the network and to have privy access to the nodelist,¨
and are "signing up" network members, claiming that they are the¨
"International FidoNet Association".

Let's make a few things clear: One, IFNA is legally required to¨
remove the registered trademark "Fido" and "FidoNet" from their¨
name, and in all other instances. Two, they do not represent the¨
network members at large. Three, to the best of my knowledge,¨
entry into the nodelist is monetarily free, as long as you meet¨
the minimal technical requirements.

			* * *

This network of ours is as decentralized as humanly possible.¨
There is no one organization "in charge", no matter who may imply¨
what. The *C structure is as close as we get, and even they are¨
volunteers with generally localized powers and responsibilities.¨
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 network¨
intact -- decentralization, local control, responsibility in the¨
hands of the sysops in the net.

"Fido", "FidoNet" and the dog-with-diskette are registered U.S.¨
trademarks of Tom Jennings, address above. Individuals and¨
organizations that wish to use these trademarks (such as¨
newsletters, sysop organizations, etc) must request permission¨
from me first.


I know that sounds awfully harsh and formal -- but in reality,¨
nearly all of the requests I have received have been well within¨
the spirit and the letter of how our network operates, and¨
permission has been granted. 

I grant permission taking into account only the benefit of the¨
FidoNet network at large -- even at my own personal expense. My¨
only desire is to see the FidoNet network continue to allow and¨
encourage free communication between people all over the planet.

