From 0b629dfaeda9b47b7952c502a12526df8bc37ea9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Sam Patterson Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2014 21:00:39 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] First draft formatting of Introduction --- 01-Introduction/01-Introduction.md | 350 +++++++++++++++-------------- 1 file changed, 176 insertions(+), 174 deletions(-) diff --git a/01-Introduction/01-Introduction.md b/01-Introduction/01-Introduction.md index 503a081..802f033 100644 --- a/01-Introduction/01-Introduction.md +++ b/01-Introduction/01-Introduction.md @@ -71,191 +71,193 @@ THE CYPHERNOMICON: Cypherpunks FAQ and More, Version 0.666, 1994-09-10, Copyrig - that governments essentially cannot stop most of these approaches, short of establishing a police state (and probably not even then) - core issues of identity, authentication, pseudonyms, reputations, etc. -- Who Should Read This - - "Should I read this?" - - Yes, reading this will point you toward other sources of - information, will answer the most commonly asked questions, - and will (hopefully) head off the reappearance of the same - tired themes every few months. - - Use a search tool if you have one. Grep for the things that - interest you, etc. The granularity of this FAQ does not - lend itself to Web conversion, at least not with present - tools. - + What _Won't_ Be Covered Here - + basic cryptography - + many good texts, FAQs, etc., written by full-time - cryptologists and educators - - in particular, some of the ideas are not simple, and - take several pages of well-written text to get the - point across +## 1.4 Who Should Read This +- "Should I read this?" + - Yes, reading this will point you toward other sources of + information, will answer the most commonly asked questions, + and will (hopefully) head off the reappearance of the same + tired themes every few months. + - Use a search tool if you have one. Grep for the things that + interest you, etc. The granularity of this FAQ does not + lend itself to Web conversion, at least not with present + tools. + + What _Won't_ Be Covered Here + + basic cryptography + + many good texts, FAQs, etc., written by full-time + cryptologists and educators + - in particular, some of the ideas are not simple, and + take several pages of well-written text to get the + point across - not the focus of this FAQ - - basic political rants + - basic political rants - 1.5. Comments on Style and Thoroughness - 1.5.1. "Why is this FAQ not in Mosaic form?" - - because the author (tcmay, as of 7/94) does not have Mosaic - access, and even if did, would not necessarily.... - - linear text is still fine for some things...can be read on - all platforms, can be printed out, and can be searched with - standard grep and similar tools - 1.5.2. "Why the mix of styles?" - + There are three main types of styles here: - - Standard prose sections, explaining some point or listing - things. Mini-essays, like most posts to Cypherpunks. - + Short, outline-style comments - - that I didn't have time or willpower to expand into - prose format - - that work best in outline format anyway - - like this - + Quotes from others - - Cypherpunks are a bright group. A lot of clever things - have been said in the 600 days x 40 posts/day = 24,000 - posts, and I am trying to use what I can. - + Sadly, only a tiny fraction can be used - - because I simply cannot _read_ even a fraction of - these posts over again (though I've only saved - several thousand of the posts) - - and because including too many of these posts would - simply make the FAQ too long (it's still too long, I - suppose) +## 1.5. Comments on Style and Thoroughness +- "Why is this FAQ not in Mosaic form?" + - because the author (tcmay, as of 7/94) does not have Mosaic + access, and even if did, would not necessarily.... + - linear text is still fine for some things...can be read on + all platforms, can be printed out, and can be searched with + standard grep and similar tools +- "Why the mix of styles?" + + There are three main types of styles here: + - Standard prose sections, explaining some point or listing + things. Mini-essays, like most posts to Cypherpunks. + + Short, outline-style comments + - that I didn't have time or willpower to expand into + prose format + - that work best in outline format anyway + - like this + + Quotes from others + - Cypherpunks are a bright group. A lot of clever things + have been said in the 600 days x 40 posts/day = 24,000 + posts, and I am trying to use what I can. + + Sadly, only a tiny fraction can be used + - because I simply cannot _read_ even a fraction of + these posts over again (though I've only saved + several thousand of the posts) + - and because including too many of these posts would + simply make the FAQ too long (it's still too long, I + suppose) - I hope you can handle the changes in tone of voice, in styles, and even in formats. It'll just too much time to make it all read uniformly. - 1.5.3. Despite the length of this thing, a vast amount of stuff is - missing. There have been hundreds of incisive analyses by - Cypherpunks, dozens of survey articles on Clipper, and - thousands of clever remarks. Alas, only a few of them here. - - And with 25 or more books on the Internet, hundreds of FAQs - and URLs, it's clear that we're all drowning in a sea of - information about the Net. - - Ironically, good old-fashioned books have a lot more - relevant and timeless information. - 1.5.4. Caveats on the completeness or accuracy of this FAQ - + not all points are fully fleshed out...the outline nature - means that nearly all points could be further added-to, - subdivided, taxonomized, and generally fleshed-out with - more points, counterpoints, examples - - like a giant tree...branches, leaves, tangled hierarchies - + It is inevitable that conflicting points will be made in a - document of this size - - views change, but don't get corrected in all places - - different contexts lead to different viewpoints - - simple failure by me to be fully consistent - - and many points raised here would, if put into an essay - for the Cypherpunks list, generate comments, rebuttals, - debate, and even acrimony....I cannot expect to have all - sides represented fully, especially as the issues are - often murky, unresolved, in dispute, and generally - controversial - - inconsistencies in the points here in this FAQ +- Despite the length of this thing, a vast amount of stuff is + missing. There have been hundreds of incisive analyses by + Cypherpunks, dozens of survey articles on Clipper, and + thousands of clever remarks. Alas, only a few of them here. + - And with 25 or more books on the Internet, hundreds of FAQs + and URLs, it's clear that we're all drowning in a sea of + information about the Net. + - Ironically, good old-fashioned books have a lot more + relevant and timeless information. + +- Caveats on the completeness or accuracy of this FAQ + + not all points are fully fleshed out...the outline nature + means that nearly all points could be further added-to, + subdivided, taxonomized, and generally fleshed-out with + more points, counterpoints, examples + - like a giant tree...branches, leaves, tangled hierarchies + + It is inevitable that conflicting points will be made in a + document of this size + - views change, but don't get corrected in all places + - different contexts lead to different viewpoints + - simple failure by me to be fully consistent + - and many points raised here would, if put into an essay + for the Cypherpunks list, generate comments, rebuttals, + debate, and even acrimony....I cannot expect to have all + sides represented fully, especially as the issues are + often murky, unresolved, in dispute, and generally + controversial + - inconsistencies in the points here in this FAQ - 1.6. Corrections and Elaborations - + "How to handle corrections or clarifications?" - - While I have done my best to ensure accuracy, errors will - no doubt exist. And as anyone can see from reading the - Cypherpunks list, nearly *any* statement made about any - subject can produce a flurry of rebuttals, caveats, - expansions, and whatnot. Some subjects, such as the nature - of money, the role of Cypherpunks, and the role of - reputations, produce dozens of differing opinions every - time they come up! - - So, it is not likely that my points here will be any - different. Fortunately, the sheer number of points here - means that not every one of them will be disagreed with. - But the math is pretty clear: if every reader finds even - one thing to disagree with and then posts his rebuttal or - elaboration....disaster! (Especially if some people can't - trim quotes properly and end up including a big chunk of - text.) - + Recommendations - - Send corrections of _fact_ to me - - If you disagree with my opinion, and you think you can - change my mind, or cause me to include your opinion as an - elaboration or as a dissenting view, then send it. If - your point requires long debate or is a deep - disagreement, then I doubt I have the time or energy to - debate. If you want your views heard, write your own FAQ! - - Ultimately, send what you want. But I of course will - evaluate comments and apply a reputation-based filter to - the traffic. Those who send me concise, well-reasoned - corrections or clarifications are likelier to be listened - to than those who barrage me with minor clarifications - and elaborations. - - In short, this is not a group project. The "stone soup - FAQ" is not what this is. - + More information - - Please don't send me e-mail asking for more information - on a particular topic--I just can't handle custom - research. This FAQ is long enough, and the Glossary at - the end contains additional information, so that I cannot - expand upon these topics (unless there is a general - debate on the list). In other words, don't assume this - FAQ is an entry point into a larger data base I will - generate. I hate to sound so blunt, but I've seen the - requests that come in every time I write a fairly long - article. - + Tips on feedback - - Comments about writing style, of the form "I would have - written it _this_ way," are especially unwelcome. - + Credit issues - - inevitable that omissions or collisions will occur - - ideas have many fathers - - some ideas have been "in the air" for many years - + slogans are especially problematic - - "They can have my...."...I credit Barlow with this, but - I've heard others use it independently (I think; at least - I used it before hearing Barlow used it) - - "If crypto is outlawed, only outlaws will have crypto" - - "Big Brother Inside" - - if something really bothers you, send me a note +## 1.6. Corrections and Elaborations + + "How to handle corrections or clarifications?" + - While I have done my best to ensure accuracy, errors will + no doubt exist. And as anyone can see from reading the + Cypherpunks list, nearly *any* statement made about any + subject can produce a flurry of rebuttals, caveats, + expansions, and whatnot. Some subjects, such as the nature + of money, the role of Cypherpunks, and the role of + reputations, produce dozens of differing opinions every + time they come up! + - So, it is not likely that my points here will be any + different. Fortunately, the sheer number of points here + means that not every one of them will be disagreed with. + But the math is pretty clear: if every reader finds even + one thing to disagree with and then posts his rebuttal or + elaboration....disaster! (Especially if some people can't + trim quotes properly and end up including a big chunk of + text.) ++ Recommendations + - Send corrections of _fact_ to me + - If you disagree with my opinion, and you think you can + change my mind, or cause me to include your opinion as an + elaboration or as a dissenting view, then send it. If + your point requires long debate or is a deep + disagreement, then I doubt I have the time or energy to + debate. If you want your views heard, write your own FAQ! + - Ultimately, send what you want. But I of course will + evaluate comments and apply a reputation-based filter to + the traffic. Those who send me concise, well-reasoned + corrections or clarifications are likelier to be listened + to than those who barrage me with minor clarifications + and elaborations. + - In short, this is not a group project. The "stone soup + FAQ" is not what this is. + ++ More information + - Please don't send me e-mail asking for more information + on a particular topic--I just can't handle custom + research. This FAQ is long enough, and the Glossary at + the end contains additional information, so that I cannot + expand upon these topics (unless there is a general + debate on the list). In other words, don't assume this + FAQ is an entry point into a larger data base I will + generate. I hate to sound so blunt, but I've seen the + requests that come in every time I write a fairly long + article. + + Tips on feedback + - Comments about writing style, of the form "I would have + written it _this_ way," are especially unwelcome. + + Credit issues + - inevitable that omissions or collisions will occur + - ideas have many fathers + - some ideas have been "in the air" for many years + + slogans are especially problematic + - "They can have my...."...I credit Barlow with this, but + I've heard others use it independently (I think; at least + I used it before hearing Barlow used it) + - "If crypto is outlawed, only outlaws will have crypto" + - "Big Brother Inside" + - if something really bothers you, send me a note - 1.7. Acknowledgements - 1.7.1. Acknowledgements - - My chief thanks go to the several hundred active - Cypherpunks posters, past and present. - - All rights reserved. Copyright Timothy C. May. Don't try to - sell this or incorporate it into anything that is sold. - Quoting brief sections is "fair use"...quoting long - sections is not. +## 1.7. Acknowledgements +- Acknowledgements + - My chief thanks go to the several hundred active + Cypherpunks posters, past and present. + - All rights reserved. Copyright Timothy C. May. Don't try to + sell this or incorporate it into anything that is sold. + Quoting brief sections is "fair use"...quoting long + sections is not. - 1.8. Ideas and Notes (not to be printed) - 1.8.1. Graphics for cover - - two blocks...plaintext to cryptotext - - Cypherpunks FAQ - - compiled by Timothy C. May, tcmay@netcom.com - - with help from many Cypherpunks - - with material from other sources - - - 1.8.2. "So don't ask" +## 1.8. Ideas and Notes (not to be printed) +- Graphics for cover + - two blocks...plaintext to cryptotext + - Cypherpunks FAQ + - compiled by Timothy C. May, tcmay@netcom.com + - with help from many Cypherpunks + - with material from other sources + - + - "So don't ask" - 1.9. Things are moving quickly in crypto and crypto policy - 1.9.1. hard to keep this FAQ current, as info changes - 1.9.2. PGP in state of flux - 1.9.3. new versions of tools coming constantly - 1.9.4. And the whole Clipper thing has been turned on its head - recently by the Administration's backing off...lots of points - already made here are now rendered moot and are primarily of - historical interest only. - - Gore's letter to Cantwell - - Whit Diffie described a conference on key escrow systems in - Karlsruhe, Germany, which seemed to contain new ideas - - TIS? (can't use this info?) +## 1.9. Things are moving quickly in crypto and crypto policy +- hard to keep this FAQ current, as info changes +- PGP in state of flux +- new versions of tools coming constantly +- And the whole Clipper thing has been turned on its head + recently by the Administration's backing off...lots of points + already made here are now rendered moot and are primarily of + historical interest only. + - Gore's letter to Cantwell + - Whit Diffie described a conference on key escrow systems in + Karlsruhe, Germany, which seemed to contain new ideas + - TIS? (can't use this info?) - 1.10. Notes: The Cyphernomicon: the CypherFAQ and More - 1.10.1. 2.3.1. "The Book of Encyphered Names" - - Ibn al-Taz Khallikak, the Pine Barrens Horror. - - Liber Grimoiris....Cifur??? - - spreading from the Sumerian sands, through the gate of - Ishtar, to the back alleys of Damascus, tempered with the - blood of Westerners - - Keys of Solomon, Kool John Dee and the Rapping Cryps Gone - to Croatan - - Peter Krypotkin, the Russian crypto anarchist - - Twenty-nine Primes, California - 1.10.2. 2.3.2. THE CYPHERNOMICON: a Cypherpunk FAQ and More--- +## 1.10. Notes: The Cyphernomicon: the CypherFAQ and More + - 2.3.1. "The Book of Encyphered Names" + - Ibn al-Taz Khallikak, the Pine Barrens Horror. + - Liber Grimoiris....Cifur??? + - spreading from the Sumerian sands, through the gate of + Ishtar, to the back alleys of Damascus, tempered with the + blood of Westerners + - Keys of Solomon, Kool John Dee and the Rapping Cryps Gone + to Croatan + - Peter Krypotkin, the Russian crypto anarchist + - Twenty-nine Primes, California +- 2.3.2. THE CYPHERNOMICON: a Cypherpunk FAQ and More--- Version 0.666 - 1.10.3. 1994-09-01, Copyright Timothy C. May, tcmay@netcom.com - 1.10.4. +- 1994-09-01, Copyright Timothy C. May, tcmay@netcom.com + - Written and compiled by Tim May, except as noted by credits. (Influenced by years of good posts on the Cypherpunks list.) Permission is granted to post and