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