[AktiviX-discuss] aktivix and academic/activist projects: principled objections?

[Josh Robinson]

On Thu, 15 Dec 2005, Ian Gregory wrote:

> On Wed, Dec 14, 2005 at 12:26:00PM +0000, mp wrote:
>
>> there is currently a request on aktivix-request at lists.aktivix.org for a
>> list to be used by a group who are working in universities doing
>> research related to activism - and who want to use their work to funnel
>> resources into projects like aktivix.
>>
>> the group is composed of people that some aktivixtas know from projects
>> like indymedia, samba bands etc.
>>
>> does anybody think that it is *not right* for aktivix to provide such
>> services?
>
> You would think that one of them might be able to set up such a
> list on their University systems on the basis that it is necessary
> for their research.

Yes, or on JISCMail, which exists 'To facilitate knowledge sharing within 
the UK centered academic community, using email and the web, through the 
provision, support and development of specialist mailing list based 
services, enabling the delivery of high quality and relevant content.' 
Provides free lists (on Listserv).

Criteria:

- The list should primarily benefit UK education, learning and research 
related organisations
- The principal list owner should be employed by a UK higher education 
institution, normally with an 'ac.uk' style email address
- There should be a significant percentage (>40%) of list members from UK 
HE, FE and Research Councils
- JISCmail lists should be directly related to research or teaching within 
the UK HE and FE community or support of these activities
- Acceptance of new lists is dependent upon capacity being available on 
the JISCmail Service
- JISCmail does not establish lists for undergraduate students, nor does 
it host lists for single institutions

> If not then I guess it is a reasonable request.

I think it's a reasonable request in any case.

> I know a couple of activists who are very anti-university, but they
> are not involved with AktiviX. I have no fundamental objection but
> of course there is potential for research to be misused.
>
>> someone thinks it is a good idea to build such alliances?
>
> I am ambivalent, if others are up for it I have no objections.

I'm broadly in favour, presuming that the research will have some sort of 
activist leaning. I'm certainly no more in favour because they happen to 
be offering us money.

>> any volunteers to set up a bank account and collect funds?
>
> So AktiviX does not already have a bank account?
>
> It is not so easy. I have used my personal bank account to put some 
> stuff through, but if that is not an option then you have to form some 
> sort of non-profit organsation and have secretary, treasurer, mission 
> statement and all that crap, fill in loads of forms, provide ID etc.
>
> I don't have time to get involved but if anyone is up for it then Emma 
> from Catalyst was recommending "Unity Trust Bank". She uses it for 
> housing co-ops and they apparently do free banking for non profit 
> groups.

Yeah, they're generally good. Certainly much better than the Co-op.

I'm not keen to set it up, but willing (or at least persuadable) to do so 
if no one else will do, and we want it done.

Josh