Two days ago, I got this email:
Hello, The coast_guard_e-newsletter mailing list is now only open to users who have a uscg.mil mailing address. Because your email address does not comply with this rule, you are being removed from the list. If you would like to subscribe to the list with a valid uscg.mil email address you can do so by visiting the following site: http://cgls.uscg.mil/mailman/listinfo/coast_guard_e-newsletter. Thank you and have a good day.
Needless to say, I was a bit shocked to learn that the Coast Guard Newsletter was now only for those actually IN the Coast Guard. Yeah, news of thier rescues shouldn’t be leaked to the public, for Christ’s sake. I mean, we might find out they have boats and helicopters and stuff! Yesterday, I got this:
Welcome to the Coast_guard_e-newsletter@cgls.uscg.mil mailing list! This is a one way list, from the U.S. Coast Guard to you. Please do not try to reply to the list as any of these communications will not be accepted. Subscribers to the CG E-Newsletter, As many of you are undoubtedly aware, yesterday, distribution of the Coast Guard E-Newsletter was suspended for non-.mil subscribers. This change, prompted by a copyright compliance review, was taken without appropriate staffing or notice and had a negative impact on subscribers who rely on our distributions. I sincerely regret any inconvenience caused by this action. Effective immediately, I have directed that distribution be restored to all subscribers to the E-Newsletter. I have further directed that you receive yesterday's and today's E-Newsletter so that there will be no break in service. As the number and type of subscribers has grown over the years, we are undergoing a thorough review of our distribution policies to ensure compliance with copyright laws and Coast Guard policy. If future changes to E-Newsletter distribution policies are required, you will receive adequate notice and a full explanation from me personally. Thank you for your interest in the Coast Guard. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to e-mail me at the below address. I will be out of the office for the remainder of this week, but will respond via my Treo. Sincerely, RDML Chuck Michel Director of Coast Guard Governmental and Public Affairs Charles.D.Michel@uscg.mil
Ok, they fixed that pretty quick, but who is taking action without appropriate notice? Some idiot who utterly fails to understand copyright laws just decided to stop sending the news letter. Next thing you know, that guy will be in charge of the Deepwater Procurement process….
