Hello everyone.  My name is Erin and I'm a new member here.  I'm a
nineteen year old college student from Ohio in my sophomore year.  I'm
taking an anthropology class called Peoples and Cultures of the World
and we are learning about ethnography.  One of our assignments is to
observe a cyber-culture,  since an expedition to a foreign land isn't
possible.  One of the groups that we have to observe has to be
recreational in nature,  so that is why I chose to observe
alt.cats.  I'll be observing the norms,  "atmosphere" and
communication within the newsgroup,  and I will also take part in some
communication,  although it is my goal to influence the group as little

as possible.  As I observe I will keep a neutral and nonjudgemental
stance.  I'll maintain high ethical standards at all times;  The names
of informants and the information that they provide me will remain
strictly confidental.

-Erin