In the introduction I presented a little background on this subject, and why it is relevant to the DGZfP report. Generally speaking: the Internet has the potential to change a lot of things in our world. It has dramatically enhanced the free flow of information in many areas where old structures of communication and publishing methods had done the opposite. However, to keep it that way, we must stay alert, and work together to avoid past mistakes. The strength of the Internet is precisely that it is NOT controlled by any one entity; in cyberspace, anybody can provide information and everybody can access that information. Let's review the story: A train accident happened. NDT was involved. The first reports reached the public through traditional, "old media" channels. Very early on, however, NDTnet also began covering the story, through the email and forum communications that make it possible for us to exist in the first place. Perhaps because they may still be in the "learning curve" stage of their acquaintance with the Internet in general, the idea of NDTnet as news and commentary source on a developing story took some individuals by surprise. We were the surprised ones, however, to find that those demonstrating their lack of familiarity with online news reporting included some holding seats on the DGZfP board of directors. We were gratified to find, at the DGZfP conference, a great deal of support for NDTnet, and many participants acknowledged that the DGZfP has indeed benefitted by literature published by NDTnet. In the October issue of the DGZFP Journal President Schnitger published an article dealing with this Internet topic. I must, however, disagree with Mr.Schnitger on some points. I believe that Mr. Schnitger, you, I, and everyone each has the right to hold and express his or her own opinion. This principle is one of the foundation stones of democracy, and as previously stated, the Internet is not, nor in my opinion, should it be, controlled by anyone, or any organization, corporate, governmental, or otherwise. Having said that, it must be pointed out that this article reported on startling high number of visitors to the DGZFP Website, (later recanted as a "print error,"). On the other hand I believe that improvements could be made to the content of the DGZFP Website to significantly increase the number of visitors; that is my opinion. In any event, a post conference meeting of the DGZfP board of directors and the associated board members in November 1998 brought about satisfactory results: collaboration with NDTnet will continue, and thanks to that formal decision we are able to provide all abstracts of the conference and we can continue the process of constructing an improved database. In its reporting of news, and its editorial content, NDTnet is and will continue to be, independent. Our purpose is to make information available, not to protect any company or organization from criticism, not to try to cover up errors, our own, or those of others. If a sponsor prefers not to advertise with us because they believe a particular story should not be told, or because they disagree with an opinion expressed as an editorial, they have the prerogative of withdrawing their patronage. Private research Institutes, even those mainly funded by federal monies, have the right not to give access to publications; whether this is compliant with their ethical standards is a question only they can answer. In particular, I am very concerned about the Federal Material Testing Institute's radiography division (BAM) [1]. They seem to be quite anxious that material critical of their organization not be made available to the public. While they owe their continued existence to the taxes that I and all German citizens pay, they have chosen to issue a directive that forbids the research team to publish through NDTnet, although papers are submitted to many publishers, e.g. Elsevier, Springer etc., even outside Germany. This NDTnet "ban" even includes ECNDT papers! Sidebar: DGZfP President Schnitger is also the head of the BAM radiography division, and the president of the European Federation of NDT. I hope that information at least, in the spirit of the European Federation, can flow without censorship. In general, it should also be compliant with European Commission policy regarding freedom of information. The Federation provides considerable funding for projects aimed at increasing Internet usage, although NDTnet has practically no access to this money. BAM's mission statement is a matter of public record. Whether it is consistent with the practice of discriminating against a German publisher and holder of a press pass is a determination they will have to make, although the argument could certainly be made that such a practice is of questionable legality. I deeply regret any discomfort that may have been caused by NDTnet's coverage of the train accident, but I would be less than candid if I did not confess that my greater sympathies lie with those who lost their lives that day, and their families and friends. NDTnet will continue to strive to improve its news coverage; you may see an editorial board here one day. But you will never see censorship, or arbitrary control over events reporting. Rolf Diederichs Publisher and Editor of NDTnet [1] Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) - General information