Tue, 5 Mar 1996 23:54:31 -0600 (CST) Subject: Request for Discussion:
sci.microsystems REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION (RFD) unmoderated group
sci.microsystems Newsgroup line: sci.microsystems Devices enabled by
microstructures. This is a formal Request For Discussion (RFD) for the creation
of a world-wide unmoderated Usenet newsgroup sci.microsystems. This is not a
Call For Votes (CFV); you cannot vote at this time. Procedural details are
below. RATIONALE: sci.microsystems Microsystem technology and micromachining is
an emerging science based on the use of silicon and other building materials to
fabricate microscopic systems traditionally seen on a macroscopic scale as well
as new devices that can only be fabricated using micromachining techniques.
These systems typically see corresponding benefits in precision and computer
chip-like integration. Many fabrication techniques and design strategies have
only been developed in recent years. While information exchange is facilitated
through published papers, conferences and mailing lists, a Usenet newsgroup
would allow people worldwide to participate in discussion, and exchange
information, theories and ideas concurrently. Another reason to start this
newsgroup is to bring this developing science further into the realm of the
general public. By opening up discussion to people with expertise in other
areas who might have fresh new ideas, it's possible that these people will come
up with a novel approach to a problem that the experts dismissed out of hand
due to established principles. In summary, creating a newsgroup for
micromachining will help the field develop in a number of ways. Firstly, it
will allow a more uniform circulation of knowledge amongst individuals and
groups. It will also make it easier for so called "laymen" to learn about the
existence of micromachining and contribute. This will be good for the
development of the science in the long run. CHARTER: sci.microsystems
Sci.microsystems will be dedicated to the discussion of all topics related to
micromachining, microelectromechnical systems (MEMS), and microsystem
technology (MST), including, but not limited to: Uses for MEMS and MST in the
commercial and industrial arena Techniques for fabrication, production testing
and packaging Process technology CAD, CAE and other design support tools
Semiconductor physic and circuit design relating to MEMS and MST Job
opportunities related to microsystems Applications, ideas and theories for the
use of microsystems END CHARTER. PROCEDURE: This is a request for discussion,
not a call for votes. In this phase of the process, any potential problems with
the proposed newsgroup should be raised and resolved. The discussion period
will continue for a minimum of 21 days (starting from when the first RFD for
this proposal is posted to news.announce.newgroups), after which a Call For
Votes (CFV) may be posted by a neutral vote taker if the discussion warrants
it. Please do not attempt to vote until this happens. All discussion of this
proposal should be posted to news.groups. This RFD attempts to comply fully
with the Usenet newsgroup creation guidelines outlined in "How to Create a New
Usenet Newsgroup" and "How to Format and Submit a New Group Proposal". Please
refer to these documents (available in news.announce.newgroups) if you have any
questions about the process. DISTRIBUTION: This RFD has been posted to the
following newsgroups: news.announce.newgroups news.groups sci.bio.technology
sci.chem sci.engr sci.engr.biomed sci.engr.chem sci.engr.mech
sci.engr.semiconductors sci.materials sci.med sci.nanotech sci.physics and the
following mailing lists: mems@isi.edu (discussion of the science of
micromachining) Subscribe via: mems-request@isi.edu providing your e-mail
address. mstnet@cardiff.ac.uk (discussion of the science of micromachining)
Subscribe via: majordomo@cardiff.ac.uk containing the phrase: subscribe mstnet
mems@cmc.ca (discussion of the science of micromachining) Subscribe via:
gale@cmc.ca providing your e-mail address. Proponent: Christopher Raum,
craum@robinhood.engg.uregina.ca -- .+'''+. Christopher Raum -
craum@robinhood.engg.uregina.ca R A U M Faculty of Engineering, University of
Regina `+.,.+' Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S-0A2, Canada Tel: (306)565-2960 Fax:
(306)585-4855