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I believe that there have been many Posts to our List regarding this issue. It has been a subject of much US Government interest related to the use of encoding programs and devices. Although equipment and programs are available, as I understand it. The Governments concern is that such security devices, would allow for an increase of international crime. There are special systems that allow for transactions, ie, use of credit card purchases. However, has had been said many times, one should never assume the Internet is a confidential communication system. As I understand it one needs only sign on to a chat room, one does not have to advise each new joiner of their presence or business. The use of nick names is one way to remain anonymous, in some ways, the use of pass words by Servers is another way, but that information can be obtained at the request of some authorities, ie, FBI., Police, etc..Again the absences of confidentiality has been written about by members of our list. As an aside, and for purpose of discussion, in the USA, when 3rd party payments are made re: medical insurance, in most cases privilege is given away when one wants Insurance payments for the medical attention provided. I was surprised by the reaction of Patients / Clients when I advised them that if they wished Insurance coverage, they understood that the Insurance Company could request their records. It is good that folks become aware of the limitations of our new communication tools. We have extended the warnings, from buyer beware, seller beware, to participants beware..... I will assume that Bruce is a member of a recognized professional organization,and as such he is committed to the Ethics of his profession. I think he stated clearly what he wanted to do and why he wanted to do it, and clearly indicated his openness to questions. He also indicated that no one would be identified. He was interested in the difference of Internet Support Groups and Actual Personal Support Groups. I assume we all know that there is a difference, but exactly what those differences are would be important to know. For example, about 80% of our communication is non-verbal, and some folks feel that people are a lot more honest in expression on the Internet, and in some ways more vulnerable. Perhaps, folks might feel better if Bruce were to explain the categories in his content analysis. This might be helpful in providing a more positive interest in what he was interested in. Bernie