Doug is a member of Alex's anomalist-free invitation-only space sciences discussion group.

Alex and I frequent both that group and this and copy some of the useful stuff across. If you want to join that group, there are strict standards of expected behaviour which are enforced.

Alex is the originator and moderator of the group and you need to ask him if you can join. It helps to have a "sponsor" to support your application. Unfortunately, you don't have a track record of posting, so I can't confirm that you're a "good guy" :-( [But clearly, you know how to keep a low profile and your nose clean :-) ]

(Sounds like a real stodgy old club, doesn't it, but it's quite a good working group)

" The planetary_sciences group is intended to be a serious and ongoing forum for professional and amateur planetary scientists of all disciplines. Individuals from academia, government, and the private sector who are scientists, engineers, students (both undergraduate and graduate) and/or consultants are most welcome. Although as moderator I must approve all new members (to prevent trolls and spammers from infesting the group), once a member is approved he/she may post and respond freely without moderation. Members of the group are encouraged and should feel free to post and respond on any topic relating to planetary sciences, though personal attacks of any nature will result in immediate removal. Although each member assumes responsibility for his/her posts and any restrictions to the release of such information (i.e., honoring science embargoes, proprietary corporate or academic institutional information, etc.), all members of this group should treat discussions here as privileged and not release details to the general public without explicit and prior approval of the originator. Moreover, any member found to abuse this trust or who violates the rules of proper scientific discourse may be banned from the group at my discretion. Having said that, it is hoped that the free and open interaction between the professionals and amateurs will be beneficial to all.

Alex R. Blackwell
Moderator"

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/planetary_sciences/