vNti. 1,tift ib luct `IVIEME-NAZIS' page 19 ethical questions, he notes. If it is possible to combat a "viral meme" on the Web, he asks, "is there any moral imperative to do so? When we see a bad or false meme go by, should we take pains to chase it with a counter- meme?" Godwin's Law And Corollaries odwin's Law of Nazi Analogies .. As an on-line discussion grows longer, the probability of a com- parison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 100 percent Sircar's Corollary: If the dis- cussion touches on homosexu- ality or [science fiction writer Robert] Heinlein, Nazis or Hitler are mentioned within three days. Morgan's Corollary: As soon as a Nazi comparison occurs, someone, will start a Nazi- them.ed discussion in the cen sorship newsgroup. Blum's Corollary to Godwin's . Law: When the discussion gets to "But he started it!" it's dead. Van der Leun's Corollary: As global connectivity improves, the probability of actual Nazis be- ing on the Net approaches one. Godwin's Law on MUDS (multi-user dimensions): Any time the players outnumber the wizards by 3 to 1 or more, at least one wizard will be accused of being a fascist with delusions of grandeur. Quirk's Exception: Inten- tional invocation of Godwin's Law is ineffectiml. ❑ scription of the different streams of Judaism. The most useful section is a set of links to other sources of infor- mation and guidance, including direct e-mail links to more than 60 Conservative and Reform rab- bis. Though Dr. Epstein is not a rabbi, his home page provides a low-key, friendly gateway for prospective converts and for the Jews who want to help them along. Check it out at: http✓/mem- Cybernauts By Choice As the Web allows people to spread harmful ideas rapidly, all over the world, Mr. Godwin ar- gues that "the time may have come for us to commit ourselves to memetic engineering — craft- ing good memes to drive out the bad ones." ❑ A wealth of information on conversion. JAMES D. BESSER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS I t's a fact that many rabbis openly acknowledge: Converts often make the most enthusi- astic and serious Jews. But joining the fold isn't always easy, which is why a Long Island, N.Y., professor who has written books on the subject now offers a home page on the World Wide Web with a wealth of information about conversion. The Conversion to Judaism Home Page, a project of Dr. Lawrence J. Epstein, is simplici- ty itself— a series of articles and resources designed to help ease prospective converts over some of the hurdles on the road to Ju- daism, and along the way, to prod Jewish leaders to be more welcoming. At the top of the page is an ar- ticle on "Should I Convert To Ju- daism?" In practical, straightfor- ward language, Dr. Epstein offers suggestions for soul-searching. He tells prospective converts that it's important to learn about both Jewish religion and culture; he suggests studying religious texts, but also listening to Jewish co- medians to get a handle on our community's special ethnic style. He doesn't say whether a study of Jackie Mason might encourage or discourage conversion. Other sections include a streamlined comparison of Ju- daism and Christianity, advice on setting up congregational outreach committees and a guide to Jewish books and videos for those on the conversion path. There are also interesting and sometimes touch- ing real-life stories about converts and a reasonably objective de- bers.tripod.com/–epst/.❑ Archeological Digs On The Internet Jerusalem — Information on 50 archeological digs, under way in Israel this spring, summer and fall, can now be found on the In- ternet. Details on locations, historical background and volunteer oppor- tunities can be found at http://wvvw.israel.org/archdigs.ht ml#25 Hillside's prices are lower than low... THE BOTTOM LINE ON TECHLINE! •‘.?. .nt Choose from 9 Groups and 3 Finishes for Your Home Office! techline. YOU'LL SAVE 50% AND MORE! „: Making Dreams Come True — One Home Improvement At A Time! MAYFLOWER *add caly.10% to assemble L-800-720-7358 PRICES STARTING FROM 3-piece group includes hutch top, corner desk and attached return. Cr) $ 499 CC F- LU LU 20 hillside FURNITURE Woodward Ave. @ Square Lk. Rd. (810) 334-4745 Mon, & Thur, 10-8:30 • Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat, 10-5:30 CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY With precision drawer glides, scratch resistant surfaces and incomparable quality features. Versatile, easy-to- assemble and priced lower than you'll find anywhere. Cannot be combined with any other promotion. HOME IMPROVEMENT Buy from the manufacturer . IN-STOCK The finest modular furniture system available today. IN-STOCK! \ BASSONOVA LU w • Cy Lisnov Spring Suits - Petite & Regular Spring & Summer Pants All Styles & ALL Fabrics EVERY SATURDAY I 0 a.m.-4P .m. COMFORT INN • FARMINGTON HILLS (12 Mile Just East of Orchard Lake Rd.) (810) 471-9220 [Mon-Fri call (8 I 0) 754-6360] • 41.