samizdat
<publication> (Russian, literally "self publishing") The process of
disseminating documentation via underground channels. Originally referred to
photocopy duplication and distribution of banned books in the former Soviet
Union; now refers by obvious extension to any less-than-official promulgation of
textual material, especially rare, obsolete, or never-formally-published
computer documentation. Samizdat is obviously much easier when one has access to
high-bandwidth networks and high-quality laser printers.
Strictly, "samizdat" only applies to distribution of needed documents that are
otherwise unavailable, and not to duplication of material that is available for
sale under copyright.
See Lions Book for a historical example.
See also: hacker ethic.
[Jargon File]
(2000-03-23)
Nearby terms:
SAME « same-day service « SAMeDL « samizdat »
Sammet, Jean E. » sample » sample rate
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