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)