In a message dated Thu, 7 Feb 2002 12:22:52 PM Eastern Standard Time, Frances Shaw <[log in to unmask]> writes:
> The second important consideration is a point also made by James Lide in his
> email. A significant number of requests are liable to be complex, e.g.
> requesting all the information you have on a particular issue or a list of
> all the files the authority holds. Individuals could be acting on behalf of
> organisations or firms involved in matters in legal issues or matters of
> topical controversy. They may have long shopping lists - and the public
> authority concerned would have to deal in the first instance with any
> appeals. It is not a matter that can be taken lightly.
>
To find out what it will be like you might want to review the archives for the FOI-L listserv.
It stretches back to 1994 and you can how the person who files complex FOI requests thinks. I get the impression that for some it is a game, that they are testing the system to make sure that government agencies are following the rules. In some cases it is like a treasure hunt or fishing expedition. They throw out a broad net and then proudly show off their prizes. I like the idea of FOI, but sometimes it goes to extremes
http://listserv.syr.edu/archives/foi-l.html
Peter Kurilecz
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