Hello all I've been reading the general sociology literature on conducting interviews as part of a research project, and some of the literature I have come across makes a point of noting that interviewers should be warning interviewees that any illegal or immoral behaviours uncovered during the course of the research/interview may be reported (for example, Adler and Adler, 2003). My questions in regards to this are: 1) Are those who have or are conducting online interviews or even interviews about internet issues making a point of such cautions? ( I suspect the two approaches have two separate answers). What are others' experiences of this as practice? 2) If so, what is the benchmark for classifying acceptable and unacceptable behaviours? (i.e.: the laws and norms of the interviewers context? Those of the physical jurisdiction of the interviewee, if known? The norms of the virtual group, network, or community under study?) I browsed through the AoIR Ethics Committee document on Internet research, and (as I read it) there seemed to be an implication that the physical jurisdiction of the research subject was the prime candidate for setting a legal or ethical standard more generally in regards to proper treatment of research subjects, but that was just my sense on a first reading. I would be very interested to hear the thoughts and experiences of others on this matter. I admit, as I was reading this, my first thought was 'who would I report it to anyway!' I look forward to hearing your thoughts. with thanks erika ~~ Erika Pearson Dept. of Media, Film and Communication. University of Otago P.O. Box 56 Dunedin 9054 Aotearoa/New Zealand Ph: (+0064 3) 479-8680 E-mail: erika.pearson@otago.ac.nz