<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
