Re: From Archie Thomas. Re: Anonymous
Subject: Re: From Archie Thomas. Re: Anonymous
From: Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com>
Date: 5/5/11, 14:19
To: Archie Thomas <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com>

I'm still not having any luck with getting anyone in England but there's an Anon living in Tunisia who was actively involved in the revolution via our IRC and extended network. Goes by Joko Monopol. A Skype interview with someone who was actually coordinating a revolution both on the streets and online might be more significant than sitting down in a coffee shop with an average Anon. csxd@live.com

On Tue, May 3, 2011 at 5:07 PM, Archie Thomas <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
thanks barrett. we are aware that one anon is often not aware of what another anon is up to. and that important players are sometimes discredited in the  forums. so, we take your point that we might just have to take what we can get and judge for ourselves how 'deep' in the org the interviewee is or isn't. 

as you can tell, we're ideally looking to interview someone who is at least fairly seriously involved in operations if not necessarily 'core'. i am very happy to ask around in irc.anonops.ru (seems to be 'experiencing problems' at the moment). 

i spose all i am looking for from you is a bit of validation from you to your anon peers that what we are doing is serious and important. if you have time please mention us in the correct channels and give anyone in the uk you may know a gentle nudge in our direction. it's my understanding that ness... is uk-based. perhaps he contact me via email?

when the irc is back up, ill go back in and try and re-make contact with ner... and 'meet' ness... thanks once again for your help - it is very much appreciated. 

all the best, archie  


On Tue, May 3, 2011 at 10:32 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
The anonops server was down off and on for a few days but is back up now: irc.anonops.ru #reporter. As for the specific requirements, the dynamics of Anon are such that only a handful of Anons know anything about other Anons so you'll have difficulty finding someone who can better "represent" Anonymous than someone else except to the extent that the person really understands the movement's workings by virtue of having been heavily involved in its operations - which is to say that the opinions of self-designated "peers" are entirely unreliable. For instance, let's say you talk to Sabu, a fellow in New York, and Sabu tells you a great deal of significant stuff about Anonymous. If you go to some Anon forum and ask if he is respected and capable of speaking of Anon, most of the replies you'll receive will be along the lines of "Never heard of him" or "No one can speak for Anon" and will otherwise be hostile, and it will be claimed that Sabu has done nothing for Anon and is merely seeking notoriety. This is because the vast majority of the people of the sort who hang around public forums that a journalist is going to be able to access have no idea that there are certain people who do indeed perform the important work of Anon that makes us worth studying. Although Sabu was integral to the HBGary hack, which was one of our most important actions, to the extent that you ask the opinion of self-designated Anons of the sort who feel inclined to comment on such things, you will hear that he is an impostor. You have to understand that Anon attracts a great number of people who do nothing at all for the movement but who want to feel as if they are apart of some mysterious and powerful entity; to the extent that anyone is recognized for his efforts, that person will attract hostility from many of those people, as their own roles are thus minimized. Another good example is Gregg Housh, without whom Anonymous would not exist in its current form insomuch as that he engineered Chanology from the background and thereafter provided assistance to others organizing other major operations; ask on some forum somewhere and you'll hear that he's a "facefag" who's just out for fame and does nothing.

So, basically, you're going to have to rely on what a person can tell you about behind-the-scenes stuff pursuant to our operations, rather than what a bunch of people who may or may not have any real connection to the "core". You may be able to get a sense of whether a person is well-regarded but for informed opinions, you'd have to ask around at Anonops IRC, which is where everything of significance is organized and implemented (other than Chanology, which is run out of WhyWeProtest.net). Outside that, the vast majority of the people who call themselves Anon only know what they see in press releases and whatnot and have no particular insight into who does what or how any particular operation went down, etc.


On Tue, May 3, 2011 at 2:44 PM, Archie Thomas <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
Thanks for that Barrett.
 
Have been in contact with Ner..., who was very helpful. Unfortunately, due to reasons you surely know all about, (s)he can't commit to do the interview. (S)he did suggest UK-based Ness... might be able to do it. Problem is the IRC I was directed to I can no longer access.
 
As you are already aware, we really need to conduct an IRL interview with someone here in the UK to give the doc some colour.
I'd greatly appreciate it if you'd put out the word on out behalf again or direct me to a IRC I can use to make an appeal to serious anons.
It is very important to us that we only interview an Anon who is respected by peers. We want to make sure we represent the movement correctly.
I've not yet contacted Ness... directly (although he did sit in on our Skype chat).  
 
As I mentioned, wWe are happy for the person interviewed to conceal their identity and voice. And we can go to wherever they are based if preferred.
All the best,
Archie
 
On Tue, May 3, 2011 at 8:18 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
Also, this might be useful for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbwuT7ZY_dc


On Wed, Apr 27, 2011 at 1:06 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
nerdouk@gmail.com


On Wed, Apr 27, 2011 at 12:24 PM, Archie Thomas <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
Or, If Nerdo would prefer, I can contact him if you provide details. Cheers, Arch

On Wed, Apr 27, 2011 at 5:56 PM, Archie Thomas <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
should work fine - thanks barrett. we are happy to travel to northampton to film. can you ask him/her to email/text/call me direct so we can set up a time? all the best, archie 


On Wed, Apr 27, 2011 at 5:27 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
Okay, I just spoke to Nerdo. He says:

[11:12] <Nerdo> If they can use their Studio in Northampton and I'm allowed to have my identity concealed,I'll do it

On Tue, Apr 26, 2011 at 7:03 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
I haven't had any luck finding anyone else and not sure where Nerdo ran off to. Have you tried asking around on Anonops?


On Tue, Apr 26, 2011 at 5:44 PM, Archie Thomas <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
No word yet from the fellow who goes by the name of Nerdo. Here's hoping he makes contact soon. All the best, Archie

On Fri, Apr 22, 2011 at 5:41 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
Okay, he's got your e-mail so hopefully he'll get in touch. Otherwise, get an irc client and go to irc.anonops.ru and #reporter channel and ask around. 


On Thu, Apr 21, 2011 at 1:27 PM, <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
Cheers barrett. No word yet from Nerdo.
The best contacts for us are this email address or my mobile 07971559141.
All the best, archie

Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

From: Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:39:49 -0500
Subject: Re: From Archie Thomas. Re: Anonymous

I've provided your contact info to a fellow who goes by Nerdo. He'll hopefully be in touch.

On Wed, Apr 20, 2011 at 11:23 AM, <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
Hey barrett, as I said, its fine for someone to be interviewed with voice/face masked if preferred. Whatever works. All best, archie

Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

From: Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:50:18 -0500
Subject: Re: From Archie Thomas. Re: Anonymous

Hi, Archie-

I've just asked and you should receive some e-mails from a couple potential interviewees over there soon.

On Tue, Apr 19, 2011 at 8:50 AM, Archie Thomas <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
Hey Barrett,
How goes it? Do you know of any anons in London/elsewhere in the UK who we could interview for our film?
All the best, Arch

On Wed, Apr 6, 2011 at 6:03 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
herschel.mcdoogensteinen and nessuno833


On Tue, Apr 5, 2011 at 3:32 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
We can do it over Skype at barett.brown33 or you can try to call me on my cell at 512-560-2302, but as I may have mentioned I've faced some difficulties in receiving international calls on that.


On Tue, Apr 5, 2011 at 6:20 PM, Archie Thomas <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
This sounds very interesting Barrett. In addition to our qs, we'd defo like to talk to you about the plans to develop Anonymous into a more effective entity. We'll call you at 12.30 New York time. What's the best number? All the best, Archie   
 
On Tue, Apr 5, 2011 at 11:08 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
Sure. Incidentally, I'm in NYC this week and we have that rally on Thursday at city hall; both I and Gregg Housh will be speaking along with a number of prominent activists and two veterans of intelligence community, CIA and Army psyops. We're also having meetings by which to build up a new coalition drawing upon Anonymous and other, more mainstream parties, the intent being to pursue Operation Metal Gear to the extent necessary to expose all involved. I'd like to talk a bit about that with you guys as it's our most research-intensive operation yet and it comes at a time when we have suddenly managed to bring in a great number of establishment types while also better organizing our efforts and otherwise developing into a more effective entity.


On Tue, Apr 5, 2011 at 6:03 PM, Archie Thomas <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
Hey Barrett,
We could call you at 12.30 Wednesday Dallas time if that suits? Let me know the best number to reach you on.
All the best, Archie

On Tue, Apr 5, 2011 at 9:04 PM, <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
Exactly - a skype interview. What time tomorrow works for you? We could call you late afternoon/early evening uk time? Look forward to chatting, all the best, archie and heydon

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From: Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 5 Apr 2011 11:27:22 -0400
Subject: Re: From Archie Thomas. Re: Anonymous

Indeed. Did you want me to answer via a skype conversation?

On Tue, Apr 5, 2011 at 2:43 AM, Archie Thomas <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
Dear Barrett,
I just wanted to check you'd received this?
All the best,
Archie

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Archie Thomas <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com>
Date: Sun, Apr 3, 2011 at 11:12 PM
Subject: Re: From Archie Thomas. Re: Anonymous
To: barriticus@gmail.com


Dear Barrett,

Below, please find our questions about Anonymous. Ideally, we’d like to schedule a video phone link-up to hear your responses. We’d love to include your insights in our documentary film for The Guardian. Do let me know if this is something we could arrange for early this week.

 

You term yourself a senior strategist and propagandist for Anonymous. What exactly does that mean?

 

How did you come to be associated with Anonymous?

 

What are the chief goals of Anonymous? Can they be realised?

 

‘We are Anonymous. We do not forgive. We do not forget.’ What does that motto mean to you?

 

How would you describe Anonymous' political perspective?

 

What is Anonymous position with regards to the ongoing Arab Spring of revolt? Is Anonymous prepared to support pro-democracy campaigners in any autocratic country where freedoms are restricted?

Is it the case that Anonymous has no real command structure?

Anonymous is often likened to a flock of birds – ie “Anonymous is a group, in the sense that a flock of birds is a group. How do you know they're a group? Because they're traveling in the same direction. At any given moment, more birds could join, leave, peel off in another direction entirely.” Do you feel this is a fair likening?

Anonymous has been characterised as a movement dogged by factionalism and bitter in-fighting. How united is the movement? Can it last or will it tear itself apart?

 

Is the process of identifying targets as messy and chaotic as it has been portrayed as in the media?

 

How does one become a member of Anonymous? Is it simply a case of participating in a raid that makes one an Anon member?

 

I have read (in the Guardian) that “at a skill level, this is the cybervigilante version of throwing a brick through a window, not requiring a Stieg Larsson heroine.” Is it the case that participating in a DDoS raid is relatively simple?

 

How many members of Anonymous are there out there? Does anyone even really know?

 

Is Anonymous a social organization in any sense? Do members go out for a beer together on the weekend?

 

How difficult is it for governments to stop the Anonymous movement?

 

Bill Gates has said that so long as governments follow “best practices” cyber attacks “shouldn’t be something people should have to worry about.”  Do you feel Gates under-estimates the potential impact of cyberwarfare?

 

Is the internet the battleground of the 21st Century? And, if so, what role do you see Anonymous playing?

 

Do you fear prosecution from the authorities or excommunication from the movement as a result of ‘going public?’
 
We look forward to hearing back from you.
All the best,
Archie and Heydon

 
On Fri, Apr 1, 2011 at 7:24 PM, <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
Crossed wires - sorry mate! I'll send over some questions very soon. All the best, archie

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From: "barri2009" <barriticus@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 2011 16:20:27 +0000
Subject: Re: From Archie Thomas. Re: Anonymous

Oh, I meant you may send along the questions at your convenience; I'm sure you do excellent work.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

From: Archie Thomas <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com>
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 2011 16:25:11 +0100
To: Barrett Brown<barriticus@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: From Archie Thomas. Re: Anonymous

Dear Barrett,
 
Here's our recently-posted film for The Guardian on how the cuts are impacting on Britain's bin men:
 
And heres' a selection of Heydon's work
 

BOMB DETECTORS
Bomb detectors: An FOI investigation that has exposed how UKTI DSO has helped fraudulent companies to sell fake bomb detectors to countries around the world by employing British Army Corporals and Sergeants to demonstrate the equipment in Bahrain, Poland and Kuwait among other places.
Film:
http://www.dontpaniconline.com/DPTV/arms-trade-blue-peter
Article:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/9377875.stm

JOINING THE BNP
Some use of secret camera.
Film:
http://www.dontpaniconline.com/DPTV/joining-the-bnp
Article:
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23759615-non-whites-barred-from-bnp-meeting.do

We're hoping our film on Anonymous will highlight how the movement is advancing the causes of justice and liberty.
 
All the best,
 
Archie Thomas
 
 
On Fri, Apr 1, 2011 at 3:31 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
Certainly, send them along. 


On Fri, Apr 1, 2011 at 9:31 AM, Archie Thomas <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
Dear Barrett,
Sorry to hassle you on this - It's just we need to get back to our comm. editor with an update soonish.
Of course, I'd be very happy to send you further examples of our work if you like?
All the best,
Archie

On Tue, Mar 29, 2011 at 8:39 AM, Archie Thomas <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
Thanks for the reply Barrett. At present, I don't think we'll be in NYC in April. Perhaps we could email you some questions about Anonymous? Ideally, we are looking to get someone to speak on camera about the Anonymous movement. Is there anyone in London you suggest we speak with?
Our aim is to make a short documentary examining the aims and organisation of Anonymous which highlights the movement's potential to 'change the game.'
All the best,
Archie

On Fri, Mar 25, 2011 at 1:12 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
Archie-

Thanks for getting in touch. I don't think I'll manage to get myself to London at any point in the near future but I'll be in NYC for much of early April if that helps.


On Thu, Mar 24, 2011 at 12:36 PM, Archie Thomas <archiecharlesthomas@googlemail.com> wrote:
Dear Barrett, 
I am a political news journalist based in London. I work as contributing editor for The Periscope Post and freelance elsewhere, including for The Guardian. I have greatly enjoyed reading your articles about Anonymous and was wondering whether you may be in London any time soon and would be interested in meeting to discuss a documentary film my friend Heydon Prowse and I are making about Anonymous? 
Here's the link to the last film we made for The Guardian:
I look forward to hearing from you. 
All the best, 
Archie Thomas  



--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302





--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302






--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302




--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302




--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302



--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302




--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302



--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302



--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302




--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302



--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302





--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302



--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302




--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302




--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302