Date:    03/22/2000  9:50 AM

Subject: Proposed regulation FD
 
I am sending this E-mail in response to the proposed regulation FD, in part 
to voice my support, and in part to wonder why such regulations have not 
been in practice before now. It seems completely contrary to fair practice 
that anylysts and brokerages can have access to certain company information, 
while the general public is left out, so that their wealthy clients that can 
afford to pay for "expert insight" can profit from inside information.
     
The internet has opened the playing field up to the individual investor. If 
I want to take the time and effort, I ought to be able to have access to the 
same information that any other investor has. Brokerages will still provide 
a service to those clients that don't have the time or the interest to 
investigate companies or find breaking news stories for themselves, but they 
should not have an advantage over those of us unable to afford high fees for 
inside information.
     
The issue of "conflict of interest" also comes to mind. Wouldn't a brokerage 
that receives inside information from a company be more likely to 
"recommend" or rate this company's stock over a firm that doesn't provide 
secret info up front? Full public disclosure seems to be the only fair way 
to regulate an industry already known for underhanded and unfair practices.
     
Jim Colligan
284 Pearl St.
Eugene, OR 97401