--- /dev/null	Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 1970 +0000
+++ b/whitepaper.txt	Sat Jan 02 13:36:23 2010 -0500
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+= Discussions =
+
+All Discussions objects are basically the same.  You get a set of
+options which are inherited from the parent or provided.
+
+== Options ==
+
+Options can be in one of three states:  unset, set, and locked.  In
+the case where the option is locked, all children inherit the setting
+as well:
+
+archive.lock = false
+
+Locking an option prohibits any but a higher-level admin from
+unlocking it.  The higher-level admin is free to change the setting:
+
+archive.lock = false
+archive = true
+
+This locks the archive of subchildren into the false state, but sets
+the archive for this discussion in the current discussion.
+
+This prevents archiving on any sublist.  Messages to a list inherit
+the list settings.
+
+If an option is unset, it will use the settings of its parent, the
+site defaults, or the application default, based on its type
+(Forum or Discussion).
+
+
+= Members =
+
+== Preferences ==
+
+Member preferences can also be set from the site level.
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