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# NETCOMMUNITY
Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (1993-1994)
## FILES
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.001 [ 9074] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (December 6, 1993)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.002 [ 26339] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (December 12, 1993)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.003 [ 9670] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (December 19, 1993)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.004 [ 21162] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (December 26, 1993)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.005 [ 25457] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (December 26, 1993)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.006 [ 15580] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (January 3, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.007 [ 20968] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (January 10, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.008 [ 20173] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (January 16, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.009 [ 26796] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (January 17, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.010 [ 30419] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (January 23, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.011 [ 21421] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (January 31, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.012 [ 34629] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (February 7, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.013 [ 34140] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (February 8, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.014 [ 37132] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (February 14, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.015 [ 21429] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (February 22, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.016 [ 14270] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (February 25, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.017 [ 34271] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (March 1, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.018 [ 38479] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (March 8, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.019 [ 25983] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (March 15, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.020 [ 32773] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (March 18, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.021 [ 49981] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (April 15, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.022 [ 34743] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (April 22, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.023 [ 25257] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (May 9, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.024 [ 32764] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (May 14, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.025 [ 36885] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (May 21, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.026 [ 30483] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (May 31, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.027 [ 28126] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (June 5, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.028 [ 23107] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (June 12, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.029 [ 31022] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (June 22, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.030 [ 16157] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (July 17, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.031 [ 21739] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (August 8, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.032 [ 26543] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (August 28, 1994)
=> gemini://informis.land/textfiles/magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.readme [ 5881] Networks and Community, Compiled by Sam Sternberg (Introduction) (December 5, 1993)
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NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY
Date : December 6, 1993
compiler : Sam Sternberg samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
The first report of this weekly survey will be longer than
most future issues. Contact information for most of the
material or sites for archival review are attached at the end.
Coverage includes:
LEGISLATION
FUNDING
DISCUSSIONS
NEW SERVICES
TRENDS
LEGISLATION
A flurry of legislative activity is under way In the U.S.
which will effect the public's electronic access to government
information. Copyright Law has already been impacted. Many
pieces of proposed legislation require implementation of these
new access tools and procedures by year end.
The Canadian government still has it head in the sand on these
issues.
The trends are toward unrestricted electronic access to all
federal documents. Included are efforts to require major
improvement in the document location process.
One unfortunate part of this trend is that the major
distributors of information, like the National Technical
Information Service, which were mandated to charge for their
services in the era of expensive paper document delivery; are
still subject to those requirements for electronic documents.
While all Federal materials may be accessible, substantial
portions may end up costing money to acquire. Especially if
they are not covered by the Depository library act or if
potential users go directly to the Federal Government instead
of to a depository institution for copies.
Special initiatives covering the process of doing business
with the Federal Government already include calls for
guarantees of access by small business and minority owned
firms.
Proposed legislation should help libraries control costs by
allowing them to use electronic forms of documents.
A Federal initiative to tie together all state Health
Departments Nationwide has been announced by the Center for
Disease Control.
FUNDING
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is seeking proposal
from community groups who affiliate with local public
broadcasters to offer new network based education services.
Substantial funding -[in the context of the very limited
amounts often available for network projects] is being
offered.
For further information, contact Michael J. Strait
(202-879-9649) or
Kim Smith (202-879-9657). Fax: 202-783-1036 Electronic mail:
cweis@cap.gwu.edu
Please address written correspondence to: CWEIS Initiative,
c/o
Michael J. Strait, The Annenberg/CPB Projects Corporation for
Public Broadcasting, 901 E Street, NW, Washington, DC
20004-2037
This effort is part of a growing trend by institutions to
stake out "ownership" of a segment of net based activities.
"Ownership" will hopefully result in future government
funding.
CPB assumes that the future of the net includes DELIVERY of
video etc. and it needs to get its foot in the door early.
At a recent Public Broadcasting Service-sponsored
telecommunications conference reps repeated oft heard
complaints about lack of access for rural and minority groups
and then got to the crux of the matter - The lack of federal
government action to establish educational 'set asides.'
DISCUSSIONS
Two major new discussions of public access and networking
issues heated up this week.
FIRST - COMMERCIAL USE OF FREE SYSTEMS
Free-Net administrators began an intense and interesting
discussion on the relations between their sites and those of
commercial providers. These discussions focused on the
classical "free rider" problem. Should free internet sites be
accessed directly from the menus of "pay per use" systems like
Delphi.
Free-nets are being squeezed by the rising cost of serving
incoming traffic from the nets and their own lack of success
in fundraising to support expanded services. The demand for
freenet services is exploding.
Among the consequences are the recent decision by Youngstown
Free-Net to terminate new accounts on their system. This makes
them " the first Free-Net to consider shutting down due to
success. " Their problem? " Without another machine, we can
no longer provide "free" services."
They are attempting a gopher version of the system so that
unregistered users can see most of it the lower resource
impacting gopher process, but they don't expect that will
solve the problem. Money clearly is needed.
On the other hand the success of the Ottawa system in building
user traffic - 11,000 new users in 11 months! - has lead two
new commercial providers to set up in Ottawa. There strategy
is parasitic on the Ottawa success. They plan to use the
demand generated by the free-net to offer better internet
access to those willing to pay. At the same the free-net
itself is having little success raising funds and it too may
be driven to cutting off its own growth.
SECOND - ELECTRONIC DEMOCRACY
A new list with the unappealing name of CYPHERWONKS, has been
home to an excellent discussion of both philosophical and
technical issues that will affect future efforts at broadening
democratic institutions through the use of public networks.
The new listserv has also inadvertently demonstrated a major
weakness of current system as carriers of democratic dialogue.
A vicious flame war against on of the discussants has been
transferred to this list from it prior locals on several other
lists.
NEW SERVICES
Peter Scot OF HYTELNET reports the new Assistive Technology
Database -
TELNET BONGO.CC.UTEXAS.EDU or 128.83.186.13
login: tatp
ATP maintains ATDI as a public database which aids consumers
in locating disability assistive equipment and services. ATDI
is meant to help create a list of vendors in a certain region
who provide certain services.
-----------------------------
The Office of Technology Assessment (OTA)
released the report, "Making Government Work: Electronic
Delivery of Federal Services" [OTA-TCT-578, Sept. 1993]. It
urged the Clinton Administration to adopt an overall strategy
or vision for the electronic delivery of government services.
The report is available in its entirety from the gopher site
at CYPHER.ESUSDA.GOV
-> Americans Communicating Electronicly ->OTA
The first chapter is excellent as a summary and a guide to
prior publications in the area of electronic government.
This is well worth getting.
TRENDS
In Canada, Stentor - the alliance of old line phone
companies - released a "vision" document saying almost all the
right things; but it pointed neglected any mention of public
access systems. Their only indirect reference was a request
that there be no subsidizing of networks. The lack of phone
company enthusiasm for competition from real public access
systems is palpable. They are hoping to be permitted to enter
the service business and they don't want anyone giving away
bandwidth to potential customers.
------------------------------------------------------------
In the U.S., a group in New York is trying to encourage non
profit organizations to sponsor a "pay per use" service to
provide them with access to State of New York information.
At a proposed price of $27.00 per hour of access time, I
suspect that this effort to commercialize access to publicly
funded public information will die a quick death at the hands
of its own greed.
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Internet in a Box," software and telephone carrier service
has been announced. It will come from a small company
cooperating with Sprint. It promises to let users connect
directly to the Internet, and it should have a major impact on
Internet access and traffic across north america. Sprint has
already committed to providing high speed internet service to
all comers starting in March. The new connects are direct. You
don't need an "access provider."
The impact of this on the network's free services are
worrisome according to some commentators. One person suggested
that the result would be overburdening free services and a
consequent demise of those services- see above about the
freenet which is dying from its own success . Without better
funding for public access systems, that just might be the
case.
---------------------------------------------------------
An " Electronic Bill of Rights" called the Bill of Rights and
Responsibilities for Electronic Learners, an initiative of the
American Association of Higher Education (AAHE) has been
proposed.
This rehash of the american founding document would be of
little interest if it wasn't yet another example of folks try
to own the network and simultaneously guarantee themselves a
piece of all future funding.
After a brief delineation of the rights of you and I, it
quickly proceeds to try and establish similar rights for our
benefactors in the educational institutions. It virtually
mandates that their right to network access be funded too!
Everyone needs funding to create their vision of the future
net but this really needs to be dealt with in less self
interested ways. A great deal of additional legislative
attention has to be given to these issues.
.
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NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY
Date : December 12, 1993
compiler : Sam Sternberg samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
The second report of this weekly survey will cover :
LEGISLATION - FUNDING - DISCUSSIONS - NEW SERVICES - TRENDS
and EVENTS
Much of this material was provided by the heroic forwarding
services of Gleason Sackman. Who forwards material from many
sources including NEW-LIST <NEW-LIST@VM1.NoDak.EDU>. This list is
an excellent source for tracking new services on the net.
===============================
LEGISLATION
Not everyone feels the marketplace has all the answers in the
search for the public interest.
The new U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chairman, Reed E.
Hundt, says: "There are thousands of buildings in this country,
with millions of people in them who have no telephones, no cable
television and no reasonable prospect of broadband services.
They're called schools." Saying that market mechanisms won't lead
to networks being built to the optimal social point, he feels
that government must step in to promote broader social goals.
(New York Times 12/6/93 C6)
Also this past week in an New York Times Op Ed piece; the
president of EFF is quoted as saying " Properly constructed and
regulated, it [ THE INTERNET ] could be open to all who wish to
speak, publish and communicate.
None of the interactive services will be possible, however, if we
have an eight-lane data superhighway rushing into every home and
only a narrow footpath coming back out. .... Every person
would have access to the entire superhighway, so programmers
could distribute information directly to consumers.
.........
Consumers would become producers: individuals and small
organizations could create and distribute programs to anyone on
the highway who wants them.
.........
To prevent abuses by media giants that, because of recent Federal
court decisions, will control the pipeline into the home and much
of the content delivered over it, we need new laws. Like today's
phone companies, the companies controlling the superhighway must
be required to carry other programmers' content, just as phone
companies must provide service to anyone who is willing to pay
for it. We must guarantee that anyone who, say, wants to start an
alternative news network or a forum for political discussion is
given an outlet to do so."
Americans will come to depend on the superhighway even more than
they need the telephone. The guarantee of universal telephone
service must be expanded to include universal access to the
superhighway. Although market forces will help keep the new
technology affordable, we need laws to protect consumers when
competition fails."
---------------------------------
EFF, the Electronic Frontier foundation ( the major watchdog of
U.S. gov policy on privacy and access to the Internet ) reported
that " the Government Accounting Office (GAO) -- an important
internal government investigative organization that's about a lot
more than accounting -- issued a report on communications
privacy.
The report makes four very important findings:
1. Privacy-protecting technology (crytopgraphy) is increasingly
important for protecting the security of business communications
and personal information. But federal policy is getting in the
way of this technology.
"Increased use of computer and communications networks, computer
literacy, and dependence on information technology heighten US
industries risk of losing proprietary information to economic
espionage. In part to reduce the risk, industry is more
frequently using hardware and software with encryption
capabilities. However, federal policies and actions stemming
from national security and law enforcement concerns hinder the
use and the export of U.S. commercial encryption technology and
may hinder its development."
2. The NSA's role in this area is has been extensive, and
possibly beyond the spirit of the Computer Security Act.
"Although the Computer Security Act of 1987 reaffirmed NIST's
responsibility for developing federal information-processing
standards for security of sensitive, unclassified information,
NIST follows NSA's lead in developing certain cryptographic
standards"
3. Opportunity for public input in the standards process has been
insufficient, leading to proposals like Clipper which lack public
support. "These policy issues are formulated and announced to the
public, however, with very little input from directly affected
business interests, academia, and others."
Full text of the report (GAO/OSI-94-2 Communications Privacy:
Federal Policy and Actions) has been made available by ftp from
GAO.
The document can be obtained from EFF's FTP site;
FTP EFF.ORG -> ~pub/eff/papers/osi-94-2.txt "
EFFector Online is published biweekly by:
Electronic Frontier Foundation
1001 G Street, N.W., Suite 950 East
Washington, DC 20001, USA
Phone: +1 202 347 5400, FAX: +1 202 393 5509
==============================
FUNDING
Educators from eight Great Lakes states who have creatively used
teamwork and technology in the classroom can now begin applying
for more than $400,000 in regional grants and scholarships,
through Pioneering PartnersTM for Educational Technology.
Created by the Council of Great Lakes Governors in 1991,
the program identifies educators who have worked with each other
and the community to use technology, changing the way students
learn and teachers teach.
Winning teams receive a $3,000 base grant and another
$2,000 in matching funds when a comparable amount is raised by
the team. The funds are used to help them tell their success
stories to others, so that the innovations expand to new
classrooms and schools.
According to Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson, lead governor of
the project "Pioneering Partners has helped "speed up adoption of
educational technology in the states, offers important policy
insights to administrators and elected officials, and provides
yet another tool in our arsenal to improve the economic
competitiveness of the Great Lakes Region."
Applications and more information about the program can
be obtained by writing to: Pioneering Partners, Mail Code
INAAAJZ, 19845 U.S. 31 North, Westfield, IN 46074. The
application deadline is April 12.
The program was developed through a partnership with
GTE East, a regional telecommunications company headquartered
in Westfield, IN.
--------------------------------
Another municipally sponsored and partly funded net is on the way
and it is aiming at universal access. Steven Hodas writes,
"Of course, to be really helpful, you have to make certain that
homeless people and the poor have access to terminals and
assistance in using them. That's one reason why the
municipally-sponsored, real-soon-now Seattle Public Access
Network will be putting kiosks and workstations in shelters,
hospital waiting rooms, and public-assistance facilities."
================================
DISCUSSIONS
The following announcement lead to one of the most significant
analytic postings of the week. I hope that everyone involved with
debating pubic policy towards the Internet will read and head
these well though out criticisms.
NTIA ANNOUNCES UNIVERSAL SERVICE HEARING
>
> WASHINGTON D.C -- Assistant Secretary for Communications and
> Information Larry Irving announced today that the National
> Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and
the New Mexico State Corporation Commission (NMSCC) will hold a
> public hearing on "Communications and Information for All
> Americans: Universal Service for the 21st Century" on December
> 16, 1993. The hearing will take place from 8:00a.m. to
5:30p.m. > at the Technical Vocational Institute's Smith Brasher
Hall, 717 > University, S.E. (Room SB-100), Albuquerque, New
Mexico. ...... [ some further detail deleted ].
Putnam Barber [ an active participant on several listservs ]
immediately responded with the following critique:
This announcement illustrates several of the issues that will
need to be thought about as things proceed.
Issue I: Without answers to questions like the ones raised below
(and extensions), it's hard to know what to make of the
announcement itself. (In other words, announcements posted on the
net need to be constructed differently and to contain different
information from the traditional press release. Traditional
press releases assume an audience of knowledgeable intermediaries
-- reporters -- who can be relied upon to provide background and
context if the announcement is used as the basis for a story.
Simply posting a press release on the net, unfortunately,
does +not+ provide better public notice. Instead it creates a
long list of new questions -- see below :-) .
1. It's odd to have two such diverse 'sponsors' for a public
hearing. What use is going to be made of 'testimony' delivered on
this occasion? Is there a specific policy initiative -- in either
jurisdiction -- on which comment is sought? How will these two
different agencies use the testimony received?
2. Although the 'technology' of public hearings is well known,
it's still ambiguous. A lot is missing from this press release:
Are the 'witnesses' for this hearing already selected? If so,
who are they and how were they chosen? If not, how will time
during the day be allocated and who is expected to attend?
3. Saying that there will be 'a series' of these hearings places
this one in a very ambiguous status. Are people who are not in
NM expected to ignore this one and wait for 'theirs'?
4. Will the results of this hearing be reported? Of the
complete series? If so, by whom, when and how?
5. The questions listed (see below) are so huge that it's
impossible to imagine well framed answers from anyone except
researchers and advocacy organizations.
6. Hence what sort of notice should be expected? This press
release was issued on 12/2, and posted on 12/10 (probably not by
NTIA itself). Perhaps active participants in the policy
discussions had advance notice that enabled them to plan travel,
prepare statements, etc. It doesn't feel like a serious attempt
to solicit testimony from the 'general public' though, when the
event is announced with so short a lead time so little
information is given about the procedures that will be followed.
Issue II: Without new ways of understanding and conducting a
'public hearing,' placing an announcement like this on the net
cannot contribute very much to the process of creating 'good'
policy and strong consensus on a subject.
1. Will 'testimony' be accepted through the net and be made part
of the record at this or future hearings?
2. If there is a specific policy initiative of NTIA's at stake
here (which is clearly implied by the notion of a series of
public hearings in various locations) will there be a specific
process whereby NTIA solicits 'testimony' from the net in a
virtual hearing? +Should+ there be such an occasion? If so, how
will it be managed?
=> The questions NTIA raises seem promising as a test-bed for
policy formation using electronic tools, but there is no sign in
this announcement that any effort or thought is being given to
that possibility.
=> With better software and new attitudes, NTIA should be able to
solicit public comment on parallel questions directly from the
public using the net. If participants in COMMUNET have ideas
about how to urge them to do so, now seems like the time to do
it!
(In +this+ case -- which is not true in others -- the net-aware
part of the public is arguably acceptable as a stand in for
'everyone' because (a.) the issues are of most direct concern to
that portion of the population, (b.) that portion can easily be
seen as an appropriate surrogate for a larger group who are
unaware of their potential stake in the matter, and (c.)
including the net-aware portion increases dramatically the level
of participation in comparison with the numbers that can be
expected to attend even a very extensive series of public
hearings in various locations.)
---------------------------------------
Communet also confines to discuss the "price" of public
information. Glenn Tenney, tenney@netcom.com, clearly states the
public interest perspective " This type of pricing is one of the
most offensive things I've heard of. Sure, large lobbying groups
can afford to pay for it, but what about US? Can YOU afford those
prices? What about access to that information by people (voters
I might add) who are on food stamps and assistance?
No, it does not matter that some groups can afford to pay that
price, it is too high a price for our society to pay.
Tenney goes on to make several comments which apply with special
force to the situation in Canada where the Crown copyright
prevents public distribution of government documents; and where
some major power groups are advocating using public information
as a "profit center" for government.
"What is immoral are contracts by government agencies which
enforce the inequity of information haves vs. information
have-nots -- by charging "what the market will bear". Sure, a
large group can afford these rates, but *I* as an individual can
not! For example, if I want to keep track of how my
Congressperson voted on bills, the information is available
on-line for "only" $6,000 a year! Every lobbying group in DC
subscribes to these services, but I still can't find out the
answer -- I can ask each lobbying group and they will tell me the
voting summary for THEIR issues, but not ALL issues.
WE are the ones who elect these people and who vote on issues,
yet *WE* can't get the information. .......What we'd need to do
is to find funding to make sure that Internet nodes get into
every library!"
---------------------------------
The NPTN listserv continues to debate the relationship of
freenets to the commercial service providers. So are urging a
united freenet approach to selling services created on the
freenets; while others are asking the community to take the high
road and remember that "free" service is what the movement is
supposed to be about.
-------------------------------------
A list of recommended books or articles on technology and social
change appeared on the Cypherwonks list, which is continuing its
detailed discussions on the mechanisms for electronic democracy.
Reachable at cypherwonks@lists.eunet.fi : subscribe at
Listserv@lists.eunet.fi
"Defending Secrets, Sharing Data: New Locks and Keys for
Electronic Information" U.S. Congress, Office of Technology
Assessment, OTA-CIT-310, Washington, DC; US GPO, 1987.
The End of History and the Last Man_ by Francis Fukuyama,
The Free Press, 1992.
"The Perils of Secrecy", Steven Aftergood, *Issues in Science and
Technology*, Summer, 1992, pp. 81-88.
Twilight of Sovereignty: How the Information Revolution is
Transforming Our World_, Walter B. Wriston, Scribner's Sons,
1992.
Ithiel de Sola Pool (1983). Inventing the telephone: A
retrospective technology assessment of the telephone. Norwood,
N.J.: Ablex.
Melvin Kranzberg & Carroll W. Purcell, Jr. (1967). Technology in
western civilization. NY: Oxford University Press.
George Gilder, (1988). Microcosm
--------------------------------
An interesting discussion and list of services about
Applying community networks to issues like disabilities,
is appearing on the Communet listserv.
It includes fascinating comments like this, from a
"FreeNet conference here in Vancouver ....the panel with a
visually impaired woman. She said that they'd like to see flyers
online -- the junk mail stuff you get in your newspaper, from
dept stores, drugstores, Safeway, etc. They may annoy most people
as a waste of paper ... but they do advertise some great bargains
that the visually impaired can't find out about without having a
sighted person read it for them.
--------------------------------------
An effort to create a service for non-profits and NGOs has begun.
It has generated a great deal of interest. The Well gopher
manager has offered facilities but it still needs a home for a
listserv. If you can help, post a message to communet
--------------------------------------
The concept of the public interest and the uses of public
interest funds is taking several very different directions.
Both of these are genuinely in public interest, and I will let
the reader guess which project has received the largest amount of
public funding.
On the one hand, the Dorsai Embassy, Inc., a not-for-profit,
501(c)3 cooperation, provides computer hardware, software,
consulting, training and communications capabilities to other
501(c)3 groups, not-for-profits, community service groups, the
disabled, the disadvantaged and the general public.
THE DORSAI EMBASSY, THE BBS: Provides both fido-net and live
internet services to local groups and individuals. Contact is
via e-mail to system@dorsai.dorsai.org, or
info@dorsai.dorsai.org. Registration is via
system@dorsai.dorsai.org, or info@dorsai.dorsai.org. login as
new and press return at the password prompt. User accounts are
usually set up within 48 hours. Or direct dial at
(718)-729-5339, or (718)-729-6120.
-----------------------------------
On the other hand - The Texas Innovation Network
(TINS) will receive federal funding for a new project designed to
help market the vast array of technologies and inventions held by
[ TEXAS ] defense-dependent firms, federal laboratories and
universities.
TINS will compile data from the partners on their R&D efforts,
then provide the commercial sector with Internet access to
profiles of the available technologies.
TINS Executive Director Dan Morrison said, "This project will
create a more efficient technology marketing channel that can
easily be extended to include labs and companies nationwide."
TINS will use the Internet as the marketing channel because of
the network's worldwide accessibility and emergence as the
preferred communications medium linking companies, labs,
universities, and government.
The Texas Innovation Network (TINS) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3)
organization chartered by the Texas legislature to help establish
Texas as a world leader in scientific research and technology
business development. TINS has developed databases and
implemented an affordable, easy to use online service that is the
nation's most comprehensive state-funded technology information
service. As an information gateway, TINS provides the high
technology marketplace and the research community with unique
information products and services designed to encourage
technology transfer, stimulate research collaboration, and
promote economic development.
===========================
NEW SERVICES
While the Canadian legal situation regarding government data is
intolerable; some very heartening activities are underway.
Stephen Andrews reports " The CBC Radio Trial. Under this you can
find information on how to get transcripts, etc. Point your
gopher to gopher server at debra.dgbt.doc.ca and you will note
and Quirks and Quarks audio files! We will shortly be adding
features from Sunday Morning, Basic Black, Ideas, Air Farce and
so on."
Also " Government Services" -- still in the works "is a
Mosaic server to deliver the Open Government Pilot. This will
show the virtual house of commons on the opening screen with all
the seats as hypertext buttons. Click a button and an MPs face
pops up with info such as: contact by e-mail, committees, recent
speeches, etc. Each of these will be hypertext linked
into other files detailing eg committee mandates, chairpersons,
committee minutes and so on. You can see the potential. It will
open up government for users to be able to get swiftly info that
they want on any given subject, or, just check up on their MP.
We would eventually like to back-link it into a variety of
government databases"
-----------------------------------------
Also announced - MathMagic on the Internet
MathMagic, is a K-12 telecommunications project developed in El
Paso, TX that provides a strong motivator for students to use
computer technology while increasing problem-solving strategies
and communications skills. In a nutshell, MathMagic posts
challenges into each of four categories (k-3, 4-6, 7-9 and
10-12) to trigger each registered team to pair up with another
team and engage in an exchange of problem-solving dialog. When
an agreement is reached, one solution is posted for every pair.
Has it been done before?
========================
MathMagic has received wide ideological acceptance by hundreds
of present FidoNet users, because it addresses most of the
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards. It is now
expanding into the Internet.
for further information contact Alan A. Hodson
alanh@laguna.epcc.edu
-----------------------------------------
An opportunity to participate in the further development of one
of the most popular services for students on the internet arrived
from: NASA Spacelink II Project <xsl@xsl2.msfc.nasa.GOV>
WANTED: Suggestions for designing a new NASA Spacelink
system that will better meet the needs of K-12 educators and
students. Deadline: 12/31/93
IMPORTANT, PLEASE e-mail replies to:
suggestions@xsl2.msfc.nasa.gov (Please note that the address
element following the "@" is lower-case XSL-two, not XS-twelve.
Current users of Spacelink likely will understand our
interest in upgrading. Anyone unfamiliar with Spacelink can
Telnet to spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov or 192.149.89.61 to learn
more about the system. (Or call via modem at 205-895-0028.)
=========================
TRENDS
It always a pleasure to see a major improvement in the quality of
the Internet emerge. Along those lines is an increasing trend
toward annotating all of the data found there. A new gopher site
is the first to provide a complete annotated catalog of all of
its items including those it simply points to.
The Address for the server is: libfind.unl.edu 2000
They are very interested in users reactions to the catalog so
please send comments to DeeAnn Allison, Automated Systems
Coordinator University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE 68588-0410
deeanna@unllib.unl.edu
I found the service excellent and I can't wait till they find out
about hypertext.
-----------------------------------------
Cable based internet and telecom services are becoming more
important. They offer some hope of competition in the market.
That hope is lessened by the mounting instances of cross
ownership through new acquisitions by telcos and others. Canada's
BCE ( ma bell ) got into the game this past week.
" Cablevision of Boston, Continental Cablevision and Time Warner
Cable today demonstrated a breakthrough wireless
telephone call using interconnected cable television systems
bypassing the local telephone company. The demonstration, which
occurred at Faneuil Hall, illustrated how cable technology can be
utilized to create what developers call a Personal Communication
Network (PCN). PCN will give consumers a competitive choice in
the wireless communication market as the cable industry moves
towards seamless service areas on the electronic
superhighway."
The PCN makes use of existing cable systems to transmit voice,
data and video communications with increased clarity. Cable
transmissions are carried over fiber and coaxial broad band
networks, offering improved sound quality and capacity.
The Faneuil Hall test used existing Boston-area cable lines to
deliver a wireless phone conversation from Boston to Newton,
demonstrating how cable television infrastructure can be a
regional provider of wireless communications services.
The quality of voice transmission surpasses that of cellular
services. Because the cable television systems
are already in place, obviating the need for large capital
investments in infrastructure, the cable industry can offer a
cost-effective alternative to cellular telephone service.
-----------------------------
(PSI), the leading Internet access service provider (and the
company which temporarily cut of access to the Buffalo Freenet in
a dispute over the right of their University site to allow them
on the net - ed. ) and Ziff Desktop Information, (ZDI) a leading
provider of computer-related information, today outlined their
plans to distribute magazine multimedia content electronically
over the PSICable Internet system via ZDI's ZiffWire electronic
news service.
The PSICable service is a multi-megabit Broadband Internet access
service for organizations and individuals through cable
television systems. It will be first available to subscribers in
the Boston, MA area in February, 1994, followed by US wide
availability.
---------------------------------
Also noteworth is the growing discussion about advertising
appearing on several listservs simultaneously. It has generated
so much interest that M. Strangelove has started a new "free"
news column on the subject. This is not mere generosity, since
the subscription list will give him a wonderful database of
parties interested in Internet advertising - a subject dear to
his heart in the role of publisher of the subscription funded,
"paper only", Internet Business Journal - { on paper its harder
to avoid or resent the ads}
For further information about the INTERNET ADVERTISING REVIEW, a
freely distributed Internet column by Michael Strangelove;
contact Mstrange@Fonorola.Net
THIS NOTICE ACCOMPANIED THE FIRST ISSUE.
Copyright (C) 1993 by Strangelove Internet Enterprises, Inc.
All rights reserved. This document may be archived for public
use in electronic or other media, so long as it is maintained
its entirety and no fee is charged to the user; any
exception requires written consent from Strangelove Internet
Enterprises.
( It is touching to see that his promotional materials are
available without charge - ed. )
=====================================
EVENTS
INAUGURAL MEETING: Council for Public Information.
Wednesday, January 19, 1994, 2:00pm.
Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto.
FOR INFORMATION:
Please contact Stan Skrzeszewski at 519-473-7651, or
Internet:sskrzesz@julian.uwo.ca,
.
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NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY
Date : December 19, 1993
compiler : Sam Sternberg samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
This is the 3rd weekly issue. Coverage includes:
DISCUSSIONS FUNDING
NEW SERVICES TRENDS
DISCUSSIONS
On the Freenet-admin listserv; [ FREENET-ADMIN@NPTN.ORG ] intense and
occasionally angry discussion of the relationship between commercial
access providers and freenets became focused on the issue of funding.
Some felt that the free in freenet had to go; others argued strongly
that it must remain. The upshot was a call for an immediate conference
to be held in January. All freenet administrators and organizers were
asked to attend. The focus will be on developing policy on funding,
lobbying, and other survival issues.
NPTN also revealed that it hired the attorney at Electronic Frontier
Foundation to investigate liability issues. It is seeking to obtain
liability insurance for freenets. This would provide protection against
the legal repercussions from the presence on a member net of illegal
materials.
-----------------------------------
Communet's discussion of non profit issues led to the creation of a
new listserv for non profits. Details will be presented as soon as they
are made public. It should be operating with a few weeks. There has
also been talk of the need for a coop to purchase access at reduced
rates. The Annenberg gift for education was also discussed. [ Interestingly,
the White House announcement contained not a word on the funding for
electronic libraries aspects of the gift ].
------------------------------------
The Canadian freenet listserv provided calls for intensified efforts
to educate government officials about freenets. Some current activities
of federal officials were described as self serving. Several commercial
access providers actively discussed their feelings and perspective.
I felt the discussion was too negative about the commercial sector;
and 1 announced an equipment donation to the Ottawa freenet. The same
company announced several types of commercial service, including a $17.00
/month + hourly charges enhanced freenet access service. $2.00/month
will go to the Ottawa freenet. [ This fee level contrasts sharply with
the unrestricted Internet access at $5.00/month and no added charges
service in Colorado, and an only slightly more expensive service in
Toronto ].
----------------------------------------
The freenet tech listserv had extensive traffic on both the need for
and methods of implementing more appealing interfaces.
----------------------------------------
An article from Britain describing the legal plight in the U.S. of the
creator of PGP [ public domain encryption software ] and appealing for
contributions to his defense fund was posted to the Cypherwonks listserv.
FUNDING
Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., the chairman of the House telecommunications
subcommittee, hopes that the Telecom industries will not oppose efforts
to provide Internet connects to all schools. He has sent letters to
many industry leaders alerting them to the importance of networks to
the future of American education and economic competitiveness. He said
that``historically (education has) been a leader for
economic mobility for people of all social and economic backgrounds.
We must make sure that in the information age, every school has the
technology it needs to provide students with the skills necessary to
participate in a knowledge-based economy.''
This follows on the heels of last week's call by the Chairman of the
FCC for similar action.
While we wait for the result the on-line version of the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance should be useful to any seeking funding for a community
net. This is a directory of Federal
programs, projects, service and activities which provide assistance
or benefits to the American Public. It contains financial and nonfinancial
assistance programs administered by departments and establishments of
the Federal government.
A floppy diskette version of the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance on ASCII text may be purchased from GSA by calling (202)
708-5126.
Unlike the equivalent documents in other countries, this is also available
on line. My search revealed 75 programs containing reference to communities
and or communications.
gopher to -> cwis.usc.edu -> LIBRARY & RESEARCH -> research information
-> government information -> CFDA
OR use veronica to search for "domestic assistance" [ this may be faster
].
Steve Cisler let it be known that the NTIA, part of the Dept. of Commerce,
will have about $20+ million for grants for schools, libraries, and
community systems during fiscal 94. NTIA is holding hearings and Cisler
urges us to participate. He said that " you can expect to see an RFP
for the NTIA grants in January. Then there will be a deadline, review
time, and announcement of grants. He can be contacted at the Apple Library
of Tomorrow
sac@apple.com .
NEW SERVICES
THE RURAL DATAFICATION PROJECT, funded by a $1.3 million NSF grant aims
"to bring the power of the Internet to people in traditionally difficult-to-rea
c
h and difficult to serve areas," The project represents a joint effort
by eight mid-western states and the North Central Regional Educational
Laboratory (NCREL) whose charter it is to promote educational excellence
in rural schools. Contact Rhana Jacot, E-mail: rjacot@cic.net for more
information.
--------------------------------------------
The Clearinghouse for Subject-Oriented Internet Resource Guides has
released a group of new guides, of particular interest is
US Technology Public Policy by Steve Kirk David Blair.
My guide to community network information is also avialable there. There
are currently over 60 guides available via
anonymous FTP, Gopher, and WorldWideWeb/Mosaic.
For access use :
anonymous FTP: host: una.hh.lib.umich.edu
path: /inetdirsstacks
Gopher: gopher.lib.umich.edu
--> What's New and Featured Resources -->Clearinghouse...
TRENDS
As Stever Cisler's posting to several listserves pointed out; the trend
is to Coalitions. The commercial sector is leading the way. Two reports
posted this week on recent conferences about community networks also
reiterated this theme.
On the commercial side, Bellcore announced a new coalition to develop
prototype projects to make it practical for consumers to use the ``information
superhighway''. Already involved are a very mixed group of corporations
including some traditional rivals. These include Capital Cities/ABC,
Inc. and ABC News; Digital Equipment Corp.; Hewlett-Packard Co.; JCPenney;
Los Alamos National Laboratory; The Media Lab at MIT; Microware Systems
Corp.; Northern Telecom and WilTel and of course the Baby Bells -- Ameritech,
Bell Atlantic, BellSouth, Nynex, Pacific
Telesis, Southwestern Bell and U S West.
The conference reports both show a growing recognition that all the
efforts to network the public have to be unified in their approaches
to funding; and to bringing together a coalition of potential beneficiaries.
The conference on educational networks in Toronto last Monday, heard
the head of the Canadian Schoolnet project say that freenets were the
key to bringing schools onto the Internet.
Echoing a similar theme, Clyde Bion Forrest [ ud793@freenet.victoria.bc.ca
] pointed out in his massive report on a recent west coast conference;
that " Stentor [ the canadian coalition of telcos ] claims that there
is not enough time for open public discussion to reach consensus on
how to best implement Canada's electronic super highway services. However,
the corporate/government world has an abysmal track record on public
computer network services -- i.e. "Telidon" and "Alex" -- because they
have focussed too much on charging for access to information." He goes
on to note the need for " the volunteer efforts of a growing number
of concerned Internet-enabled Canadian citizens", we are rapidly reaching
the critical
mass required to successfully implement the fundamental policies and
services for equitable electronic public discourse, nation-wide"...."
on how we can continue to move ahead at the provincial, federal, and
global levels."
Much of the discussion about a purchasing coop for public nets also
dealt with the advantages of communities working together for improved
economics.
----------------------------------------
In the mean time the growth of the internet shows no signs of slowing.
John Quartermain [ in his most recent matrix report ] now estimates
that, with the completion of Internet access arrangements by the all
of the on-line services like compuserve, there are 35 million person
with at least e-mail access. He also estimates a similar number of people
are on existing nets which are smaller, largely private, and have yet
to be connected to the Internet.
----------------------------------------
While the trend toward no-fee access to government data looks strong
in the U.S.; disturbing signs of a continuing fee oriented government
mentality are showing in Canada.
The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines in Ontario has launched
a computerized mining library system to help
prospectors in the province. The Earth Resources and Land Information
System (ERLIS) makes available some 120,000 maps as well as mining databases
and 1.5 million pages of documents related to mining. There will be
fees for using the system, which the ministry is expected to set early
in 1994. There are also no plans to make the data Internet accessible.
.
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NETWORKS and COMMUNITIES - December 26, 1993
Issue 4
Compiler Sam Sternberg samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
This special issue is devoted to an analysis of the U.S.
Whitehouse's network policy. It includes information on how to
monitor and respond to it. Information on the technological and
economic assumptions this initiative is based on is also
included.
First, key aspects are pointed out; Next, underlying assumptions
are explored. Then I provide some suggestions for participation
in the ongoing process of policy formulation. A listing of
major organizations which can provide you with a "voice" are
listed at the end.
WHITEHOUSE LEGISLATIVE GOALS
A background session held prior to U.S. VP Gore's speech focused
on the key issues as seen from the Whitehouse .
" the Telecommunications Act of '34 dealt with a much different
world. We have now had the challenge of coming up with models
that define competition in the modern world where you don't have
competition that's based just on how many wire go into your
house, but what your access is to wireless technology.
The fact that we're going to be talking to our televisions and
watching our telephones means that we have to redefine what
competition means because we're going to be getting information
from every source imaginable. And as one person put it,
everything we do now through wires in the ground we're going to
do in the air; and everything we do now in the air we're going to
do through wires in the ground. So we have to rethink the models
at the same time that we're rethinking the technology."
VP Gore has done his homework and he is attempting to harmonize
the various interests within the administration and on the hill.
"first off, the Vice President has spoken with the spoken with
the sponsors of all of the bills that are on the Hill in the
last month or two and has met with many of them personally, and
has had an interagency group that has been reviewing all of that.
Tomorrow in his talk he will address where he would like to go
with some of those , although the administration proposal and
which of the bills we will incorporate and which provisions will
be announced in the January speech in Los Angeles".
Laudably the focus on social issues is clear.
" This isn't so much about technology, although that's what we
read about every day, as it is about technology's effects on the
way we communicate and the way we're going to communicate, and
who will have information and who will not.
And the provision of information to the public, to schools,
hospitals, libraries, as well as to the economically well-off
sectors of society is a crucial point that we want to make sure
is included in any reforms that happen".
The nature of the administration's position on Universal Access
is not so clear.
" The extent of how we define universal service is actively under
discussion. And the question of subsidies or rate subsidies is
also a very difficult one. As you know, the definition of
universal service has gone to having a party line phone to having
an individual line. Is call-waiting part of universal service?
Is a modem hook-up part of universal service? Those are some of
the questions that we have to answer. We don't expect to have
all of the answers, because the market will surprise us down the
road in terms of what's available".
The above quotes come from the report of the background session.
In the speech itself Gore said
" We cannot relax restrictions from legislation and judicial
decisions without strong commitments and safeguards that there
will be a "public right of way" on the information highway. We
must protect the interests of the public sector.
That's essential in building the information highway.
That's essential in providing affordable services for public
education, public health and government.
The less fortunate sectors of the population must have
access to a minimum level of information services through
subsidies or other forms of a public interest tithe."
[....................... matter deleted]
Referring to the many technologies being used by reporters
hearing the speech he said
" All of these forms of communication bring us together --they
allow us to participate in a virtually instantaneous dialogue.
They will allow us to debate, and then to build a consensus, on
the nature of the information infrastructure, on the details of
legislation, on the nature of regulation.
But, even more, as I said at the outset, these methods of
communication allow us to build a society that is healthier, more
prosperous, and better educated. They will allow us to
strengthen the bonds of community and to build new "information
communities."
A FLAW IN THE WHITEHOUSE VISION
In Vice President Gore's explanation of the administration's
policy on the Information Highway there are a number of features
of particular importance to advocates and operators of community
networks.
Before going into details, its important to point out one major
apparent gap in the Vice President's understanding of the
Internet.
He apparently does not understand that the Cyberspace is not just
a communications medium and tool for the distribution of
information. It is most importantly a new opportunity to create
compilations of information that meet specific needs.
The most remarkable resources on the internet are its specialized
compilations. Examples of excellent new resources include Fednet
for government information, The History gopher for historians,
Riceinfo for students and others with broad general interests;
and the National Capital Free-net for residents of Ottawa Canada
and the world wide Internet community.
And among these compilations the most valuable are those that
feature interactive services. It is specificly interactivity that
is the most revolutionary aspect of the information highway.
Free-nets and other civic network services are the most
significant examples of such interactive compilations. They have
the greatest potential for providing significant improvements in
social service delivery, in life long learning opportunities, and
in local access to information for both individuals and smaller
businesses. Precisely because they provide local compilations
tailored to local needs, they encourage broad general use and the
development of sophisticated interactive resources. Only a civic
net can develop the panoply of attractive resources that generate
this synergistic effect. Where else can battered women hope to
learn immediately about available shelter resources for
themselves and at the same time obtain initial medical advice.
Where else can a student study foreign language with both foriegn
nationals and locals who are native speakers of that language.
Educating the legislators who will shape this next body of
communication law is our most important current task.
COMMENTARY ON THE VICE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
A: Free-nets and community networks were not specificly mentioned
in either the background briefing or the speech itself.
B: Commercial competition was described as the primary mechanism
of guaranteeing access. The need for special access provisions
for students, educational institutions, and other special
populations was recognized.
C: The issue of privacy and encryption was also not mentioned.
D: Implied by the announcement was a commitment to encourage
involvement by states and municipalities in the process of
"guided deregulation".
E: Access -by all potential service providers - to all "bit"
marketing media was emphasised
F: The Internet itself was described as a precursor to the
information highway.
G: There was little recognition that the Internet is a global
entity.
BACKGROUND on what was and wasn't said.
[supplied by the compiler]
WHY THE INTERNET IS ONLY A PRECURSOR TO THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY.
1 - It is already possible to send digitized data along any
communication network. And all networks can already be
interconnected. This means cable, radio, TV, and the phone system
are all unifiable and will soon be treated as a single network.
2 - 98% of all North American households have telephones and
their ordinary twisted pair phone lines can carry 100 megabits of
data,when they have the proper equipment at the endpoints. Less
than 1 percent of Chinese household have phones or are ever
likely to get copper wire to the home. Advances in cellular
technology have made interactive cellular TV a current reality so
the rest of the world does not need wire to be connected. Most of
the Third World will simply jump directly to wireless
communication technologies.
In essence the technology is already hear, so cost must decline
and services be provided before global access becomes a reality.
3 - Broadcast holography - the highest bit demanding technology
currently being developed - can be transmitted within the limits
of phone wire's 100 megabits of data. At least 4 real time, full
color interactive TV channels can also be carried simultaneously
over your phone line.
4 - The next generation of TV - High Definition TV (HDTV) - will
consist of computers pretending to be televisions. They will have
full interactive capability and will be fundamentally digital,
not analog units. If the history of color TV repeats itself, even
households without phones will have such TV's within a decade or
two of their appearance
WHY ALL PROVIDERS NEED ACCESS TO ALL COMMUNICATION NETS.
1 - Everyone and anyone is potentially an information provider,
but not everyone has access to specific communications channels
now. Without internetworking access, pockets of information
exclusion will persist. Isolated communities in for example -
Alaska, Canada, and Mongolia need access - even China, currently
attempting to isolate itself from satellite broadcasts will
eventually realize its error. Universal access is critical. It
should not matter if it requires cable, radio or satellite
services. Legislatively mandated access is needed to provide
guarantees. Such legislation, hopefully, will be introduced in
every country and be supplemented by international telecom law.
2 - Current consumers of some communications services have not
benefited from technologically based cost savings. Telephone
service delivery costs have declined 98% in the past decade but
North American consumers have not seen these savings passed on to
them. In Hong Kong cellular service is provided for a low monthly
fee. In North America every incoming and outgoing call is billed
on a per minute of use basis. In Britain cable companies already
offer phone service at lower rates than the state owned telco.
Competition between alternative communication channels and on
each channel really is need to allow communication costs to
decline as rapidly as we seen computer equipment cost decline.
WHY STATE AND MUNICIPALITIES MUST BE INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS.
1 - Emerging legislation may mandate shared costs for the
services to special populations. It will certainly mandate shared
responsibility over the allocation of fiscal resources - block
grants - for these communities. Municipalities in particular have
a strong interest in requiring and providing universal access, as
a means of lowering the costs associated with service delivery
and regulatory enforcement. Advocates and operators of civic nets
need to educate municipal and state officials now. The pace of
legislative action at the federal level is breathtaking, and
without informed participation by state and local officials, the
principal allies the civic networking movement will be left out
of the process.
2 - Much of the federal legislation will require state
legislatures to enact or modify laws to complete the process.
Errors and omission at the Federal level can be corrected in
State and municipal legislation.
WHY PRIVACY ISSUES HAVE TO BE CLOSELY MONITORED IN UPCOMING
LEGISLATION.
1 - This administration remains committed to supporting the
elements of law enforcement and intelligence communities that
fear real privacy of communication. An attempt will almost
certainly be made to use this round of legislative action to
reintroduce regressive legislation on this subject.
The appointment this week of Mr. Inman - former head of NSA - as
Secretary of Defense virtually assures this.
2 - The seductive force of access to the seat of power can
already be seen in the misstep on the Clipper chip by EFF. [EFF -
which has been enjoying unusually good access to the Whitehouse -
advocated "voluntary" acceptance of the clipper chip]. CPSR
caught this in time, but a concerted effort will be needed to
prevent this kind of thing from affecting final versions of
legislation, which are crafted in non-public joint mark-up
sessions.
3 - The proponents of a government right to invade your privacy
are not trustworthy repositories of private information. These
are the same folks who received 100s of billions in funding to
monitor the Soviet Union, yet failed to predict its demise or to
believe it had occurred long after it was an accomplished fact.
They are now quietly lobbying the Whitehouse for a new role -
Defending America business through covert action and monitoring.
They are actually only attempting to defended their blotted
budgets. If they succeed it will only harm both individual
privacy and the competitive capacity of the U.S.
The public justifications for "monitoring" are ludicrous.
Anyone wishing to avoid legislatively mandate government access
to private communications will simply avoid the nets. The rest of
us will be subject to the decisions of this group as to which
businesses are "America" and which of those deserve covert
"service." Such a stance can only lead to a profound
disinclination on the part of Global firms to business in and
with the U.S. Or to communicate over the U.S. portion of the
global net.
WHY ACCESS PROVISIONS FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS ARE NEEDED.
1 - Almost no classrooms presently have phone access.
2 - The vast majority of recipients of Federal, State, and local
social assistance are among the 45% of the North American
population without a personal computer in their household. No
significant improvements in social services and no significant
declines in the cost of delivering those services is possible,
unless universal access is provided. Civic networks are the best
current model for moving towards universal access.
WHY FREE-NETS AND CIVIC NETS HAVE YET TO BE MENTIONED IN WHITE
HOUSE MATERIALS.
1 - The White House does not understand the benefits of civic
networks.
2 - The Civic networking community is not politically
sophisticated.
3 - The political infrastructure needed to impact upcoming
legislative activity does not exist.
MONITORING THE LEGISLATIVE ACTION
The American Library Association's electronic newsletter can
be expected to monitor this legislation closely, Subscribe by
sending e-mail to : LISTSERV@UICMV.UIC.EDU
In the body of the mail write -
subscribe ala-wo (your name)
PARTICIPATING IN THE PROCESS
Clearly those of us who believe in local community nets with
global access have got to get busy. The role and value of civic
nets may be obvious to us. It is not obvious to the legislators
who will be deciding on these matters.
The physical net is a product of the business community. Its
largest segment is based on software developed by a combination
of government money and voluntarily contributed labour.
Its content is largely contributed voluntarily for the benefit of
all interested parties.
In this is differs from any prior human cultural institution
except our inherited cultures themselves. They too represent an
inherited and shared body of knowledge and practices and beliefs
which are not beneficial possessed [owned] by any particular
person.
We must work to guarantee this public spirited quality along with
the governments goals of universal access.
I suggest that we take as a model the successful effort led by
Jim Warren in California to pass AB1624 [ it makes all California
legislative information publicly available over the Internet ].
This legislation was virtually dead when Warren began garnering
support for it within California's computer and political
communities. Over a several month period the legislature received
1,000s of letters and faxes in support of the bill. It is now
law.
AB1624 will take effect Jan.1, 1994. It is a FIRST; this is the
first time that comprehensive information about state
legislation-in-process and state laws have been made available
by a state via the nonproprietary public computer networks,
especially without any fees charged by the state, all mandated by
law.
When Warren began his efforts the legislators refused to believe
that anyone would voluntarily work to make government information
public. They asked how the State could make money form this
effort and how the Internet volunteers would make money. Slowly
they were educated to the point where the law made sense to them
and it passed.
With the same spirit and determination that jim showed, both U.S.
citizens and foreigners - like me - should participate in
guaranteeing a role for civic networks. As VP Gore said in his
speech " The challenge is not, in the end, the new technology.
It is holding true to our basic principles."
U.S. CITIZENS -
U.S. citizens have a number of options open to them: The
least effective action you can take is posting messages to the
Internet. The Whitehouse monitors some of this traffic but most
congresspersons don't.
While the Whitehouse is proposing legislation, it is congress
that will decide what happens.
1 - Join one of the organizations listed below. Numbers matter
when it comes to having your voice heard in the legislative
process. Your dollars will help them participate in the process
and your membership will increase their impact.
2 - Send a fax -to the local office - of each of your municipal,
state, and congressional reps.
Let them know how important this legislation and the role of
civic nets will be in its impact on the future social and
financial health of the U.S. Tell them you will be following
their actions locally.
3 - Encourage the state and local chapters of all organizations
you belong to - to join these organizations and - to take a
position on local legislative actions.
4 - E-mail the Whitehouse - tell them you appreciate their
actions but you believe they have failed to recognize the
importance of civic networks. Send messages to :
vice.president@whitehouse.gov
NON U.S. MEMBERS OF THE INTERNET COMMUNITY CAN GET INVOLVED -
1 - E-mail the Whitehouse and let them know that the Legislation
implementing the NII will have a global impact. Tell them about
your perspective on this legislation.
2 - Encourage your government to participate in this process by
monitoring U.S. legislative actions, and preparing to enact
legislation that reflects your distinct national needs.
3 - Participate in international Telecom activities
4 - Educate your government on the economic and social importance
of maintaining technological parity. Emphasis the importance of
civic networks in providing a low cost means of remaining on the
leading edge of global social and technical developments.
SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE
1 - THE CENTER FOR CIVIC NETWORKING
CCN can be reached at 617-241-9205 or ccn@civicnet.org
To be added to their policy mailing list, send a request to
nii_agenda-request@civicnet.org.
Although almost dormant to date, the center may yet prove a major
actor in the work to shape future legislation.
2 - CPSR - Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility
This organization is my preferrence as an advocate in the absence
of any decision by NPTN to take part in this process.
It has a large network of chapters which can work on the state
and local level. Its 20,000 members provide an important base for
information dissemination and advocacy.
In each case, the addresses listed below are on the machine
csli.stanford.edu, so that the Internet style addresses should be
cpsr-board@csli.stanford.edu, for example.
CPSR-CHAPTERS
cpsr-acadiana
cpsr-madison cpsr-philadelphia
cpsr-austin
cpsr-maine cpsr-pittsburgh
cpsr-berkeley
cpsr-milwaukee cpsr-portland
cpsr-boston
cpsr-minnesota cpsr-san-diego
cpsr-chicago
cpsr-new-haven cpsr-santa-cruz
cpsr-denver-boulder cpsr-new-york cpsr-seattle
cpsr-los-angeles cpsr-palo-alto cpsr-washington-dc
Please contact and join your nearest chapter.
for more information gopher to
gopher.cpsr.org
3: EFF - the Electronic Frontier Foundation has played a
significant role in advocating for strong civil liberties and
high quality services on the Internet.
for information gopher to gopher.eff.org
These 3 groups and many others along with a plethora of
additional information is available for access through the
wonderful Rice University gopher.
gopher to RICEINFO.RICE.EDU --> GOVERNMENT, POLITICAL SCIENCE,
AND LAW.
Happy New Year. Sam Sternberg samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
Please feel free to use this newsletter as you see fit.
.
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NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : December 26, 1993
compiler : Sam Sternberg samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
The fifth report of this weekly survey includes:
LEGISLATION & REGULATION FUNDING
DISCUSSIONS NEW SERVICES EVENTS
CORRECTION
Steve Cisler wrote to communet and to me to point out several
errors of fact in my last bulletin.
">WHY FREE-NETS AND CIVIC NETS HAVE YET TO BE MENTIONED IN
WHITE HOUSE MATERIALS.
>1 - The White House does not understand the benefits of civic
networks.
White House staffers Tom Kalil, Mike Nelson, and Jock Gill are all
well aware of civic networks; they meet with Gore on a weekly basis
to discuss telecom issues. The NTIA is aware of community networks
too.
You may have missed the references to civic/community networks in
the September 1993 "NII, Agenda for Action"
>1 - THE CENTER FOR CIVIC NETWORKING ... >Although almost
dormant to date, the CENTER may yet prove a major actor in the work
to shape future legislation.
I think Richard Civille and Miles Fidelman of CCN might take
exception to this statement. They sponsored a roundtable in April
which helped educate a lot of government people about community
networks, and they were instrumental in getting the section on
community networking in "NII, Agenda for Action". Civille has been
particularly active in working with policy makers in DC and at the
state level, and in the Technology Policy Roundtable, a group of
non-profits that draws about 75 participants to discuss legislation
on a regular basis.
>WHY ACCESS PROVISIONS FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS ARE
NEEDED.
>1 - Almost no classrooms presently have phone access.
Mike Roberts of EDUCOM estimates that about 10% of the schools in
he US have some sort of access to the Internet, but I agree that
individual classrooms lack much connectivity.
[ I do not believe that the last number is correct - sam ]
LEGISLATION & REGULATION
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has
launched a public inquiry on how to regulate the
telecommunications industry during the transition to effective
competition. [ Interested readers should take advantage of this
opportunity to monitor a progressive regulatory agency. State
Agencies will be critical players in the implementation of Federal
regs around the NII.]
As part of this investigation, Commission staff has
prepared a discussion paper which explores developing trends in
communications technology and market structure and defines basic
policy objectives that a new telecommunications regulatory
structure should accomplish.
Traditionally, Commission inquiries have been open to the
public but have rarely gone beyond comment from the regulated
industries and their major customers. The discussion paper
contends that "in a converged marketplace, local telephone
service will inevitably become simply one component of a multi-
media service package." Thus, the Commission is actively seeking
a wider range of comment from existing and potential
communication network providers as well as informed consumers.
The discussion paper, "Alternative Regulation of U S West:
Toward a New Paradigm" eschews the current popular fascination
with specific technology deployments. Instead of defining an
outcome where customers pay for services they may not want, the
Commission's paper believes the state should foster a
communications marketplace where the customer has a wide array of
choices from competitive providers. Essentially, the message is
that the ultimate and only bottleneck should be the limitations
of the human mind.
First round of comments are due by January 31, 1994.
The Notice of Inquiry, with the associated discussion paper
on the Alternative Form of Regulation, is available via anonymous
FTP on the Internet. Connect to the host at:
FTP.GOVT.WASHINGTON.EDU,
cd to the directory: /wutc, then:
get NOI_ON_THE_AFOR.txt
FUNDING
Grant Opportunity for RURAL Math and Science Classrooms
[ SEE the related RURAL items on the rural datafication conference
under events; and on ACOA under new services ]
Four thousand math and science teachers in rural areas
will gain access to new teaching tools through a grant from the
Annenberg/Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) Math Science
Project. Annenberg/CPB, joined by the US West Foundation, is
providing $2.5 million to five projects designed to help rural
elementary and secondary educators learn how telecomputing can
bring a new world to their classrooms.
Roseville Minnesota-based TIES (Technology and Information
Educational Services) will receive $184,500 to implement one of
these five projects.
TIES' proposal is entitled Teacher On-line Projects.
Teacher On-line Projects is designed to develop on-line computer
communication services to support rural middle school classrooms
(teachers and students) in the application of problem-solving
skills for community-based projects to improve their mathematics
and science skills.
A Teacher On-line Projects Advisory Board has established proposal
guidelines and plans are being made for the initial winter training
seminar (March 10-12).
The application deadline is February 18. To receive an application
packet, contact Sue Soine at TIES (612-638- 8780).
OR
Send an e-mail request to: halvor@ties.k12.mn.us
--------------------------------------------------
DISCUSSIONS
The north american section of the Internet was almost silent on
Christmas day. Generally discussion was light during the week.
The largest amount of heat without light was generated by the new
HOTT listserv. This was designed to transmit the excellent HOTT
newsletter once a month. One befuddled newbie sent a subscribe
message and an avalanche of email from other newbies and angry but
not wiser subscribers descended. It is a good thing the nets can't
be used for physical assaults !
Fundraising issues continue to be discussed on a number of
listservs. Several people reported existing schemes for charging
users of services and justified the imposition of these fees.
Others continue somewhat ineffectively to seek alternative to fees.
But, the tone of the discussions are growing more accepting of the
notion of fees. One organization in Canada is providing free
service but charging Fees for membership. In North Dakota an
educational service has imposed a sliding scale fee system.
The most interesting post suggested that "One mechanism that should
be explored is a public telecommunications trust fund, generated
from spectrum usage, franchise, and user fees. Local, regional,
and national projects involving public usage could be funded in a
similar manner as the National Telecommunications and Information
Public Telecommunications Facilities Program or its National
Endowment for Children's Educational Television. [ the U.S.
administration is clearly looking at this possibility ]
----------------------------------------
The Canadian Freenet listserv discussed a possible meeting between
those interested in civic nets and representative of the Telcos.
[This would be very welcome given statements by a representative of
Stentor that there was not enough time to involve the public in
discussion about the information highway in Canada.]
-----------------------------------------
COMMUNET has been discussing the Gore speech. Much of the focus is
on the has focused on a preceived lack of government awareness of
the dangers of commercial exploitation retarding the growth of
publicly available information.
Writers worried about the price of information on a commercially
run networks remaining out of reach of the truly poor despite
government and business assurances.
One warned about "the inability to separate the issue of open
access from the issue of the price of information. Just how can
the mythical little girl in Al Gore's example dial up all those
books and pictures if her parents are not rich? Just how can we
avoid replicating "savage inequalities" online without bankrupting
the Treasury? And how to drive down the cost of hardware for the
little girl to use?
The media's lack of understanding of these issues was decried.
[Perhaps its time for each of use to give an reporter a tour of the
Internet - with time on a civic net of course.]
Another interesting thread discussed the value and dangers of
maintaining a partly regulated environment during the transition to
an open commercial net. The administration focused on the benefits
of maintaining regulation in Gore's speech, but several people
pointed out the long history of regulatory failures in the U.S.
CYPHERWONKS LISTSERV is still both the scene of the electronic
equivalent of a cafeteria food fight and the host of an excellent
discussion on the role of Cryptography in promoting electronic
democracy. [see the trends section for a brief discussion on
cryptographies virtues and dangers ]
Also seeing the light of day are some excellent comments on the use
of the nets to present a fast and largely self correcting system of
reports on events and personalities affecting our governments.
[ I keep hoping the food fight aficionados will take up Voodoo and
use their psychic powers to attack each other - thereby leaving the
listserv available for the intended discussions. They have already
driven many former participants away.]
NEW SERVICES
SUPERHIGHWAY BULLETIN BOARD. The White House Information
Infrastructure Task Force has set up a "superhighway" bulletin
board designed to give the public access to schedules, committee
reports, and minutes of task force meetings. It will also include
documents on the creation of the NII. [ This will be a godsend for
those of us interested in following the progress of the NII at the
federal level.]
You can connect with this system by:
1 - telnetting to:
iitf.doc.gov (198.49.199.20
login: gopher
2 - gophering to:
iitf.doc.gov
3 - dialing:
1-202-501-1920
-----------------------------
A VIDEO FROM THE INTERNATIONAL FREE-NET CONFERENCE held in Ottawa
last August is now available for FREE. The video was produced by
Thomas Whalen, Andrew Patrick, & Alex Black, it contains 3
segments:
1) "A Conference Summary" (10 minutes)
- describes the purpose and themes of the conference
- excerpts from speeches
- interviews with participants
2) "Reflections on FreeNet Development in Canada" (4 minutes)
- quotations from participants about the importance of FreeNets
for Canada, and how they can develop
3) "Keynote Speeches" (67 minutes)
- the entire speeches presented by:
- Michael Binder, Industry & Science Canada
- Peter Calamai, Ottawa Citizen
- Tom Grundner, NPTN
Total running time is approximately 81 minutes.
It does not present an introduction to FreeNets, but rather a
summary of the FreeNet conference and what was said about FreeNets.
The audio for Tom Grundner's speech is poor, but usable. The tape
is presentable, but not as polished as one would like.
If you want a copy of the video, mail a new blank videotape (VHS
format, T90 or T120 size) and a return mailing label. Send these
to:
Dr. Andrew Patrick
Division of Behavioural Research
Communications Research Centre
Department of Communications
3701 Carling Ave.
P.O. Box 11490, Station 'H'
Ottawa, ON CANADA K2H 8S2
-------------------------------------------------
In Montreal a new BILINGUAL FREENET is being planned:
- Discussions concerning the Montreal Freenet are carried out
via a listserv - to subscribe:
| mail listserv@vm1.mcgill.ca
echo sub mtlnet Yourfirstname Yourlastname
For more information contact :Sean Marrett
email: sean@pet.mni.mcgill.ca
wb213, Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute.
3801 University St., Montreal, Quebec. H3A 2B4
tel:(514)-398-1537,1996 Fax: 8948
-------------------------------------------
Tim Kitching kitching.tim@statemail.sa.gov.au
is looking [ on behalf of an australian state gov. ] - to communet
for information on three areas:
- Multimedia kiosks (like InfoCalifornia) for public information
and services
- Dialup access for business information and services
- Freenets as the base for local information with links to central
databases
In reply to his request information was provided about a system
serving Newfoundland, Canada called the ACOA/Enterprise Network.
"We are a publicly funded operation who's mission is to "Transform
the rural economy by leadership in information technology
applications for economic development."
Basically, what we have done is established six electronic
Enterprise Centres (Telecentres) within our province of
approx 400 sq. km. and a provincial data resource relating
mainly to business and economic development. We have
approximately 600 people throughout the Province accessing
our databases through home &/or office computers. These
people include some government personnel, social / economic
development agencies and private business. We have
approximately 25 databases available to our dialin clients
(everything from Statistical info, government telephone
directories, government tenders, business
opportunities, databases of manufacturers, lots of contact
directories, and of course, Internet access.)
our Telecentres are loosely modelled on European telecottages
and provide a variety of services. Our main goal is to
introduce rural Newfoundlanders to networking
and assist in adapting the technology to a user's business idea or
opportunity. We provide assistance in seaching a variety of
electronic information resources; provide assistance with
business planning; assist local community groups; provide a
wealth of computer hardware and software, FAX machines,
photocopiers, etc. We are also providing linkages with the
educational sector.
I have, of course, much more information on our Network and
the things that we are accomplishing in community economic
development; and I also have quite a bit of information on
the Telecottages already established in Scandinavia and in
the British Isles if anyone is interested in receiving it.
Yvonne Bradbury-Wiseman, Telecentre Co-ordinator
ACOA/Enterprise Network
Box 429
Baie Verte, Newfoundland, Canada A0K 1B0
ywiseman@mailer.entnet.nf.ca
Phone: 709 532 4364
FAX: 709 532 4374 "
--------------------------------------------------
For extensive information about the Canadian domain visit
Gopher -> gopher.fonorola.net
Stangelove's INTERNET BUSINESS JOURNAL archive is also located
here, as a very extensive version of the Usenet news system.
Mr Strangelove will also be providing the complete text of the
Directory of Internet Trainers and Consultants (First Edition) and
the Directory of Electronic Journals and Newsletters (Third Edition
in the next few weeks.
---------------------------------------
Other information about networking in Canada can be found in
ISCNEWS. It will distribute the News Releases and Fact Sheets
issued to the public by the Communications Canada section
of Industry and Science Canada. The News Releases are
information regarding Canadian government communications
policy. The Fact Sheets contain information about
developments in communications technology and
applications in Canada. To subscribe to the list, send e-
mail to: listserv@debra.dgbt.doc.ca
in the body of the message write the command:
subscribe iscnews Firstname Lastname
Industry, Science Canada Gazette Archive
Archives of Gazette Notices are available via FTP and
Gopher
FTP: debra.dgbt.doc.ca
Directory: /pub/isc/iscnews
-------------------------------------
A more general view of Canadian government activities and a long
list of e-mail addresses for Canadian officials is available from:
gopher -> copper.emr.ca
--------------------------------------
New U.S. databases of interest to community network developers are
also coming on line:
THE INTERNET MULTICASTING SERVICE MULTICAST GORE'S SPEECH LIVE over
the global Internet computer network. Over 200 comments and
questions from the general public were received before and during
the speech by electronic mail. Mr. Gore was asked some of the
questions and at the conclusion National Press Club President
Clayton Boyce presented the Vice President with a floppy disk
containing all the electronic mail received before 12:50 EST.
This kind of instant feedback from the public to policy makers is
a concrete example of the vision spelled out by Mr. Gore. Recent
statements by the Vice President and by Congressional leaders
outline a key principle: access to advanced information services
must be available in our inner cities, our schools, our
libraries, our homes, and throughout our society.
In response to the call by Vice President Gore and Congressional
leaders for wider accessibility by the public to government
information, the Internet Multicasting Service, a non-profit
corporation, announced that it will be making available on
the Internet a series of databases including:
Federal Election Commission 1992 and 1994 Election Cycles
Federal Reserve Board Releases for 1993 and 1994
U.S. Patent Office Full Text/APS Format for 1994
Data paid for by the American taxpayers must be broadly available
to the American public and not sold off to the highest bidder.
For each of the three databases announced today, the government
agencies were extremely cooperative and supportive of our
efforts. All of government can learn by the examples set by the
Patent Office, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Federal
Election Commission.
Send mail to info@radio.com for more information.
Funding for on-line access to information is provided by our
sponsors, including Sun Microsystems, O'Reilly & Associates,
UUNET Technologies, MFS Datanet, Persoft, and by a grant from the
National Science Foundation.
----------------------------------------------
The Federation of American Research Networks (FARNET), in
cooperation with The Coalition for Networked Information, is
making a collection of Internet stories available on the Internet
which provide concrete EXAMPLES OF HOW THE NETWORK IS BEING USED
to further research, education, industry and manufacturing, the
health services industry, and more.
[This material can be incorporated into your fundraising materials
to show the benefits of net access.]
these stories are now available on the network -
via ftp
URL:ftp//ftp.cni.org/CNI/documents/farnet/stories
via Gopher
URL:gopher://gopher.cni.org:70/11/cniftp/miscdocs/farnet
via BRS/SEARCH
URL:telnet://a.cni.org/brsuser
For additional information about FARNET or the FARNET stories
project: Martha Stone-Martin FARNET
stories@farnet.org
-------------------------------------
A NEW LIST HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED TO FACILITATE DISCUSSION ABOUT
TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATION
on the local, state, and federal levels. Topics of immediate
interest include implementation of the 1992 Cable Act, convergence
in the global sense of technologies and on the corporate level of
cable/telco mergers, the National Information Infrastructure
(electronic superhighway) Agenda, and the future of wired and
wireless networks. Any other related (or nonrelated) issue can
also be raised and discussed.
Anyone may subscribe:industry participants are welcome as well as
regulators, academics, consumers.
To subscribe to TELECOMREG --- Send the following message:
SUBSCRIBE TELECOMREG YOUR NAME
send to: listserver@relay.adp.wisc.edu
All postings to the list should be sent to:
telecomreg@relay.adp.wisc.edu
EVENTS
An unusual teleconference is to be held on " On Jan. 5, 3:30-5
p.m., there will be a national teleconference on the CPB grant
proposal, aimed mainly at being public television and radio
stations up to speed about "what are community networks".
CPB has an RFP out and would like to fund 10 projects
as demonstrations of online computer systems involving public
television or radio stations. The stations don't have to run the
systems, but I think the hope is that a dialogue will begin and
partnerships will emerge as a new communications future is forged
at the community level.
For the purposes of the teleconference, the information is
ree-Net heavy, that is, they will show the Heartland Free-Net video
and Tom Grundner will be in a studio taking live calls from around
the country afterward, but I have been told that is NOT to
discouage non-Free-Net systems or alliances.
The teleconference can be seen *only* at public television
stations, So contact your local station to arrange to be present.
This will not be shown on the stations broadcasts. It is only for
those attending in the studio.
----------------------------------------------
An important upcomming conference :
RURAL DATAFICATION II: MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF PROVIDING
UBIQUITOUS ACCESS TO THE INTERNET
May 23-24, 1994
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Minneapolis, Minnesota
You are invited to send proposals for papers and workshops!
----------------------------
DATES FOR PAPER AND WORKSHOP SUBMISSIONS
Abstracts due:
February 15, 1994
Authors/presenters notified: March 15, 1994
REGISTRATION MATERIALS AVAILABLE mid-March, 1994
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES and DEADLINES
$ 99.00 before April 15, 1994
$125.00 after April 15, 1994
Focusing on issues of rural networking, the goal of the conference
is to bring together people from institutions of higher education,
rural school districts, libraries, state and local government,
business, network access providers, and others who are involved
with developing, managing, funding, and using networked information
resources in underserved areas.
More information on Rural Datafication II, the Rural Datafication
project, and other CICNet activities is available.
Via e-mail: ruraldata-info-request@cic.net
-------------------------------------------------------
A Canadian commercially oriented Conference: The Information
Superhighway (Toronto, Feb 1-2 1994)
Date: Tue, 21 Dec 93 21:13:37 GMT
Sponsored by the Information Technology Association of Canada:
[As is almost always the case in Canada - THERE IS NO E-MAIL
ADDRESS PROVIDED - Canadian government and business types talk a
good game but they would really rather not touch the nets
themselves.]
The Information Superhighway: A Conference on "Powering up North
America". Be in Toronto February 1-2, 1994 for a meeting of
great minds of the Twentieth Century, devoted to the great
challenge of the Twenty-First! Hear confirmed speakers:
Vinton Cerf, President, Internet
James Cullen, President, Bell Atlantic
Stan Davis, Author and Analyst
Rudiger Dornbusch, MIT
Larry Ellison, CEO, Oracle Systems Corp.
William Esry, Chair, Sprint Corp.
George Gilder, Author "Telecosm"
George Harvey, Chair, Unitel
Sheryl Handler, Chair, Thinking Machines Corp.
Terry Matthews, CEO and Chair, Newbridge
Sue Miller-Hurst, the Educare Project
Bill Murphy, Chair, Info Testbed Project
Nicholas Negroponte, MIT Media Lab
Russell Neuman, Media Lab
Hon. Bob Rae, Premier of Ontario
Ted Rogers, President and CEO, Rogers Communications
Wes Scott, President and CEO, Stentor Resource Centre
Don Tapscott, Author and DMR Fellow
Contact: Tel 416-862-9067
Fax 416-862-2238
Barry Gander
Information Technology Association of Canada,
Suite 402, 2800 Skymark Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario L4W 5A6
Tel: (416) 602-8345 Fax: (416) 602-8346
TRENDS
1. ENCRYPTION and its role in the future of the nets is a growing
topic of conversation. A number of listservs are dealing with
this subject. It is already clear that it will be a mixed
blessing. It will facilitate financial transactions, encourage
a sense of real privacy, make voting safe and effective,
prevent impersonation of real persons, etc. On the other hand
it will nullify the impact of any laws intended to prevent
copyright enfringement. It will permit the use of the nets to
violate laws against the distributions of certain types of
materials, and it will make it easier to create artificial
persons and use them in a variety of ways.
2. CONVERGENCE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATION MEDIA MOVE ON.
EMI Communications Corporation announced that it will
test market a newly created Internet access information service
with Adelphia Communications Corporation's Syracuse, NY system.
The information service, which allows cable operators to give
subscribers cost effective computer access to information networks
via their cable, will be offered to Syracuse cable subscribers in
early 1994. EMI expects to offer nationwide system availability in
early 1995.
According to Gil Korta, vice president of marketing at EMI, the new
information service will give cable subscribers the ability to
connect directly to Internet as well as government offices,
universities and library systems. Working in conjunction with the
cable operator, EMI will also integrate system-specific local
information such as school events and local news.
The test market will occur in a specific service area which
includes a respresentative sample of business and consumer
subscribers. EMI will provide the necessary equipment to the cable
system, as well as assist them in the design, installation,
management and maintenance of the information network. The service
test will be provided FREE to participating subscribers.
.
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NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : January 3, 1994
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
compiler : Sam Sternberg samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
This first report of 1994 is the 6th weekly survey.
Coverage includes:
LEGISLATION DISCUSSIONS NEW SERVICES
FUNDING RECENT REPORTS & TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------------
LEGISLATION
An excellent summary of pending legislation effecting communets
is available in the latest issue of the American Library Assoc.
e-newsletter - ala-won. To subscribe send mail to :
listserv@uicvm.uic.edu -> subscribe ala-wo [your name here]
Along with your subscription acknowledgement will come info on
using the archives to retrieve items like the current issue.
-----------------------------------------------------------
DISCUSSIONS
The NPTN list was very busy this week. The prime focus was on
delaying the restructuring conference till summer and using the
remaining time to develop issues on single topic listservs.
Norman Kurland posted a draft funding document that generated
interest. He proposed a support approach involving a mix of free
and paid services. nkurland@albanyvms.bitnet
Fee-nets were temporarily granted permission to charge for
services but warned that doing so was dangerous for several
reasons - including the possibility of losing charitable status.
The Office of Technology Assessment hired NPTN to conduct a
multisite discussion on using electronic technology for
delivering Social Security services. This distributed research
project is a first of its kind. It is to be completed by the end
of January. The result will be worked into a report from OTA.
The Cypherwonks list has essentially died at the hand of one of
its founders and his numerous detractors. Several prior
participants are trying to find a moderated forum on which to
continue the very fruitful discussion which took place during the
early days of the list's operation.
COMMUNET developed an active discussion on the potential role of
Cable systems in delivering community network services.
The ignorance of Local governments - responsible for regulating
the cable providers - was decried. Some members are actively
trying to educate their municipalities and get them to reguire
community access to the internet as a licensing feature.
Additional comments on the danger to the "character" of the
Internet from commercialization were made. This included several
impassioned pleas for activism on the part of the readers.
-------------------------------------------------------------
FUNDING
A fee based - online - fundraising workshop is being offered. I
would love to see a similar workshop offered for free; but this
price is in line with fees for conventional workshops on funding.
It begins Feb. 1, 1994. The workshop fee is $100.00 per
participant. Post-workshop personalized consultations (by e-mail
or other means) are available at $100 per hour.
Registration:
To register, send a check for $100 "per participant ***"
payable to Internet Works, Inc. to:
Internet Works, Inc.
Proposal Planning & Writing Workshop
9988 Whitewater Drive
Burke, VA 22015
[ *** on the Internet no one knows your a participant - pricing
information and services is a problem on the net - so the honour
system prevails - sam ]
Include the usual information needed for them to know how to e-
mail the lessons to you and mail you other pertinent info.
---------------------------------------------------------------
RECENT REPORTS
A very important proposal for improving the flow of e-mail on the
Internet has been posted to the gopher at :
cyfer.esusda.gov -> American Communicating Electronicly ACE
--> M.U.S.E. Report
The report is very verbose but its worth reading. It argues that
the U.S. federal government must develop uniform e-mail standards
and its goes to great lengths to explain the economic and other
benefits of doing so. Its most exciting feature is a detailed
discussion of the types of "address books" that should be
provided.
"One might think of the M.U.S.E. as an electronic cloud
into which anyone outside the Federal Government could
send a piece of e-mail, and have it delivered to any
Federal Government addressee regardless where that
addressee might be located. Unlike the USPS which is a
single mail cloud for everyone in the Nation, the M.U.S.E.
would be a single cloud for the whole Federal Government
only. Everyone outside the Federal Government must fend
for themselves as best they can. That's where all those
private sector, state and local mail systems get their
chance for a piece of the action. When it comes to mail
between their customers and Federal Government parties,
those other systems just dump it into the cloud and
collect it from the cloud".
The proposal is based on 5 principles.
1. A single functional agency interface (for enveloping,
transport and directory services) to everyone outside
the agency.
2. No multi-agency, multi-interface burden on the
private sector or on state and local governments.
3. A standard interface and discipline for
interoperation with any non-Federal network, such
that all private sector, state and local networks can
provide an accommodation for their respective users
or customers.
If there were a national e-mail system, Federal Government
parties could be expected to accommodate to it rather than
vice versa. However, the reality is that there are
potentially hundreds of unique e-mail systems outside the
government which will want to offer government
interoperation to their customers and users.
4. A directory arrangement that will support use by
everyone outside the Federal Government, to support
their dealings with the whole government;
specifically, to find services, to find information,
and to conduct business, regardless of which agency
may be involved.
5. A solid foundation to support the regulatory needs of
agencies and the needs and tests of the Federal
Courts, for the conduct of Federal Government
business and delivery of Federal Government services.
Once again using the postal system as analogy, there must
be the equivalent of the postmark to determine, legally,
when something was mailed; of the return receipt to
establish legally that something was delivered and when it
was delivered; of the dependability of transport; of the
preservation of item integrity; and of the address to
which something required can be sent easily by all
respondents regardless where the respondents may be
located."
The report clearly points out the economic advantages of
substituting electrons for paper. It is on this point that
community network advocates should support the proposal and point
out the important role communets can play in making the savings
real.
" The paperwork required under law has two results. First,
benefits and services cannot ordinarily be delivered until
the paperwork has been completed. Second, the processing
of the paperwork creates a cost that is borne by the
taxpayers. A certain percentage of the total cost of
every government program is the collection and processing
of necessary information. While this percentage is
usually low (less than five percent), if it were to
ggregated across the entire Federal Government, it would
robably total in the hundreds of millions of dollars
every year.
To be sure, program administration involves more than just
handling forms, reports, notices, and payments. Clerks
and benefits specialists in Federal agency offices across
the country explain programs and benefits, answer unusual
questions, and assist citizens, organizations, and local
governments in their interactions with the Federal
Government. While this will always be needed, a portion
can be shifted to electronics, as the use of sophisticated
computer-based voice response systems, together with "800"
number calling have demonstrated."
The section dealing with "address location" proposes the
following types of information sources.
The M.U.S.E.'s White Pages design is for the benefit of
citizen and organization communication with elected and
appointed officials, and the facilitation of e-mail across
agency lines within the government.
The Blue Pages design is for the removal of barriers to Federal
Government services; to make the government less confusing and
impenetrable to the Nation, and to speed the delivery of
services by shortening the time to connect a citizen to an
appropriate servicer.
The Yellow Pages design is the mother lode in the gold
mine, not only for individual agencies and individual non-
Federal parties, but for the Nation as a whole. More hard
dollar benefits may be associated with the Yellow Pages
than with any other single feature of the M.U.S.E. While
the Yellow Pages may be the most cost-beneficial part of
the directory, its sophistication makes it the hardest to
appreciate.
In a nutshell, what the Yellow Pages do is facilitate not
only the Federal Government's business with parties
outside the government, but also those parties' business
oportunities with the Federal Government. "Business" in
this context is not just procurement, but any mission or
program activity.
Yellow Pages: Non-Procurement
E-mail includes the concept of what is called
"distribution list" addressing. A distribution list is a
list of addressees which has a separate name for the
entire list, taken as a whole. Someone who wishes to send
the same message to everyone in the list need enter the
message only once, addressed to the name of the list. The
e-mail environment automatically sends the message to
everyone in the list.
The M.U.S.E. Yellow Pages let the Federal Government reap
the full benefits of distribution list addressing by
marrying it with the information-finding capabilities of
the telephone Yellow Pages.
"Green Pages" This name was coined to identify a functionality so
closely related to the Blue Pages that it might almost be
wedded to that part of the directory. Just as the Blue
Pages help people find sources of Federal assistance, the
Green Pages help people find sources of Federal
information publications and holdings.
[ this post is on an U.S. agricultural extension service gopher.
This service has been particularly good about promoting lower
cost and more effective government thru electronic means. - Rural
communets should be working with their local extension offices
and land grant colleges.]
-------------------------------------------
Another interesting report is the VALA conference report from
Australia. The report is international in scope and the article
quality is high. While it was aimed primarily at libraries; it
includes several items about public information providers like
communets. The conference took place 2 months ago.
gopher -> gopher.latrobe.edu.au -> VALA
It is encouraging to see conference reports available
electronicly within weeks of an event. Prior to the Internet this
"document" would have been available to very few non austrailians
and then not for at least a year or two.
---------------------------------------------------------
NEW SERVICES
2 interesting new gopher based services have appeared.
The University of Missouri provides what it calls "enhanced
subject areas". It is making use of its status as a federal
depository library to provide the internet with many important
government documents not previously available in electronic
format. These include:
Army area handbooks - this is an extraordinarily good series of
books about foreign countries. Japan is the first
available.
State Department Background Notes
Foriegn Trade Practices reports - which provide excellent
information about doing business with specific countries.
Occupational Outlook Annual Report - with details about types of
work and future prospects for each type.
There are several other new docs as well.
[ I hope that Federal Depository libraries will get together and
divide up the task of placing valuable older materials on line.
They could also be lobbying for more material to be available in
electronic format as well ].
The most interesting section for communets that want to provide
improved international business information to their community
is:
gopher -> umslvma.umsl.edu. -->subject area ---> business
----> international marketing
This site has gone from 420 logins in Jan 93 to 17,000 last Oct.
--------------------------------------
Also of interest is the unique approaches to information location
and to subject area resources taken by the the University of
Southern California. This gopher allows full text search of all
data from its top level menu [ and there is a lot of data on this
gopher ]. Just visit the Indexes topic.
It also treats subject information uniquely by offering a List of
Subjects which contain the subject related material from many
seperate gophers' subject areas. Do have a look at both features.
gopher -> cwis.usc.edu --> other gophers
---> gopher jewels
--> indexes
---> search title
---> search full text
--------------------------------------------------------
TRENDS
The importance of Distance Education to the information
superhighway is becoming clearer. More than 40 conferences on
Education Technology are already announced for 1994. All of them
will include discussions of Distance Ed. It looks like schools
and libraries may end up vying for the LIFE LONG LEARNING role
that distance ed is beginning to fill.
Still funding is a problem. The U.K.'s open university has
openned its database of distance education materials to the
public for free. This formerly fee based service was not making
ends meet or meeting its intended service goals so it hopes
enough folks will sign up for the free service to allow it to
find sponsorship.
telnet --> acsvax.open.ac.uk
answer the first three prompts with
1 - icdl
2 - {the name of your country of origin in capitals}
3 - ARA
---------------------------------------------
The list of distance ed resources is Compiled by J. H. Ellsworth
<je01@academia.swt.edu>. It was last updated: 21-October-1993
This guide is available via FTP at host: una.hh.lib.umich.edu,
path: /inetdirs, file: disted.ellsworth
Among its most worthwhile listed resources is
EDNET
Education Net : listserv@nic.umass.edu
EDNET is for those interested in exploring the educational
potential of the Internet. Discussions range from K-12 through
postsecondary education. A very active list.
Send the usual message to the listserv.
Also useful is the semiannual publication The Online Chronicle of
Distance Education and Communication
To subscribe to The Online Chronicle of Distance Education and
Communication, send the following command to listserv@uwavm or
to listserv@uwavm.bitnet
SUB DISTED your_full_name
------------------------------------
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a public service of FUTURE DATA; a
partnership of researchers and research system designers. Our
research resources include all commercial and non commercial
nets, along with over 200 cd-rom databases, 50,000 magazines and
more than 30 million books. For commercial services contact
Gwyneth Store - circa@io.org
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enguire about this newsletter
contact Sam Sternberg samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.007
+470
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NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : January 10, 1994
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
compiler : Sam Sternberg samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
This is the 7th weekly survey. Coverage includes:
FUNDING LEGISLATION DISCUSSIONS NEW SERVICES
& TRENDS
=============================================================
FUNDING:
*Annenberg/CPB. Guidelines for 1994 funding from the
Annenberg/CPB Math and Science Project are available from the
Project, Attn: Guidelines,
901 E. St. NW, Wash. DC 20004-2006, or call 202-879-9711.
[ it is disappointing not to find an internet address here ]
--------------------------------------------
Information on funding cable based projects is included in the
Legislation section's lead article.
--------------------------------------------
In British Columbia Canada on the video front. A public/private
sector consortium partnership to coordinate province-wide video
network services roll-out is being developed. The primary focus
is on distance education applications. They are pulling
together the business case in January and plan to present to
Cabinet in early February. Similar to Ontario's Network
Infrastructure Program, there's $100 million in "BC 21" funding
up for grabs. Monitor the gopher -> freenet.victoria.bc.ca for
futher news.
----------------------------------------------
Nebraska's primary and secondary schools will soon be using the
Internet to enhance learning. A consortium of 19 Educational
Service Units (ESUs), each serving various Nebraska school
districts, recently installed 15 DEC OSF/1-based DEC 3000 Model
400 Alpha AXP systems as a first step in building a statewide
education network that links teachers and students to the
Internet. The ESUs were funded through legislation requiring
Nebraska's school districts to gain Internet access.
Contact: Don Ferneding, Data Systems Manager for Nebraska's ESU
#3, donf@esu3.esu3.k12.ne.us
-----------------------------------------------
The state of Ohio is actively working to provide Internet
access to K12 schools, through the Ohio Department of
Administrative Services. Many schools now have a
T1 link. At 4 pm, these buildings are locked up, and not used.
The T1 link is not used at night. The Ohio Educational
computing Network (and several other states as well) has begun
issuing accounts to teachers. Where do they point their gophers
and menus? Most show links to Free-Nets.
-------------------------------------------
LEGISLATION
Over the last few weeks a number of items about communets and
cable systems have been posted. This a background report by the
compiler of the list, on the U.S. situation.
The Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of
1992 has been passed and the details of its implementation are
now being worked out. After a disasterous deregulation effort
under Reagan in 1984 led to cable rates increasing at 3 times the
inflation rate and numerous other problems; congress has seen fit
to offer communities a limited return to their original power to
impact local providers of cable service.
Limited is the key word. The new law requires the establishment
of FEDERAL standards for customer service and technical operation
quality. Joint local/federal regulation is mandated; but for
local authorities to act they must appply to the FCC for
certification.
They are then able to impact the basic service rate standards.
This service tier is not taken by many subscribers because
servces are too limited. None the less, this power could be very
meaningful to communets wanting local access to the Internet and
other future services on the NII.
Certified authorities will have the power to regulate charges for
both the equipment and installation neccessary for receiving
basic cable services.
Congress hoped this law would help encourage effective
competition for the entire cable industry. The Clinton
Administration is of course now interested in competition across
all delivery systems.
Our opportunity lies in lobbying for voice and data network
access to be part of the FEDERALLY MANDATED basic service
package. This is really the only way for the administration's
vision to be realized.If such access is not "basic" then it can
not possible meet either the goals of universal access or
effective competition.
Such regulation does not have to impose any additional cost on
cable operators. It could merely require that they be open to
allowing any and all organizations wanting to offer voice/and
or/data services access to their system. It should not permit
them to be exclusive offerers of such services.
Cable operators would actually benefit from such government
imposed access requirements. It would help guarantee the
alliances of cable systems which remain independant [ of telcos
and other media suitors ] could offer a great deal of phone and
other services to consumers without ever having to pay fees to
phone companies.
Communets would benefit by having competitive providers available
locally for internet access.
Phone system subscribers would also benefit from such mandated
local competitive opportunity. Because it is impossible to
determine if future technical achievements will make phone or
cable systems the low cost provider of data and voice services,
real competition will help everyone achieve the lowest possible
rates.
The major players in Cable re-regulation have been the Consumer
Federation of America, the National League of Cities, the
National Association of Telecommunications officers and Advisors
and, of course, the state and federal associations of cable
system operators. If you have contacts with any of these groups,
start lobbying. The FCC needs to hear from them and from you on
this matter.
If your local community cable regulator is interested in
experimenting with cable based community computing services and
Internet access; they should be encouraged to seek a grant from
the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
---------------------------------------------
( see the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance on the Internet
for more details ). Public Telecommunications
Facilities_Construction and Planning (PTFP)
FEDERAL AGENCY: NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION
ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
OBJECTIVES: To assist in the planning, acquisition, installation
and modernization of public telecommunications facilities,
through planning grants and matching construction grants, in
order to: a) Extend delivery of public telecommunications
services to as many citizens of the U.S. and territories as
possible by the most efficient and economical means, including
the use of broadcast and nonbroadcast technologies; b) increase
public telecommunications services and facilities available to,
operated by and owned by minorities and women;
and c) strengthen the capability of existing public television
and radio stations to provide public telecommunications service
to the public.
TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applicant Eligibility: a) A public or noncommercial educational
broadcast station; b) A noncommercial telecommunications entity;
"Special consideration" is given to applications which would
increase minority and women's ownership of, operation of , and
participation in, public telecommunications entities.
Beneficiary Eligibility: General public and students.
-------------------------------------------
In Canada the cable systems and the phone companies are regulated
by one agency, the CRTC. It has paid little attention to the
details of how it might encourage real competition. Canadian
phone rates and data rates show the sorry result.
---------------------------------------------------
The latest edition of the Federal Communications Law
Journal, published jointly by the Indiana University
chool of Law - Bloomington and the Federal Communications
Bar Association, is now available through the WorldWideWeb at:
http://www.law.indiana.edu:80/fclj/fclj.html
This issue is devoted to the Cable Television
Industry. Contributors include Representative Edward J. Markey,
Commissioner Andrew C. Barrett, Nicholas W. Allard, David Alan
Nall, and Carl R. Ramey.
-------------------------------------------------
The private sector advisory council, appointed this past week,
by Commerce Secretary Ron Brown, was created to facilitate public
and private sector input to the Administration on how best to put
the new infrastructure in place. Together, the public-private
partnership will serve as a forum to articulate, coordinate and
implement the NII by developing comprehensive telecommunications
and information policies to best meet the needs of both
government and the private sector. These recommendations will
ultimately lead to the removal of most judicial and legislative
restrictions on all types of telecommunications companies.
The 27 members represent an excellent cross section of public
interest groups, multiple levels of government, and business
interests. There is very strong representation by informed public
advocates. It is clear that the administration is serious about
public involvement in the process. Exactly the opposite has
occured in Canada to date. The Canadian Prime Minister or a
representative is expected to articulate the new administrations
policy at the upcomming ITAC conference, but little is know about
the substantive content of the expected announcement.
-------------------------------------------------
DISCUSSIONS
The NPTN list revealed a possible partnership with
PBS. " We have been discussing a partnership whereby we will
be providing Academy One and other cybercasting services
to their PBS Online/Learning Link network; and they will
be providing some of their PBS features for our general
cybercasting/Academy One network. Some other developmental
activities are being discussed along with some joint grants-
manship possibilities. "
There was more interesting discussion on graphical interfaces.
There was also some discussion of the problems related to using
gopher systems as freenet or as freenet extensions. See the
TRENDS section for more information.
A fairly heated discussion evolved over the question of offering
live CHAT services on Free-nets. The final position was that the
service is both valuable under several circumstances and a major
resource hog. Techniques for controlling access to chat at
freenets offering it are a must
The NPTN video conference to public TV stations was declared a
success by both the national group and several local
organizations which participated. This will further cement
relations between NPTN and PBS.
-------------------------------------------
The COMMUNET listserve was relatively quiet. Some discussion of
the role of Community Economic Development Centers and the idea
of such development took place.
---------------------------------------------
A founder of the CYPHERWONKS listserv wrote to tell me that my
statement about its death was mistaken. He vowed to work on its
revival but by the following monday morning he posted an
announcement suggesting the remaing subscribers abandon the list.
A small number of interesting posts were made during the revival
effort including a good one on the state of work on Digital Cash
systems. If your interested in Digital cash you might contact the
poster, Bill Stewart -> bill.stewart@pleasantonca.ncr.com or
billstewart@attmail.com
The "death" of this list is a direct result of a conflict between
the style and the substance of many of the less useful postings.
A beligerent attitude on the part of a number of participants
drove the more intelligent CONTRIBUTORS away. In the end a lack
of simple civility killed this effort.
ON THE INTERNET EVERYONE KNOWS IF YOUR A DOG.
-----------------------------------------------
EVENTS
Adapting Information Technology & Computing. A two-week online
workshop sponsored by Rochester Institute of Technology and
EDUCOM's Project EASI (Equal Access to Software & Information)
will be held January 31 - February 12, 1994 to provide answers to
questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act and to other
questions adapting information technology and computing.
Register by subscribing yourself to listserv@nysernet.org and
leave the subject line of the e-mail blank.
Put one line of text into the body of the message: sub adapt-it
"Firstname Lastname". If you need info send e-mail to
smwodl@ritvax.isc.rit.edu.
------------------------------------------------
The Internet Navigation Course. An online distance-learning pilot
course designed to teach basic telecommunications procedures (for
all computers) to inexperienced computer users and to familiarize
them with Internet services. For more information and to register
contact dirk@oldcolo.com or dave@oldcolo.com.
------------------------------------------------
A fee based gophering course was announced this week but anyone
wanting to learn for free can gopher to CWIS.USC.EDU where to
"lets go gopherin" course is accessible of the top menu.
------------------------------------------------
NEW RESOURCES
The most interesting new effort to improve information access on
the internet is the NETLINK SERVICE OF WASHINGTON AND LEE
UNIVERSITY.
As evidenced by almost every book on the Internet to hit the
stands. The big problem once you learn to navigate is learning
were to find anything. Veronica searches often produce fewer than
5% useful hits for people who do not begin the search with very
good terminology information.
At WLU a new search system is being developed which allows the
user to focus on topics relating to specific subjects; and to
narrow their searches to material available from sources within
specific geographic areas.
gopher ---> liberty.uc.wlu.edu
------------------------------------------------------
The Jan 94 issue of "Communications of the ACM" is devoted to
"Social Computing" and includes the following articles:
The National Forum on Science and Technology Goals
Community Networks: Building a New Participatory Medium
Computing at Work: Empowering Action by 'Low-Level' Users
Educating Computer Scientists: Linking the Social and the
Technical
Computing and Accountability
How Good is Good Enough? An Ethical Analysis of Software
Construction and Use
Groupware and Social Dynamics: Eight Challenges for Developers
Renewing the Commitment to a Public Interest Telecommunications
Policy
Canadian FreeNets and culist.can-freenet are mentioned in the
'Community Networks' article.
The publication can be found at universities libraries (and maybe
online -- try asking at acmhelp@acm.org).
-------------------------------------------
The ACE Progress Report for 1993 is available from :
ttate@esusda.gov
The report provides a good summary of the politics of the NII and
has much of interest to communet advocates.
WHAT IS ACE?
Americans Communicating Electronically, known as ACE, is a
voluntary self-help group of agency staff at federal, state and
local governments, non-profit organizations and coalitions,
public libraries, public and private universities, communities
and individual citizens. ACE believes in the vision of the
National Information Infrastructure (NII) and promotes the NII
Agenda for Action.
The goal is to create and foster information access and to
facilitate interactive communications between citizens and their
government, broaden public participation in the development of
government communications policy and provide citizens with access
to a wide range of public information stored electronically.
Special emphasis is focused on serving individuals without
computer access through a network of Citizen Participation
Centers in local communities. These centers will build on
ongoing local efforts such as community free-nets, extension
offices, SBA offices, Social Security offices, post
offices, etc. Projects include working with the 3,100 Cooperative
Extension Service offices and the 1,500 satellite offices of the
Small Business Administration, community libraries and others to
provide single points of contact or one-stop shops for obtaining
government formation by citizens. These centers will also foster
training, learning and community development.
WHO IS CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN ACE?
WASHINGTON, DC BASED
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES:
Agriculture, Agency for International Development, Archives,
Census, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Environmental
Protection Agency, Government Printing Office, General Services
Administration, Health and Human Services, Interior, Justice,
Labor, National Science Foundation, Small Business
Administration, Securities and Exchange Commission, State,
Transportation, Treasury.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
Congressional Staff, House Information Systems
U.S. SENATE:
Senate Staff, Senate Computer Center
WHITE HOUSE STAFF:
Office of the Chief of Staff, Office of Administration, Office of
Correspondence, Office of Media Affairs, Office of Science and
Technology Policy, National Performance Review
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:
American Society for Association Executives, Association of
Government Accountants, Cities in Schools, Coalition for
Networked Information, Capital Access, Center for Civic
Networking, Institute.
MAYBE YOU SHOULD CONSIDER JOINING?
--------------------------------------------------
TRENDS
The role of gopher services in Communets is growing. A wonderful
free-net gopher is being offered by the TRIANGLE FREE-NET. This
system is entirely gopher based and it shows a great deal of
thought in its design. particularly impressive is the way it
integrates local, national and Internation resources for each
subject area. Those of you looking for ideas to help you build
local support will find one item of particular interest. An
excellent group of suggestions for using communets to improve
local communities is on the system.
gopher to -> tfnet.ils.unc.edu
--> government
---> national/international gov information
----> US and World Politics
-----> COMMUNITY-IDEA-NET
Another freenet gopher with a very different design philosophy
but lots of useful information is the Victoria British Columbia
free-net system gopher -> freenet.victoria.bc.ca
-------------------------------------------------------
Publicly supported work that will improve the Internet continues;
even as the Commercial sector proclaims is devotion to the task.
Over the longer term work like this from McGill University in
Montreal will effect us all. " The McGill Photonic Systems group
is a new group in the EE department. The group is headed by
Professor H. S. Hinton, holder of the BNR/NT-NSERC chair, and is
also collaborating very closely with the CITR (Canadian Institute
of Telecommunications Research), whose brand new
headquarters are right here at McGill. The group consists of
three professors, one postdoctoral research specialist, and
six grad students, with more on the way.
The group is presently starting a five year research
project whose goal is the conception, design, fabrication and
testing of a 1 Terabit/second free-space optical backplane.
Such a backplane could be used in telecommunications
switches, massively parallel supercomputers, and,
eventually, high performance SCADA (Supervision, Control
and Data Acquisition) systems."
In the mean time the Internet engineering task force is busy
worrying about tomorrows problems on our behalf. It is developing
standards for ATM [ high speed transmission ] use. And it has
already lowered the failure rate on the backbone considerably.
The 45 megabit backbone is about 65% completed now. This is the
section that will use ATM technology once the standards are
worked out by this marvellous group of volunteers.
I will be focusing most of two upcoming issues on the situation
in Canada. This is in response to my being a Canadian and because
two major conferences will take place in the next 3 weeks. One is
for a new alliance of public information providers [ libraries ]
and the other is for the Information Technology Association of
Canada - ITAC - [ commercial and governmental ]. Reports on both
meetings will also be provided.
-------------------------------------------------
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a public service of FUTURE DATA; a
partnership of researchers and research system designers. Our
research resources include all commercial and non commercial
nets, along with over 200 cd-rom databases, 50,000 magazines and
more than 30 million books. For commercial services contact
Gwyneth Store - circa@io.org
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enguire about this newsletter
contact Sam Sternberg samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.008
+477
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NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : January 16, 1994
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
compiler : Sam Sternberg samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
This 2nd report of 1994 is a special edition
The regular edition will be posted tomorrow with the usual range
of reviews, resources and summaries.
------ WHY CREATE COMMUNITY NETWORKS? ---------
Vice President Gore's latest statement on the administration's
approach to the NII was made last Monday. Once again it failed to
specificly acknowledge the existence of community computing
systems. This Monday the first specific mention may appear in the
announcement of a proposal for development zones.
Since the writers of these speeches are aware of the
existence of CIVIC systems, they clearly don't understand their
importance. This special issue of the newsletter will focus on a
discussion of the costs and a review of the benefits of community
computing systems. The ideas expressed are those I have gathered
from a wide variety of documents, postings to listserves, and
personal experience.
Anyone interested in locating and reviewing the available
materials can get a guide to sources and an extensive annotated
bibliography of material about community based systems on request
from:
<samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
This issue will cover the benefits to Governments, Businesses,
Social service groups, and individual citizens. The benefit to
individual citizens is the bottom line. Community computing
facilities allow individuals access to services and systems
without their having to "enroll"in a wide variety of specialized
networks. This brief exploration of the economic, cultural, and
political consequences of such systems is meant to encourage
debate and discussion.
I won't discuss the potential technology because what is
important is the way its used; and almost all of it is already
here; it just isn't cheap...yet.
WHY THE SOCIAL CONTEXT MATTERS
This year's Nobel prize in economics went to two American
scholars.
Most of media coverage of their work emphasised the fact that one
of these scholars "proved" that slavery was economically viable.
Those stories missed the primary importance of the work. For it
proves that the social environment defines and supports the
economic environment. In the context of the NII this means that
America's economic success; and in particular the ability to
share that success throughout society, is dependant on the nature
of the social environment that supports it.
As with all new ideas this one hasn't spread far yet. But its
meaning is simple. In mixed economies like the U.S. or Canada,
the role of the public in creating a healthy society and a viable
economy is not secondary - its primary. Public activities and
attitudes enable commerce and entrepreneurship.
Its very common to have a "good" business environment and a
defective social system. The current situation in Mexico is a
fine example.
The U.S. does not need to support community computing systems.
But, failing to do so will both damage its economic
competitiveness and help continue the growing deterioration of
its urban culture. Japan, recognizing the importance of universal
access, has already set 2015 as the date by which every one of
its homes will be connected.
Community based knowledge services are the best means to assist
the public in ENABLING efficient commerce and effective
government as a part of a vibrant and harmonious culture.
Community computing will not solve any of America's critical
problems. It will make all of them much easier and less expensive
to solve.
===================== ECONOMICS ====================
First I will give the economic argument very briefly and then
flesh this out below.
1 - government savings from electronic communication could be
substantial
2 - the amount saved varies directly with the rates of
participation in data type information flows. More participants =
more savings.
3 - the force most likely to generate the highest participation
rates is a civic network. Simple access to multiple services and
information resources provide the attraction that will bring in
users. The least cost access will bring the highest participation
rates.
Free access is needed for special populations.
With the highest possible rates of participation - 90% or over
The savings to government operations alone, would more than pay
all direct costs for building the civic computing system. Even
realistic estimates of current savings suggest that investing
only 12% of potential savings would fund the development nicely.
(numbers provided below)
4 - The benefits to government will be secondary to those
received by the governed. The primary benefits will be derived
from putting knowledge to work at the highest possible rate of
utilization. The multiplier effects of high participation in
information access and creation include:
A - higher small business survival rates
B - higher employment generation
C - improved education in traditional schools, at work and at
home.
D - improved health and welfare through better information access
and more efficient resource utilization.
E - overall social benefits will include reduced ecological
impacts, faster rates of dissemination of best practices,
faster rates of invention and operational practice improvement,
intensified business and labour competitiveness, and at the same
time enhanced social cooperation.
f - there will be substantial social costs, including the decline
of physical postal service, traditional publishing etc. But all
are well worth the price.
I believe that only civic networks can squeeze the maximum
benefits from this investment in global information technology.
They compliment and will encourage all specialty commercial and
non commercial networks.
THE NUMBERS
To use the United States as an example;
The current annual expenditure of all level of government exceeds
1.3 trillion dollars.
American studies estimate that 3 to 5 % of that amount is spent
communicating with the public. Being conservative, 3% amounts to
39 billion dollars per year.
Today perhaps 25% of households have computers and could
immediately participate in community computing systems if
motivated to do so. The potential participation rates for
businesses and institutions are much higher - they already are
near 100%. If half those household participated next year the
potential savings would be 5 billion dollars.
They can't participate because the systems aren't in place. There
are also very good reasons for not building a system overnight.
To take advantage of the learning curve with new systems; its
important to build the network over a period of several years.
Otherwise it will be difficult to absorb what is learned.
Still, investing - for example - half the potential current
annual savings each year - 2 billion for 1994, would rapidly
repay itself. While not every dollar currently being spent can be
saved; existing studies show that in most cases the amount saved
will exceed 50% of those current communication expenditures.
PUTTING KNOWLEDGE TO WORK
The key to all of this is making the best possible use of our
accumulated ( and rapidly growing ) cultural inheritance.
The easier it is for someone to find the information or
assistance they need precisely when they need it; the more
everyone benefits from sharing knowledge resources. Each use of a
piece of information will on average multiply the social benefit.
Synergy - the increased benefits of bringing separate ideas
and activities together - is in turn the reason why making as
many services and as much information as possible available from
a local community based source is so important.
The MULTIPLIER EFFECT will be at work. Economists use the phrase
to describe the effect of you spending money with someone else;
who in turn spends the money with others. Each transaction
spreads the impact. Information works the same way. Sharing it
does not make it disappear, it just improves someone else's
chance of using it productively.
THE MEANS TO BE INFORMED - PARTICIPATION RATES
Still, none of this will be realized fully unless everyone has
the means to be informed. Illiterates and those with limited
reading skills could benefit by the inclusion of single point
access to a combination of local phone based information lines
and national 800 numbers. Civic networks are appropriate
organizations to do this.
A combination of 4 factors will help make the participation rates
the highest possible. Each coming year will see increased
participation and benefits.
1 - several innovative low cost systems ( under $100 dollars
) for home based access to the Internet are about to come to
market. These can make the hardware costs affordable for almost
all households.
2 - many early users will act on behalf of those currently
without access to provide the benefits of access to them. This
kind of mutual assistance on the part of individuals is worth
encouraging.
3- proposed legislation and advancing technology will lower
the cost of network access. Hopefully low cost local lines will
also be encouraged by upcoming legislation.
4 - many organizations like libraries, business assistance
centers, community centers, and ethnic or cultural organizations
want to act as access points for those they serve who are
currently without personal access.
THOSE WITH THE GREATEST NEED HAVE THE LEAST ACCESS
The special needs of the poor, elderly, disabled and immigrants
can be met at the least possible cost by using the system of
civic networks to lower the expense of service provision. The
speed of service provision could go up. The quality should also
improve.
CONSUMER ORIENTATION
Meeting actual as opposed to perceived needs is important. Civic
nets are both community controlled and subject to constant
redesign by the community. A major problem in social service has
been disseminating information about successful programs. Such
dissemination occurs rapidly and naturally within the context of
civic networks.
QUALITY OF SERVICE - MOVING FROM INFORMATION TO ASSISTANCE
The presence of civic networks will encourage innovation and
improve present services. Most yellow pages list shelters today.
But they can't tell you if any spaces are available. An online
service makes it easy to coordinate all the shelters in a
community and allow a single inquiry to locate the available
resources. This example can be multiplied hundreds of times.
SOURCES OF INNOVATION & RATE OF INNOVATION
Most real innovation comes from small businesses and publicly
supported research facilities. The personal computer industry is
a perfect example. Many of the pioneers left major companies -
after asking to develop their ideas internally and being refused.
The sooner such groups have access to the nets the better. At
startup every penny counts. Providing new small business with
cheap access will only improve their survivability and increase
their contributions to both job creation and innovation. Once the
money starts coming in they will turn to higher quality
commercial services for their access.
SOURCES OF EMPLOYMENT
With most new employment coming out of the small business sector
and a significant amount of unemployment resulting from layoffs
at large corporations; its imperative to provide cheap access to
to the small business sector.
Electronic information is the main source of business
information; and much new information is only available
electronicly. Even more is available in print only at a later
date. But most small businesses currently make no use of such
sources because of the cost and difficulty of obtaining access.
With the volume of knowledge doubling every decade its vital to
the health of the business sector for all participants to have
access to electronic information sources.
Communets will play a major role in enabling a dynamic
private sector by making available publicly subsidized resources
for entrepreneurial activity. The U.S. government is displaying
global leadership is providing Internet access to publicly funded
data collections. Civic nets can also provide access points to
commercial data bases.
COST OF CITIZEN - GOVERNMENT INTERACTION
There will be a great deal of waste and duplication of resources
and facilities if every government department and level of
government sets out to build its own access facilities and
networks. This fact is already driving a great deal of the growth
of the Federal Government's Internet activities. The same is true
for all other institutions and organizations. The least cost will
be incurred when all resources are accessible from a single set
of locations.
SIMPLIFYING ACCESS - ONE PLACE TO LOOK
In the absence of a concerted effort to build a system of
community based NII access facilities, There will inevitably be
enormous waste. Special networks are needed for education and
health and other users. But such networks will themselves benefit
from higher usage if there is a general public acceptance and use
of community networks. Giving everyone one place to look is the
simplest way of expressing the diminished importance of location
that results from network access.
THE RISE OF THE VIRTUAL ORGANIZATION - DISAPPEARING BOUNDARIES
Community based networks are a significant change in the process
of human cultural development. They will be recognized as being
at least as important as the introduction of printing.
They permit the creation of virtual organizations. These flexible
new forms of organization are characterized by the ease with
which intellectual resources from any source can be brought to
bear on any problem. The first evidence of the power of such
virtual organizations can be seen in the extraordinarily rapid
development and deployment of the public domain networking tools
which characterize the Internet.
MAKING THE GLOBAL, LOCAL
Anyone participating in the a local community network,
potentially has the ability to engage any and all other users of
interconnected systems in some shared interest.
MAKING THE LOCAL, GLOBAL
And anyone outside of a community can tap the resources of that
community from any other connected site on the globe.
Every business or organization on the Internet is automaticly a
multinational business, and at the same time a local business in
every community with a connection to the Internet. And every
individual is also citizen of the globe in a very direct way.
PUBLIC - PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
While I have made an argument for public support of community
computing; its just as important to have support from the
business community. A non commercial system of community networks
is the best support a system of commercial networks can have. It
teaches people the benefits of network access. It simplifies
their communication with businesses and thereby lowers the cost
of doing business. It trains people in the skills needed to
utilize electronic media. And it opens the globe to every
business.
Sophisticated services will benefit from having civic nets carry
the burden of introducing the public to the world of global
electronic communication and services. People who have a strong
need for such services will turn to commercial vendors for
superior service and improved access. Supporting civic nets is
the cheapest way business can support the development of a market
for more sophisticated services.
PUBLIC - PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS
Both governmental and non governmental institutions must be
encouraged to participate. The so called third sector of non
profit organizations constantly suffers from a lack of resources
even as it exhibits enormous duplication of services. Access to
community networks will help resolve some of those problems.
DISTRIBUTED PRODUCTION OF GOODS, SERVICES, AND KNOWLEDGE
Manufacturers already recognize that few products today can be
made entirely from components made locally. The same is becoming
true of services and knowledge. Non local information resources
help create efficient and productive local services.
DISTRIBUTED UTILIZATION OF GOODS, SERVICES AND KNOWLEDGE
Outstanding local services can rapidly grow to serve locations
around the globe. Either directly, through franchising, or by
imitation. Improvements made anywhere can be shared and have
local impacts.
INCREASING THE RATE OF PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH
All of this has feedback effects. The more local-global
interaction; the faster systems evolve and the sooner
unneccessary resource usage declines.
PARTICIPATION RATES
Participation rates really are the key to all of this.
PARTICIPATION IN INFORMATION CREATION
Good ideas can come from anywhere. Mclelland Iowa is the home of
Schola, the planet's most sophisticated global satellite based
educational project.
PARTICIPATION IN INFORMATION USE
Schola is already having an impact in Russia and China, while at
the same time, its using Russian and Chinese resource to improve
language studies across the U.S. and around the world.
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION
>From a social perspective, the most wonderful aspect of civic
networks is their ability to encourage voluntary participation in
projects that benefit others.
PARTICIPATION IN POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND GOVERNANCE
In the long run each of us will benefit substantially from the
ability of improvements in governance to be shared. And in our
own increased ability to participate in the regulatory and
legislative decision making which affects us.
DO WE REALLY NEED A NEW SET OF INSTITUTIONS
The question still remains. Why do we need to create a separate
system of organizations to do this. Why can't the schools or the
libraries do the job.
For the same reasons public libraries evolved as an institutional
system separate from schools.
First, fundamentally different organizations need different means
of administration and operation.
Second, organizational conflicts of purpose and turf protection
will negatively impact the development of civic networks if they
are simply given to an existing institutional group to run.
An example of the kind of resistance to change that can be
expected from any existing institution follows.
This is from Publisher's Weekly - January 3 1994
BOOKS WHILE U WAIT by Paul hilts, John Mutter, & Sally Taylor
The article describes current instances of in-store on demand
publishing. It then goes on to speculate.
"Imagine what would happen if all bookstores converted to on
demand ,..Printing plants wouldn't be necessary. Wholesalers
would have no books to stock and distribute. Publisher'
Warehouses would not be needed....
A sale would be a sale - returns would no longer exist.
Publisher's wouldn't need to tie up money in inventory; paper
wouldn't be wasted; freight costs would vanish; a book would
never go out of stock or out of print. In addition the new
technology could be a boon for independents. With on-demand
printing, they could claim to offer as many titles as chain
stores offer today. A shop the size of the smallest of
today's bookstores could "stock" a million titles. "
How receptive is the industry likely to be? A little later the
article explains " Proposals to do on demand cd music publishing
by IBM and Blockbuster are being met cooly. "Publishers say that
this new system could make their current manufacturing and
distribution capabilities redundant - perhaps useless."
Each of us as citizens has an obligation to ourselves and our
neighbors to see the we get the most for our tax dollars. And
that means we have to have community based networks.
------------------------------------
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a public service of FUTURE DATA; a
partnership of researchers and research system designers. Our
research resources include all commercial and non commercial
nets, along with over 200 cd-rom databases, 50,000 magazines and
more than 30 million books. For commercial services contact
Gwyneth Store - <circa@io.org>
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter
contact Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.009
+598
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,598 @@
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : January 17, 1994
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
compiler : Sam Sternberg samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
This 3rd report of 1994 is the 9th weekly survey.
Coverage includes
ADMINISTRATION POLICY - DISCUSSIONS - NEW SERVICES
FUNDING - TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------------
ADMINISTRATION POLICY
Evidence of the adminstation's interest in the community networking
movement is mounting.
---------------------------------
Vice-President Al Gore accepted an invitation from Dr. Avrum
Bluming to dedicate the Los Angeles Free-Net in March. He did so
in response to an invitation from the floor by Dr. Bluming at the
National Information Infrastructure Summit at UCLA
and before a national audience on C-SPAN.!
--------------------------------
Tom Kalil, <tkalil@arpa.mil> with the White House National
Economic Council posted to the Communet listserve regarding
Monday's adminstration announcement about the application process
for the Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community initiative.
"After information on the initiative is on the Internet, I would
like to know whether this mailing list would be willing to
"brainstorm" on what role the NII could play in promoting the goals
of the initiative. The Vice President has stated his interest in
exploring this issue. After some period of time, the
list could provide the Administration with an archive of the
discussion and a summary of the points made."
He made several suggestions for possible subjects:
" Different empowerment zones could exchange information on their
goals for community and economic revitalization. The gov't could
streamline the applications process using EDI. Communities could
use "civic networks" to make the process of planning and
implementing community revitalization a more democratic one.
Education and training programs could take advantage
of the Internet or video servers. Local governments could use
information technology to deliver services more efficiently ...
Inspiring examples and pointers to people, information, resources
would also be helpful. Potential roles for grassroots
organizations, gov't at all levels, private sector, and just plain
folks would be helpful."
He went on to say " How do I know anyone will read and take
seriously our proposals? I will personally commit to providing a
summary of any ensuing discussion to the relevant people in the
Administration.
So, YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE, I hope many of you will.
--------------------------
The text of all recent speeches and background documents are
available through the gopher server at :
--> ace.esusda.gov
choose 4. Americans Communicating Electronically/
9. National Performance Review Information/
9. Telecommunications Policy Reform Initiative/
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: If you have questions concerning this
service, please contact: almanac-admin@ace.esusda.gov (almanac
administration)
-------------------------------
DISCUSSION
COMMUNET LISTSERV
Gore's speeches are being discussed on Communet. The attitude is
cautiously favorable. The administration seems to be slowing
convincing many of the participants of its sincerity.
--------------------------------------
The most interesting dissenting voice came from a posting of
the following opinion piece. Reprinted from _The Chronicle of
Higher Education_, vol. 40, no. 19 (12 January 1994), pp. B1-B2:
Democratizing Technology By Richard E. Sclove
The entire article was posted but this part impressed me most
........ " It's a beguiling vision, but it overlooks a major
factor:
democracy. Few citizens, workers, or communities are being
consulted about technology decisions that their taxes will help
support, decisions that will profoundly affect their lives.
It _is_ possible to involve citizens in making technology
policy. Last year, for example, a panel of ordinary Danish
citizens spent several days hearing expert presentations on
genetic manipulation in animal breeding. After cross-examining
the experts and deliberating among themselves, the citizens
decided that it would be "entirely unacceptable" to genetically
ngineer new pets, but ethical to use such methods to develop a
treatment for cancer.
To organize this type of "consensus conference," the Danish
government's Technology Board selects panels of citizens of
varying backgrounds, and then publicizes their judgments through
the news media, local debates, leaflets, and videos. Surveys
show that the Danish public and politicians are better informed
on issues addressed this way than are the citizens of other
countries facing similar questions.
During a recent briefing at the U.S. Office of Technology
Assessment, Norman Vig, a political scientist from Carleton
College argued that consensus conferences represent a promising
model for the United States to use to broaden the range of people
who influence technological decisions. Universities could
contribute substantially to democratizing technology if such a
model were adopted--by helping citizen advisory panels analyze
complex technical issues, by preparing "social impact" statements
on technological proposals, and by creating community-research
centers to help neighborhoods evaluate and influence alternative
strategies for economic development.
Government officials report that today just three groups
dominate technology policy-making: the Pentagon and the national
weapons laboratories, elite academic scientists, and business.
The political scientist Philip Frankenfeld has called the
resulting range of opinion "the sound of one wagon circling."
Public interest groups, grass roots organizations, and ordinary
citizens represent a negligible force."
---------------------
A posting of a proposed new cable regulation policy from Washington
State has generated considerable heated debate. It is intended to
prevent monopoly control over local systems and mandate universal
access. So far debate has divided along traditional lines - free
the marketplace vs protect us against it. The legislation in its
final form should benefit from the comments by an increased
precision of focus and clarified expression of its intent.
The one real benefit to most lurkers has been the posting of very
precise data on the percentage of american households with phone
service.
-----------------------
A provocative posting on problems with the communet movement also
generated a lot of comment. The poster suggested that most effort
at building geographic communities was a waste of time. A few folks
agreed but many respondents strongly disagreed.
" And most computer people are not interested in geographic
community. They use freenets as free (or cheap) on-ramps to the
Internet. [ provocative poster ]
" My personal experience contrasts with this. I *am* a Computer
Person (sounds like the beginnings of a 12 step program). Virtual
community appeals to me. I have made countless friends around the
US and around e world, and have shared joy and sadness with them.
I've gotten incredible advice and support from some of them, and
others have raised my blood pressure to unimaginable levels.
BUT ... although the WELL is not a community net in the sense of
free or low cost access, I am growing a local, geographic community
through the people I have met on this system. We have lunch. We
go to each others houses. I trust them. They hire me. I fall in
love with them. I see and touch them. Geographic, corporeal
community supplements the virtual.
And when I travel, the non-locals show me around, give me shelter,
and enrich my life.
The Internet is a big kick, but ultimately, it's boring. It's the
people who are out there using it that make it interesting. The
bottom line, I think, that computer-mediated communications works
for enough people that our efforts are not wasted."
The most interesting negative comment focused on the need to make
civic nets easy to use if we expect most people to get involved.
---------------------------
Another discussion focused on the question of subsidizing the
community nets and the Internet. Again the usual position were
taken, but the conclusion seemed to be that some form of subsidies
were inevitable. The issue was really how to do an effective job of
using the funding.
--------------------------------------
NPTN LISTSERV
Redefining NPTN is now its major task. 3 areas are being examined.
I. ORGANIZATIONAL ISSUES
How should NPTN define itself as an organization? More
specifically what are the key function(s) it should be playing over
the next three years?
II. COMMUNITY COMPUTING AND ECONOMICS
How do we build a stable economic model that will support the
development of both NPTN and each of the individual affiliate
systems?
III. NPTN AND POLITICAL ACTION
Should NPTN take an active stance in the development of federal.
state, and/or local legislation or regulation to promote the
development of community computing?
---------------------------
Nptn now has 108 affilated networks and organizing commities in 6
countries. All 6 countries - U.S., Canada, Finland, Germany,
Sweden, and New Zealand - have operating networks. With more on the
way.
---------------------------
Academy 1 - Nptn's K-12 program was featured on a recent segment of
the CNN special on the information Superhighway. Scripts can be
viewed on the Well's gopher --> well.nkosi.sf.ca.us
----------------------------
Access for the disabled is made more difficult by graphical
interfaces. Their voice synthesisers can't handle the "decoration".
Discussion emphasised the need to continue text based access even
as more graphical interfaces are introduced.
-----------------------------
The system administrator at the Finland Free-Net site
in Vaasa, Finland informed NPTN that they have changed their
Internet address. If you have Vaasa on your teleport,
please point it to: freeport.uwasa.fi
Remember this is a change in the VAASA site NOT in the Helsinki
site.
-----------------------------
Several Free-nets shared news of funding successes. Including local
alliances with T.V. stations and even army bases.
------------------------------
The collaborative project with the Congressional Office
of Technology Assessment has begun; and the following five
systems will run the "OTA Tele-
forum" feature for the next three weeks:
Buffalo Free-Net
Cleveland Free-Net
Denver Free-Net
Tallahassee Free-Net
Youngstown Free-Net
Over the next five years the Social Security Administration
(SSA) intends to spend about $1.1 billion on information systems
procurement and modernization. Critics of SSA--most notably
the General Accounting Office--say that SSA does not have a
solid justification for this huge investment. That they have not
shown that it will result in improved service delivery, or an
improved work environment.
To help settle this dispute both agencies turned to the
Congressional Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) to do a
study of the issue. The OTA, in turn, has asked the National
Public Telecomputing Network (NPTN) to set-up an electronic
forum which would allow YOU to express your opinions on the
matter.
Here's how it works...
When you enter the TeleForums you will be able to select any
(or all) of four issues to comment upon. The issues have to do
with:
1) SOCIAL SECURITY AND CUSTOMER INTERACTION
2) NETWORK ACCESS TO BENEFIT FILING SERVICES
3) DISTRIBUTION OF BENEFITS
4) YOUR GENERAL SATISFACTION WITH THE SSA
You then choose the issue you want to examine and READ THE FILE
CALLED "README." This file will contain a summary of the issue
and the kind of things we would like the discussions to focus on.
Each of these forums will be running simultaneously on NPTN
affiliates.
NEW SERVICES
===============
KNOWBOTS HAVE APPEARED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA!
A new command "the update command", enables users of the Library's
MELVYL databases to create a search in a database to be run
automatically on a weekly basis. As new records are added to
the database, with the results are sent to the users e-mail
address. This feature is often called "current awareness" or
"selective dissemination of information" (SDI). It is a convenient
way to stay current with recent journal articles on a particular
topic, the work of a particular author, new books on a topic being
cataloged for the UC collections, or the table of contents of
selected journals. This command may be used in any MELVYL database
except the PE (Periodical Titles) database.
AUTOMATED VERONICA MENU BUILDER
The use of veronica is estimated to be about 1,000,000 searches per
month now. There are only a few well-known sites offering veronica
access menus: Nevada, Minnesota, SUNET, NYSERNET, and a few
others. These access menus are used pretty heavily.
Steven Foster ( foster@nevada.edu ) has written a program which you
may use to create a menu of active veronica servers within your
gopher server menu. This program can be run frequently to ensure
that the menu does not display veronica sites which are down for
maintenance or unavailable because of network problems.
Tentatively it is called "maltshop". Version 0.2 is now
available.
You can fetch the program by gopher or by ftp.
By gopher: Path=0/veronica/maltshop-0.2
Host=veronica.scs.unr.edu
Port=70
Type=0
by ftp:
anonymous ftp to veronica.scs.unr.edu
/veronica-code/menu-builder-0.2
----------------------------
A PLACE TO ANNOUNCE NEW FREE SERVICES & SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS
Richard W. Wiggins <rww@mugwump.cl.msu.edu> announced:
comp.infosystems.announce
"This is to formally announce the creation of a new Usenet group,
comp.infosystems.announce. This news group was created to provide
a single place where Internet information providers can announce
newly-created and significantly-updated resources. The Call
for Votes for creation of this group passed 574:2, which is
believed to be a record ratio of Yes to No votes in a Usenet vote.
The group is moderated. In keeping with the charter, postings
should be announcements of new information resources, or new
releases of Internet navigation/document delivery tools. Followup
discussions should be carried out in other news groups in the
comp.infosystems hierarchy, or other Usenet groups, or mailing
lists, as appropriate. The initial moderator is Rich Wiggins,
[ Wiggins has been a major contributor to the development of the
Internet's cooperative spirit - ed ] He is the campus-wide
information system coordinator at Michigan State University.
Announcements to be posted should be sent via e-mail:
infosys@msu.edu
Administrivia should be sent to: infosys-request@msu.edu
This is a Usenet News group, not a mailing list. Please do not
send requests to subscribe to this news group. Please contact your
Internet service provider for information on how to read Usenet
News if you are not familiar with the options. If you might be
able to offer a mailing list gateway please let Wiggins know at
infosys-request@msu.edu.
To keep this news group useful and manageable, please think of it
as a place to announce new collections of information or
significant new versions of tools. This news group is intended to
primarily announce resources that are freely-available. By
"resources" we mean documents or tools that exist today and are
usable on the Internet. Announcements of conferences, seminars, new
network consulting companies, new print magazines or books, etc.
are best presented elsewhere.
-------------------------------------
FREE OFFER
PeaceNet World News Service (PWN) is a electronic mail delivered
news publication covering either a specific area of the world or an
issue of global importance. Each day, three to ten articles along
with a table of contents is delivered to you as a single e-mail
message.
PeaceNet World News Service brings relevant news not found
elsewhere. PeaceNet World News Service is a non-profit,
non-commercial service dedicated to a free and balanced flow of
multi-sourced news featuring first hand international news about
the environment, human rights, development, the United Nations
process, and the work of non-government organizations.
The anchor of the PeaceNet World News Service is the Inter
Press Service (IPS). IPS is ranked the world's fifth largest in
terms of media clients. Virtually invisible in the United States,
IPS aims to improve South->South and South->North news flows. While
western news agencies tend to focus on political affairs, coups,
crises and conflicts, IPS delivers news that is analytical and
contextualized, newsthat stresses global interdependence. IPS's
writers are all local people covering the areas in which they live.
IPS articles appear three days after copyright. In addition to
IPS, PWN includes sample articles from the PeaceNet and EcoNet
computer networks. Sources include the Pacific News Service, the
United Nation Information Centre, Third World Network Features and
others.
For a complete brochure with a signup form, prices and instructions
on testing out the service e-mail to pwn-info@igc.apc.org.
----------------------------------
ANOTHER EFFORT TO MAKE GOPHER SYSTEMS EASIER TO USE
"The William H. Welch Medical Library has released a new biomedical
gopher, the Welch Medical Library Gopher. The team that has
developed this gopher is taking a somewhat non-traditional approach
to organizing its menus selecting a task organization. We would be
very interested in hearing other developers thoughts about this
design scheme. The idea is that users connecting to the gopher
commonly have a task in mind. For instance they want to find
research supporting resources, or they want to check up on the
news, or they are looking for information on patient care.
To accommodate this desire on the part of users we have created the
following top level menu design.
1. Using this gopher server/
2. Welch Medical Library resources and services/
3. Basic science research resources/
4. Caring for patients/
5. Exploring the Internet/
6. Finding people on the Internet/
7. Funding resources/
8. Health policy resources/
9. Hopkins resources and services/
10. Keeping up with the news/
11. Scientific writing and publishing resources/
12. Teaching, education, and course resources/
One consequence of this design is that many resources are useful
for several tasks and thus there is a lot of redundancy in the
resources listed. We have also had to point to resources
relatively deeply embedded in other gopher servers. Merely
pointing to the NIH gopher is not sufficient, with the funding menu
we have to pinpoint the NIH funding information while we point to
NIH patient care resources under our third menu option." We have
undertaken this level of maintence complexity in the belief that we
are adding a lot of value to these resources by adopting the
task-based organizational scheme."
It can be accessed by gophering to
welchlink.welch.jhu.edu. Specific comments can be sent to
Karla Hahn <khahn@welchlink.welch.jhu.edu>
-----------------------------------------------
Statistics Canada is setting up a Gopher server with a WAIS search
engine. The Gopher will be used to disseminate information about
Statistics Canada, inform users on available reasources and provide
users with information on ordering statistical services and
products. They hope to make the Gopher a user drived service and
will be requesting suggestions and ideas from the user community
In addition, they will set up a LISTSERV. details will be supplied
when available.
I suggest anyone contacting them emphasise the need to place
publicly funded statistical data on the gopher without charge. It
is all to clear that that won't happen without lots of public
demand. STATSCAN is a bastion of the popular Canadian government
attitude - MAKE THEM PAY TWICE.
EVENTS
=============
The eighth annual Canadian Networking Conference will be held at
the University of Saskatchewan at Saskatoon from June 21 to 23,
1994. Networking '94 is held under the auspices of the CA*net,
CANARIE Associates, and NetNorth, and the regional networks across
Canada.
The Program Committee for Net'94 is seeking contributed papers
for this year's conference. The theme of the conference is
THE CANADIAN EXPERIENCE AND VISION
Papers relating to the theme or topics of practical interest to
the participants will be considered including:
o CANARIE projects
o New and interesting network-related applications
o Network management tools and techniques
o The Network as a tool - how networks enable new capabilities
o User experience
o Multimedia
o Network servers and services
o Supporting the Network User
The program will also include updates on networking
The presentation including any desired hand-outs must be
submitted by May 31, 1994.
Please direct other enquiries to:
Heather Friesen - e-mail: Net94@Usask.ca
----------------------------
REPRESENTATIVE SAM COPPERSMITH
announced a gopher server containing his position papers and press
releases. The gopher also has connections to other governmental
servers. To see it, point your gopher to Arizona State University.
Once here, select "Arizona Statewide Information" from the first
menu. Next select "U.S. Rep. Sam Coppersmith."
Rep. Coppersmith may be the first Congressperson to offer such a
service - they checked but did not find anyone else with one. He is
also one of those first 12 members testing e-mail. In addition, he
has a listserv based at ASU.
When asked why do it, Coppersmith said: 1) It is useful as a
learning tool to try out the Internet and see what's out there and;
2) It is a way to re-connect people with the government.
congressman Coppersmith's email address is (samaz01@hr.house.gov)
---------------------------------
Robert Brunwin de Jong, Wassenaar, The Netherlands wrote to inform
us: " yesterday the City of Amsterdam introduced its "digital city"
experiment. During the coming two or three months citizens from
that city and, in fact, from all over the country, as long as they
have a computer, communication software, a phone and a modem, can
phone in, access local government officiers, politicians and
documentation, and try the Internet.
Some free entry terminals have been situated in some public places,
and my evening newspaper tells me that the 20 special phone-lines
are not enough at all and that people were queuing up all day. Most
people do not succeed, they can not come thru because lines are
engaged most of the time.
The experiment was introduced by the deputy mayor of the city in a
short celebration in which he sent a message to vice president
Gore - fortunately nobody in the celebration room witnessed that,
due to a typing error, the message bounced. It went OK the second
time. We"ve not heard about Gore"s reply."
----------------------------
TRENDS
The rate of organization of new civic network commities is growing.
In Canada this week 2 new groups - unaffilated as of yet with any
larger group like NPTN or Telecommunities Canada - made their
existance know. One, HOMEnet, is focusing on several counties in
South Central Ontario; another is located in Winnipeg Manitoba.
-------------------------
The administration's leadership had lead to astonishing growth in
the commitment of new resources for K-12 programs. The major
announcement was from the announced alliance of Bell Atlantic
Corporation and Tele-Communications, Inc. (TCI). They promised the
largest corporate program ever to link classrooms to the NII.
Under the plan, known as the Basic Education Connection,
the more than 26,000 elementary and secondary schools in
areas served by the two companies ultimately will connect
to the national information infrastructure. This
represents about 25% of K-12 schools in the nation.
Bell Atlantic/TCI said they will consult with local
schools,education associations, higher education
authorities, the Congress, government agencies, and other relevant
authorities. They called upon those companies to provide their
services at no charge to K-12 schools, as well.
---------------------------------
Many of the listserves are showing a growing interest in multimedia
or graphics interfaces. These new efforts look more likely to
succeed than prior efforts at the introduction of protocals like
NAPLPS. Why? Because they are based on collectively evolved
standards that remain in the public domain.
Among the growing list of prior failures - Bell Canada has applied
to the CRTC to discontinue Alex (the videotext service). Bell
claims lack of interest among customers and service providers
(indeed, there are very few service providers left, and about the
only thing running is the electronic white pages). Despite the
fanfare of hi-res neato NAPLPS grafix, the gross commercialism of
the service did not hold the public's imagination for long.
---------------------------------
The public debate and industry response to administration efforts
is not all favorable. The following two items reposted from the
EDUCOM bi-weekly service are indications of the kind of obsticles
that lie ahead. We must all be involved in education the general
public on these issues.
BASIC SERVICES ONLY, PLEASE. Consumer groups are pressuring
government officials to ensure protection for people who only want
basic telephone service from the high costs of tomorrow's
electronic superhighway. The groups fear phone companies will
raise rates paid by ordinary phone users to finance high-tech
advancements benefiting mainly business and high-income customers.
(Toronto Globe & Mail, 01/07/94 B2).
BROAD OR NARROW? The Supreme Court is considering whether cable TV
should be given the broad free-speech protection given to
newspapers or the more narrow protection granted to broadcast TV
and sales. Cable companies are arguing that the government is
infringing on their rights by forcing them to local broadcast
stations. (The Trenton Times 1/13/94 D1)
==============================================
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a public service of FUTURE DATA; a
partnership of researchers and research system designers. Our
research resources include all commercial and non commercial
nets, along with over 200 cd-rom databases, 50,000 magazines and
more than 30 million books. For commercial services contact
Gwyneth Store - circa@io.org
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enguire about this newsletter
contact Sam Sternberg samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.010
+774
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,774 @@
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : January 23, 1994
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
compiler : Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
The 4th report of 1994 is the 10th weekly survey.
Coverage includes
LEGISLATION and RELATED ACTIVITIES
DISCUSSIONS - NEW SERVICES
EVENTS - FUNDING - TRENDS
CANADIAN COMMUNITY NETWORKING BACKGROUND REPRORT
=====================================================
LEGISLATION and RELATED ACTIVITIES
The pace of legislative activity outside the Federal arena is
picking up dramaticly. This week posting to various lists showed
that at least 3 states, Minessota, Vermont, and Washington had
groups working on legislation philosophicly in line with the
Clinton agenda. In addition municipal legislation is being worked
on in Seattle and a neighbourhood oriented effort is underway in
Harlem.
------------------------
Efforts to move the agenda on the regulatory front include Bell
Atlantic's submission to the Department of Justice for a
regulatory waiver. It included evidence that foreign telco-
companies operating in the states are free to act in ways that
U.S. companies can't.
"It is ironic, while Bell Atlantic must wait
for a waiver to be approved, foreign telephone companies are
already beginning to provide long distance telephone and
satellite delivery services on U.S. soil." British Telecom now
owns an interest in MCI, which provides long distance and is
preparing to enter the local telephone business in the U.S.
Similarly, Bell Canada plans to provide local telephone service
through its ownership interest in the cable
systems of Jones Intercable.
Cable TV companies, like TCI and Liberty, have never
operated under the restrictions imposed on the Bell companies by
the MFJ. As a result, a number of the cable TV properties owned
by TCI and Liberty cross existing LATA boundaries, and the
companies utilize satellite ransmission to deliver programming.
The waiver Bell Atlantic is seeking would resolve decree issues
relating to the merger." {between bell and TCI- ed}
----------------------
James Love <love@essential.org> reports that the
TAXPAYER ASSETS PROJECT is working on the issue of
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE NETWORKS, AND THE STATUS OF
PUBLIC RECORDS, OPEN MEETINGS, AND FOIA
Government officials are trying to avoid making records of their
actions and communications public, by using commercial services
or storing their records at internet sites outside the U.S.
TAP is trying to get legislation passed to prevent this abuse of
the public's right to know.
In an indirectly related matter the World Wildlife Fund is
seeking regulatory assistance from the Whitehouse in " directing
all agencies of the federal government to establish processes for
accepting on-line comments to public notices. Please express
support by sending your comments to president@whitehouse.gov --
Bill Clinton's e-mail address.
The issue here is one of refusing to permit citizen access to
governmental proceedings by the most expedient means available.
----------------------
One of those active in framing the Washington state legislation
is all a proponent of a populist alternative to civic nets.
The idea is creating a telecommunication cooperative. This is a
legal business form in the U.S. The item makes it clear that the
pricing is very attractive and the concept needs very little
legislative support to go further. I found the material
informative and was struck by the possibility of uniting the
cooperative idea with the idea of civic networking. Many people
involved in the Civic movement resent those who want to use such
organization merely as "onramps to the Internet"; This offers an
interesting alternative approach.
This material comes from the gopher --> glaids.wa.com
---> SPI-Information
The Seattle Peoples's Internet Cooperative
------------------------------------------
(or, how a bunch of people can share a connection to the
Internet)
Contents
=======
-1- Why a cooperative?
-2- Other Internet Cooperatives
-3- What's involved?
-4- How much will it cost?
-5- Some (very) rough estimates
-6- Other Costs
-7- Why not wait for a for-profit company to do this?
-8- What a network cooperative is NOT
-9- How do we do it?
-10- Sign up to the Seattle Peoples's Internet email list!
Appendix:
-A1- What do you do with a direct Internet connection?
=================================================================
=======
-1- Why a cooperative?
=======
Cheap, easy, and fast Internet service is something a lot of
people look forward to. Why isn't it available now? One answer is
that big companies haven't found a way to make a lot of money at
it.
That doesn't mean it can't be done tho. If you want a product
or service that isn't available where you are, one way to get it
is to form a cooperative to provide it! A cooperative is a group
of people each contributing a little bit of their time, money,
and organizational skills to the group for their mutual benefit.
Cooperatives have a long and successful history in the United
States; there are electric, telephone, and water cooperatives in
many communities around the country. Why not an Internet coopera-
tive?
=======
-2- Other Internet Cooperatives
=======
In fact, most of the Internet is already owned and operated by
cooperatives; NorthWestNet, BARRnet, CERFnet, and other 'regional
networks' are cooperatives that serve organizations (colleges,
corporations) instead of individuals. The NSFnet, the 'backbone'
of the Internet, is a cooperative that serves the regional
cooperatives.
.....................................
=======
-4- How much will it cost?
=======
Leasing data lines and paying commercial Internet providers
costs money, but by sharing it we can reduce the cost to where we
can each afford it individually.
It's a lot easier nowadays to get a connection without many
restrictions on it-- one that we can distribute to other people
freely. SprintLink sells service like this, and it is possible to
get resellable service from other vendors or organizations. This
fairly recent development makes it a great deal easier to share a
connection.
A high speed (T1) Internet feed from a commercial provider can
cost almost $3,000 per month-- but if 60 people share it, the
cost per person is only $50; if 120 people share it, it is $25
per month. And that is for near-Ethernet bandwidth to the Inter-
net! Until recently the University of Washington, all 50,000 stu-
dents and staff, used just one (1) T1 Internet feed...! Of course
there are the costs in-city to connect us together, but each
group can pay the cost of a lower-cost leased line to connect to
the Coop's Internet feed, and pay some of the costs associated
with obtaining the feed.
-------------------------
Regarding the effort in SEATTLE:
"In 1990, Washington State passed a comprehensive Growth
Management Act which required municipalities to prepare
detailed plans for sustainable development.
In April, after three years of consultation with all segments
of the community, the City of Seattle published its 531-page
Draft Comprhensive Plan (DCP). This contains detailed analyses
and proposals around issues of land use, transportation,
housing, utilities, economic development, neighborhood
planning, and citizen participation.
As part of our ongoing work with various City agencies and
other groups on community network development, Horse Horse
Lion Lion presented a report to the Planning Department on how
community networks could further the goals of the DCP.
I'm..... putting it up for ftp from
ftp.u.washington.edu /usr/ftp/pub/user-supported/horsehorse/
grwth_mgmt11.txt. "
For further infornation contact Steve Hodas
<hhll@universe.digex.com>
----------------------
California's legislation mandating public access to legislative
information came into effect on January 1. The first pieces of
information are now available.
ftp to leginfo.public.ca.gov. dox and files from the Legislative
Data Center can be found there.
also:
Type=1+
Name=California Legislature
Path=1/Government/California Legislature
Host=svpal.org
Port=70
URL: gopher://svpal.org:70/1/1/Government/California Legislature
for further information email ray@svpal.org with suggestions.
thanx - ray kiddy , Ganymede Resources
"btw, for those interested, i am offering gopher access and
browsing to all comers for free. i will be offering value-added
services (which will not not restrict access) in the future. this
would be something like fax-back, and weekly sheets on action for
legislation of interest to you. for those who have the time, but
not the dineros, please gopher on over! for those who over being
over-charged for legislative info and want value-
added services, e-mail to ray@svpal.org. thanx."
----------------------------
Despite an effort by one regular participant, postings to the
Communet listserv did not respond to last weeks White House
request for ideas related to the new empowerment zones
initiative.
DISCUSSIONS
Communet <listserv@uvmvm.bitnet>
A few messages strongly critical of the administrations approach
were posted. These focused on the administrations interest in
seeing the net build primarily with corporate funds. One poster
said that the initiative ignores the cooperative spirit that
characterized the development of the Internet. Another noted that
prior efforts to regulate the telecommunications industry have
all been deemed failures.
The most interesting posting on the theme of business involvement
was a speech which reviewed the history of business efforts to
produce financially viable network systems. To date dozens of
efforts involving hundreds of millions of dollars have largely
failed. There are a few exceptions, such as America Online, now
emerging.
-------------------------
NPTN admin listserv
Most of the postings discussed issues related to community
support. A secondary thread dealt with the use of World Wide Web.
The TREND section includes information on WWW and civic nets.
Tom Grunder - the founder of the Civic network movement posted a
message designed to redirect some of the focus of the freenet
movement back to its original goals. A few respondants felt that
focus as Grundner expressed it was too narrow.
"we occupy a unique niche, one that is not (as yet) occupied by
ANYone else because what we're advocating is perceived as either
not profitable enough, not sexy enough, completely crazy, or all
three. THAT fact is our shelter, and I believe the key to our
survival and eventually our prosperity. Our view is both valid
and unique and, more importantly, one that MUST be returned
to once the current sugar-high wears off.
The following is what I believe a Free-Net is about.
It is not to say that what others are doing is wrong--it's
just not what WE do. If you depart from it, I think
you are doing so at your peril.
........
What constitues a Free-Net? How do you distinguish it from,
let's say, a simple BBS that a hobbiest might run? In many ways
that is what this entire book is about, but I think there are
some distinguishing characteristics that we can summarize.
1) *First and foremost, a Free-Net system is driven by the
information and communications needs of the community.* As you
will see below, the key ingredient in the operation of any Free-
Net are the "sysops" (System Operators)--the community volunteers
who, by operating the various SIGs (Special Interest Groups) give
your system its unique character. But more importantly, it is
these community information providers that cause your system to
literally wrap itself around the information needs of your
community. In short, a Free-Net is not something that YOU do for
the community; it is something the community does for itself.
2) *A community computer has its governance and organizational
roots in the community.* No Free-Net was ever created by one
person. No Free-Net was ever operated by one person. No one
person "owns" any given Free-Net. And it is definitely NOT
something you do in your basement as a hobby. It is a
professionally operated system that is designed to serve the
broadest possible spectrum of people in your community. As a
result, the organizing committees you form and the governing
boards you create, must reflect the diversity of that
population-- schools, government, the business community, senior
citizens, handicapped, and so on.
3) *A Free-Net is free--sort'a.* Free-Net community computers
were originally designed to be completely free to the user in the
same sense that a public library, for example, is free to its
patrons. This, however, is not the same thing as saying that
they cost nothing to operate; and the on-going challenge of
raising the monies to support these systems is one of the
critical issues facing community networking today.
........
Most Free-Nets are indeed "free to the user."
Some Free-Nets are... well... let's call them "Cheap-Nets."
ALL systems, however, are dedicated to bringing the benefits of
the Information Age, to as many people as possible, at the lowest
cost possible.
4) *A community computer is a multi-user system.* That is, it is
a computer that can be accessed by more than one person at a
time. This can range from a four or five line system in a very
rural area, to 150-200 line system at a large urban site. The
mission of a community computer is to serve the information and
communications needs of a large and diverse population. You will
need a multi-line system to even begin to do that.
5) *A community computer has connectivity to the world outside
of itself.* Just as your city does not live in a vacuum, neither
does your community computer system. As a result, all of the
Free-Nets associated with our organization, the National Public
Telecomputing Network, are connected in some way to the Internet.
In some cases this connection is via a direct, high-speed, 1.4 mb
per second T-1 connection; and in other cases it might be via a
2400 baud "uucp" link that fetches electronic mail twice a day--
but the connection is there. This is an important
characteristic.
6) *A community computer is NOT just an on-ramp to the Internet.*
What I am about to write is considered heresy in some quarters
(nothing new in that), but... I think the Internet is, by itself,
a trap. I know that everyone is excited about the prospects of
Information Superhighways, and newer, faster, more powerful
networks.
BUT...
I do not believe America's progress into the Information Age
will be measured by the number of people we can make *dependent*
upon the Internet. I believe that, if we enter this age with
equity at all, it will be because of LOCAL people, building LOCAL
systems, to meet LOCAL needs. That's YOU, building Free-Nets, in
cities and towns all over the country. THAT is how we will enter
this new age with equity!
=============================================================
NEW SERVICES
An electronic mail address list "
for people who experience "
moods swings, voices, and visions"
"I would like to create an Internet electronic mail address list
for people " who experience moods swings, voices, and visions
("people who"). The" list would be used to further low cost
exchange of information to serve cohesion and mutuality, and
support increased power for "people who.""
Sylvia Caras <sc@deeptht.armory.com>"
=============================================================
EVENTS
UPCOMING PUBLIC INTEREST MEETING
a group of some 100 public interest groups is organizing a
"Public Interest Summit on the National Data Superhighway" for
February 22 in Washington, probably at the Smithsonian. For more
information on the Public Interest Data Summit, contact the
Center for Media Education, Jeff Chester, 202-628-2620, or email:
cme@access.digex.net
[ Attendance at events like this is vital if we are to fight for
control of part of the net from interests like those holding the
next conference listed. ed ]
---------------------------
A conference from the Internet Society on the other kind of
community networking......This is the corporate version and
vision. Notice that the planners are listed alphabeticly by
Corporation. Business first - people second. Oh Well....
FIRST INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON COMMUNITY NETWORKING
INTEGRATED MULTIMEDIA SERVICES TO THE HOME
July 13-14, 1994
Westin Hotel, San Francisco Bay, California, USA
Sponsored by the IEEE Communications Society
In collaboration with ACM SIGCOMM, the Internet Society, and
Smart Valley
Community networking concerns the network infrastructures that
will bring integrated multimedia services to home users.
.......community networking services will not necessarily be work
oriented and will range from entertainment to shopping to
information services. At present, community networking
technology is driven by the requirements of video-on-demand, most
notably high bandwidth (compared to narrowband), bandwidth
asymmetry, and the delay-jitter constraints imposed by today's
limited-storage TV set-top devices. As various other
services develop, community networking will evolve to include
integrated multimedia communication and user-to-user
applications. Community networking must also provide access to
resources located outside the community, in an increasingly
global repository of information of every conceivable type.
Since very little has been published to date on the topic of
community networking, this workshop will give researchers and
professionals the chance to share their views and advance the
state of the art in this field.
RELEVANT AREAS: Contributions are encouraged in the four areas
listed below with relevant topics:
1. APPLICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: types of applications; coding;
set-top operating systems; QoS networking requirements
(symmetric/asymmetric bandwidth, delay, and losses); security
and privacy; service models; user interface and navigation
facilities.
2. LOCAL DISTRIBUTION TECHNOLOGY: topology; fiber /cable /UTP
/wireless; modulation, bandwidth allocation; MAC (reverse
channel); role of ATM; dependencies on equipment/network in the
home (e.g., TV set-top).
........ SEVERAL TECHNICAL TOPICS OMMITED HERE..................
PROGRAM COMMITTEE:
Program Co-Chairs:
Martin De Prycker Alcatel Bell Telephone, Antwerp, Belgium
Riccardo Gusella Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, Palo Alto,
Committee Members:
Joel Winthrop AT&T Bell Labs
Alexander D. Gelman Bellcore
Gordon Kerr BT Labs
Jurgen Brommelhoff Digital Equipment Corporation
Matthew D. Miller General Instruments
Jeff H. Derby IBM Corporation
David Skellern Macquarie University, Sydney
Andrew Lippman MIT, Media Lab
Joydeep Bose National Computer Board, Singapore
Tetsuya Miki NTT Transmission Systems Laboratories
Andrew Laursen Oracle Corporation
G. Keith Cambron Pacific Bell
Albert J. Stienstra Philips Research
H. Allen Ecker Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
Mario P. Vecchi Time Warner Cable, Inc.
----------------------------------
Of more immediate interest is this call for Workshop Proposals
"Developing an Effective and Equitable Information
Infrastructure"
Directions and Implications of Advanced Computing (DIAC-94)
Symposium
Cambridge, MA, USA
April 23 - 24, 1994
The DIAC-94 symposium is a two-day symposium and will consist of
presentations on the first day and workshops on the second day.
The DIAC Symposia are held biannually and DIAC-94 will be CPSR's
fifth such conference. We encourage your participation both
through attending and through conducting a workshop. We are
currently soliciting workshop proposals. We suggest proposals on
the following themes but any topic relating to the symposium
theme is welcome.
Systems and Services
Policy
+ Community networks
+ Funding
+ Information services
+ Role of government
+ Delivery of social services + Economic modeling of networks
+ Privacy (including medical) + Commercialization of the NII
+ Educational support
+ Universal access
+ Meeting diverse needs
+ Freedom of expression and community standards
Electronic Democracy - Directions and Implications
............................topics ommited
International Issues
............................topics ommited
Traditional and Virtual Communities
............................topics ommited
Networking for indigenous peoples
Proposals are due February 15, 1994 and acceptance and
rejection notices will be sent by March 15, 1994. To
discuss workshops, obtain a submission guide, or to submit
proposals for workshops contact the program chair, Doug Schuler,
doug.schuler@cpsr.org
Sponsored by Computer Professionals for Social Responsbility,
Co-sponsored by the Internet Society and the MIT Communications
Forum.
===========================================================
FUNDING
these two sites both contain excellent funding sections with
material not found at most other sites.
gopher ---> eis.calstate.edu -----> GRANTS
-------------------> Corporate funding Information
gopher ---> fang.cc.lehigh.edu -----> Grants and Funding
============================================================
TRENDS
More and more Civic Networks are exploring gopher and World Wide
Web. The first WWW based freenet has just been announced. The
following material will be useful to those interested in further
investigating the use of WWW for their system.
-------------------------------
Introduction: What is World Wide Web
Rather than merely a menu of items and ascii text or images (as
with gopher), hypertext allows fully formatted text.
WWW clients can also directly access the following servers:
* WAIS * Network News * Gopher * Telnet * Anonymous FTP
* TechInfo * X.500 * WHOIS
----------------------------------
The Huron Valley Free-Net will be going on-line on May 1, 1994.
For software, the HVFN is taking a progressive step in using the
World Wide Web protocol as the core of its Managed Access Shell.
The HVFN will not only provide complete and friendly vt100
service, but will also allow access via free GUI clients such as
Mosaic. e-mail mythical@mpcc.org
The group has started a discussion listserv on Web for civic
nets. Conntact the above site for more information.
----------------------------------------
If you'd like to try the World Wide Web, some of the browsers are
available in the following directory: "World Wide Web Clients"
from the gopher ---> www0.cern.ch
* Terminal based browsers
* PC Running Windows
* Macintosh
* X-Windows
* NeXTStep
-------------------------------------
An upcomming conference relating to Web matters is being planned:
the NCSA Software Development Group (SDG) is planning an
information technologies software user conference with a focus on
Mosaic to be held sometime in late May or early June, 1994.
Now is your chance to help determine the topics for that
conference. SDG is considering including Collage and HDF as well
as Mosaic topics. Please take a look at the topics listed below
and tell us which ones would be of interest. Also list any other
topics that you think would be of use to a number of people. We
are interested in hearing all of your suggestions.
Direct all responses to: citconf94@ncsa.uiuc.edu .
Topics under consideration:
* Future outlooks:
1. Where we stand now - current status.
2. What is the future of Mosaic?
3. What is the future of the network?
4. What is the future of cyberspace?
5. What should be encouraged in WWW development?
6. Who are the communities we should be hearing more
from?
7. What is the future of HDF and
integration?
8. What is the future of CIT at NCSA?
* Interesting applications. Mosaic and WWW use:
1. in libraries
2. in education
3. in medicine
4. in business
5. in government
6. in science
7. in arts and humanities
8. in ...
* Tutorials:
1. HTML - building documents, advanced users.
2. Introduction to Mosaic.
3. Advanced features of Mosaic.
4. How to move information between
Gopher/Web/FTP/WAIS...databases, other information sources.
5. System administration of Web servers.
6. Management of content on Web servers.
Special sessions on Mac, MS Windows and X Mosaic users and uses.
* Day preceding or following the main conference for developer
discussions.
_________________________________________________________________
Those readers who are unfamiliar with web and its workings can
take a text based look at it by accessing EIT's WWW server using
character terminals using the WWW login at CERN - HOME OF THE WEB
(telnet info.cern.ch) for a line-mode interface, or
you can find out how to retreive a full screen character
interface called "lynx" by logging into a demonstration of it
telnet -----> journal.biology.carleton.ca
and log in as "www", no password).
-------------------------------------
New services like this one are the basis for much of the
interest in Web:
"Introducing the
******
**** Graphics, Visualization, & Usability Center ****
***** HREF="www.gatech.edu/gvu/gvutop.html" *****
******
WWW Database
Although we have been around for a while, we are
still pleased to offically announce our database.
With in our database are text, movies, and images on:
o Animation
o Image Understanding
o Image Understanding
o Medical Informatics
o Scientific Visualization
o Software Visualization
o Virtual Environments
Plus Accss to:
o GVU Technical Reports
o The GVU Users's Guide
o The WWW User Survey
o and more!
For those of you reading this with a WWW Browser,
<A HREF="www.gatech.edu/gvu/gvutop.html">Click HERE</A>
to get there in the point and click way!
Rob Kooper & James Pitkow
Graphics, Visualization and Usability Center
Georgia Institute of Technology
GVU Mosaic Staff
mosaic@cc.gatech.edu
--------------------------------------------
The level of interest has been spectacular. Web use grew over
3,000 percent in 93. The percent of Internet based information
now stored on WWW sites has gone from 5% to 50% in one year. All
told an estimated 130 Terabytes of data is on web servers.
=========================================
THE CANADIAN DOMAIN - A BACKGROUND REPORT
=========================================
Canada's various levels of government is just beginning to take a
serious interest in the opportunities and challenges presented by
the Internet.
The per capita growth of the Internet has been slower in Canada
that in the U.S.
As of January 21, 1994 Canada had a Total of 792 registered
domains, with the most impressive numbers coming from the
University section; where almost all libraries are now internet
connected and have accessible catalogues.
The past year saw one other section with remarkable growth. The
freenet movement has really taken hold. Freenets will soon
stretch across Canada from coast to coast. Every major city has a
community network in the planning stages. Gareth Shearman -
maintainer of the official Canadian Freenet list - reports the
following activity.
"First, the three operational Free-Nets (two public and one going
public soon):
National Capital FreeNet - Ottawa, Ontario
Contact: David Sutherland (daves@ccs.carleton.ca)
Victoria Free-Net - Victoria, British Columbia
contact: Gareth Shearman (shearman@freenet.victoria.bc.ca)
Community Information Access Organization (CIAO) - Trail, British
Columbia - contact: Ken McClean (kmcclean@ciao.trail.bc.ca)
Now, the organizing committees (West to East):
Vancouver Regional Free-Net - Vancouver, British Columbia
contact: Brian Campbell (briancam@vpl.vancouver.bc.ca)
Sea to Sky Free-Net - Squamish/Whistler/Pemberton, British
Columbia - contact: Detlef Rudolph (drudolph@cue.bc.ca)
Prince George Free-Net - Prince George, British Columbia
contact: Lynda Williams (williams@cnc.bc.ca)
Fort St. John FreeNet - Fort St. John, British Columbia
contact: Ian Baxter (IBAXTER@ftstjohn.env.gov.bc.ca)
Rocky Mountain Info Net - Sparwood/Fernie, British Columbia
contact: Brian Grainger (ub408@freenet.victoria.bc.ca)
Metropolitan Edmonton Information Network (M.E.I.N.) - Edmonton,
Alberta - contact: W. Leigh Hill (Leigh_Hill@ae.ucs.ualberta.ca)
Calgary Free-Net - Calgary, Alberta
contact: Shawn Douglas Henry (henry@acs.ucalgary.ca)
Saskatoon Free-Net - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
contact: Peter Scott (scottp@herald.usask.ca)
Winnipeg Free-Net - Winnipeg, Manitoba
contact: ?????
Lakehead (?) - Thunder Bay, Ontario
contact: Bruce Handford (FBAHAND@CS-ACAD-LAN.LakeheadU.CA)
North Shore Free-Net - Elliot Lake, Ontario
contact: Alan Wilson (alanwils@vef.north.net)
Niagara Free-Net Association - St. Catharines, Ontario
contact: Jon Radue (jradue@sandcastle.cosc.brocku.ca)
Toronto Free-Net - Toronto, Ontario
contact: Laine G.M. Ruus (laine@vm.utcc.utoronto.ca)
Halton Free-Net - Oakville, Ontario
contact: Chris Moore (ag956@freenet.carleton.ca)
Sudbury Regional Freenet - Sudbury, Ontario
contact: STEVE@nickel.laurentian.ca
Durham Steering Committee - Oshawa, Ontario
contact: Steven Cavanaugh (rn.3756@rose.com)
Hamilton (?) - Hamilton, Ontario
contact: Jim Bryce (BRYCE@McMaster.ca)
HOMEnet - Huron, Oxford, Middlesex and Elgin counties, Ontario
contact: ??????
Montreal Free-Net - Montreal, Quebec
contact: Sean Marrett (sean@pet.mni.mcgill.ca)
Fredericton Free-Net - Fredericton, New Brunswick
contact: Greg Sprague (gls@unb.ca)
Halifax Free-Net - Halifax, Nova Scotia
contact: Renee Davis (davisr@duncan.alt.ns.ca)
Cape Breton Free-Net - Nova Scotia
contact: Ian MacIntosh (macinto@nssc.library.ns.ca)
St. John's Free-Net - St. John's Newfoundland
contact: Louise McGillis (mcgillis@morgan.ucs.mun.ca)
==============================================
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a public service of FUTURE DATA; a
partnership of researchers and research system designers. Our
research resources include all commercial and non commercial
nets, along with over 200 cd-rom databases, 50,000 magazines and
more than 30 million books. For commercial services contact
Gwyneth Store - circa@io.org
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enguire about this newsletter
contact Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.011
+440
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@@ -0,0 +1,440 @@
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : January 31, 1994
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
compiler : Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
The 5th report of 1994 is the 11th weekly survey.
Coverage includes
CORRECTIONS - INTERNET POLITICS - DISCUSSIONS - NEW SERVICES
CANADIAN NET EVENTS
CORRECTIONS:
------------
For more information on SEATTLE PEOPLES' INTERNET
Cooperative, people can write to Adam Feuer;
member and board president, Seattle Peoples' Internet Cooperative
adamfast@u.washington.edu
voice: (206) 996-0794
fax: (206) 782-5776
Jonathan Magid <jem@SunSite.unc.edu> wrote to remind me that the list of
ideas about using Free-nets for improving local communities actually came from
sunsite. "I would not mind an acknowledgement of SunSITE's role in bringing
this material on-line."
NEW BRUNSWICK WILL BE THE FIRST PROVINCE in Canada to appoint a
cabinet minister responsible for the development of the electronic
information highway, Premier Frank McKenna announced.
Georges Corriveau (MLA-Madawaska-les-Lacs) was named the New
Brunswick minister of state for the electronic information highway.
New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna can be reached through e-mail, at
the following Internet address: <premier@gov.nb.ca>
INTERNET POLITICS
-----------------
The Clinton administration is proposing a new section for the
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT:
"VII. Regulation of Two-Way, Broadband Transmission Services
(Title VII)
The Administration proposes adding a new Title VII to
the Communications Act to apply, on an elective basis, to
providers of two-way, broadband, digital transmission
services, offered on a switched basis to end users. The
Administration would emphasize these services because, well
into the 21st century, they will connect and empower the
American public by providing them with a variety of voice,
data, video services, and other information that will enhance
our nation's economic competitiveness and the quality of life
of our citizens.
A new Title VII would provide a unified, symmetric
treatment of providers of two-way broadband services, in
contrast to the present disparate treatment of common
carriers and cable operators under Titles II and VI of the
Act. It also would provide important incentives to promote
private sector development of this part of the NII and spur
availability of advanced services on a widespread basis. The
Administration recognizes that communications services are
developing in a rapidly changing technical and marketplace
environment. A new Title VII would create a regulatory
regime that should stand the test of time by providing the
FCC with the flexibility to adapt its regulatory approach in
light of changes in market and technological conditions."
The new section would streamline regulations for companies
that chose to be regulated under it. At the same time it
would reguire them to meet specific guarantees for public access,
open system features, privacy, and even the provision of public
"data" phone booths.
-----------------
Chris Casey <chris_casey@kennedy.senate.gov> of the office of Sen. Edward
Kennedy says "Some progress is being made here on the Hill. The Senate now
has an anonymous ftp server running. It's sparsly populated, only Kennedy
and Stevens have posted anything so far, but I imagine the rest will
find their way shortly. At least it's a start. The fact that the Senate
has an anonymous ftp server is not a secret, but I don't think it's widely
known either."
You can access the server by FTPing to ftp.senate.gov, logging in as
"anonymous" (without the quotes) and giving your email address as password.
This service is provided by the Office of the U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms
and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration.
It contains general information files about the United States
Senate in the directory "general". Directories are also provided for
specific Senators' offices, in alphabetical order by two-letter state
abbreviations, and for Senate committees and other Senate offices.
The "releases" subdirectories contain press releases and related materials,
and "general" subdirectories contain information of long-term interest such
as office contacts.
--------------------
The current issue of Alawon - the library oriented congressional watch
newsletter points out that illegal regulations have been promulgated in what
are essentially power struggles over potential control of government
information. REVENUE GENERATION is at the heart of this perversion of U.S.
law.
" NTIS REGULATIONS PLACE RESTRICTIONS ON GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
The National Technical Information Service published final regulations in
the January 3 _Federal Register_, pp. 6-12, that place restrictions on the
use of NTIS databases in depository libraries. The final rule on the
transfer of scientific, technical and engineering information to NTIS
contains a new set of provisions under which NTIS promises to distribute
two NTIS databases to depository libraries "on the condition that they
agree to ensure that online access to the NTIS listing...is restricted to
the Library and its staff and that the full text provided online...are
available only to the community served by that Library." These provisions,
for which no opportunity for public comment was provided, appear to
contradict the law governing the Depository Library Program and the Office
of Management and Budget's Circular A-130 by restricting the use and reu
of government information.
While NTIS may improve public access to some scientific and technical
information, by law agencies are required to make virtually every kind of
published government information available to GPO's Depository Library
Program (44 U.S.C. 1902 and 1903). Publications are to be made available
by depositories "for the free use of the general public" (44 U.S.C. 1911).
There is no provision in the American Technology Preeminence Act (which
NTIS cites as the statutory authority for their regulations) which
establishes a depository distribution requirement for NTIS, permits NTIS to
assume depository distribution responsibilities assigned to GPO and federal
agencies, or exempts agencies from compliance with the requirements of
chapter 19 of Title 44 with respect to scientific, technical and
engineering information.
In the comments section preceding the final rule (p. 9), NTIS was frank
about the reason for the restrictions it imposed on depository use of its
databases: "The new regulations will also obligate DL's to protect the
information provided to them (Section 1180.11(d)(6)). This is important
because the improper disclosure of this valuable information could
seriously erode NTIS's ability to operate on a self-sustaining basis. For
example, improper dissemination of the list of products could significantly
reduce the rental value of NTIS's bibliographic database as an income-
producing asset." No such restrictions on government information are
permitted in the law governing depository libraries. Additionally, OMB
Circular A-130 directs agencies to "avoid establishing restrictions or
regulations, including the charging of fees or royalties, on the reuse,
resale, or redissemination of Federal information dissemination products by
the public" (58FR36072).
When ALA past president Marilyn Miller commented on NTIS' proposed
regulations announced in the May 11, 1993 _Federal Register_, pp. 27681-4,
she made several comments on the proposed rules. Although ALA supported
NTIS in its efforts to provide government information to libraries and the
general public, Miller expressed concern about agency noncompliance with
the GPO depository requirements. She was also concerned about the
exceedingly broad definition of "scientific, technical and engineering
." The definition in the final regulations remains extremely
road and includes: "Information that bears on business and industry
generally, such as economic information, market information and related
information, if the agency determines such information would be of value to
consumers of the information" described in another paragraph as "basic and
applied research that results from the efforts of scientists and engineers
in any medium...."
Several comments expressed by Miller and other library associations were
acted on and included in the January 3 final rule. The regulations state
regulations do not exempt an agency from following compliance
requirements to distribute publications through the Depository Library
Program. Miller also called for "co-operation not competition," procedures
for facilitating cooperation between NTIS, federal agencies, and
depositories.
The regulations are effective February 1. For further information,
contact Donald Corrigan at 703-487-4636.
ALAWON (ISSN 1069-7799) is an irregular publication of the American Library
Association Washington Office, 110 Maryland Avenue, N.E., Washington, DC
20002-5675. Internet: alawash@alawash.org; Phone: 202-547-4440;
Fax: 202-547-7363. Editor: Carol C. Henderson (cch@alawash.org).
To subscribe, send the message "subscribe ala-wo [your name]" to
listserv@uicvm (Bitnet) or listserv@uicvm.uic.edu (internet). Back issues
and other documents are available from the list server. To find out what's
vailable, send the message "send ala-wo filelist" to the listserv. The
ALA-WO filelist contains the list of files with the exact filename and
filetype. To get a particular file, issue the command "send filename
filetype" to the listserv. Do not include the quotes in your commands.
DISCUSSION
----------
In general the amount of discussion on all internet listservs covering
community networks was low. A major flame war broke out over a
proposal to use 1 billion dollars in pentagon funds to create an institute
to beef up the content of the Internet in areas of interest to the U.S.
Intelligence community. The proposed "foundation"; would act as a front
"cutout" for the "community". Funding resource development without revealing
which elements of the intelligence community were interested.
Freenet-admin listserv:
An alternative view on the structure of Civic nets was posted.
" One of the things that will make Free-Nets more economical to run and
maintain is when we can turn off our last dial-up telephone/modem line
and have a single network connection
without cutting any of our patrons off from our service. It won't happen
tomorrow, but it will happen. That will relieve us of this function and
allow us to devote full time to the purpose of the Free-Net."
Andrew L. Hollander, <Andrew.L.Hollander.1@nd.edu> continues;
" my view is that Free-Nets are information service providers to
the local and networked community. Their niche is to provide,
electronically, that information that is unique to the locallity that the
Free-Net covers. That has been, and will always be, first and foremost,
the reason for being. In effect, we will be one shelf of books in the
Internet library. Internet access, e-mail, and network news are extremely
nice features of Free-Nets, for the moment. However, with increased local
access directly to these other services, they will become redundant, out
moded and not cost effective for a Free-Net to provide.
I see this as a natural evolution of Free-Nets, and something to look
forward to while we struggle with how to provide the ancillary functions
that we should and/or need to carry until other easier entry points to the
Information Superhighway are available to individuals in our communities.
It may take 5, 10, or 15 years, but we should have our eyes open to the
future of our service."
Also discussed on the admin list was a call for a document archive to be
created which would hold developmental information for those wanting to
create new civic nets.
Freenet-tech listserv:
Discussion of the use of WEB and hypertext continued and was extended into
the area of using offline mail readers. Also discussed were techniques for
handling multiple languages.
Communet listserv:
Most of the posting had a random character. Of some general interest were
further information on the CoNet movement in Minnesota. This is an attempt
to base civic nets on the use of "parti" conferencing software. They also
seek close relationships with public broadcasters.
There were several posts with heartfelt calls for a defence against the
administration's decision to embrace the commercial world as the developer
of NII. Unfortunately, they did not include any suggestions for concrete
actions that could be undertaken.
Two recent newspaper articles opposing the administration's goal of Universal
Access were summerized and list readers were asked to write and give the
views this community to the papers. The opposition was based on the desire
not to see another "mandated" service come into existance.
The most enjoyable communet post was the following example of how net
access can benefit non profit groups.
"San Diego Local nonprofit agencies have a unique way of communicating with
themselves, they send E-Mail. An Electronic Bulletin Board System
located at Catholic Charities provides electronic mail capabilities
for local agencies to send electronic mail. The 386 system uses
SCO Xenix Operating System and has numerous phone numbers for access
from differing areas. Nonprofit agencies in the central and north
counties have benefited from its use over the years but the system
had not generated as much attention or popularity until June of
1993 when the Internet Mail (UUCP) connection was established.
Connection of Electronic Mail from this computer system to other
networks, such as Prodigy, CompuServe, HandsNet, Connect, Universities
and numerous other computer networks has spurred increasing system
use. So much so that an additional 425MB hard drive had to be added
to meet increased use."
The system includes:
Meeting Schedules, Agendas, and Events
Bed Availability, Homeless & At Risk Directory
Service Provider's ( Discontinued / New / Changed / Temporary )
Funding, Grants, Endowments, Resources, Donation (Need/Avail.)
Job Availability Information
Volunteer Needs and Ideas
Computer & EBB System Related Information
Individual User Directories
Health Care, Prenatal Care, & Medical Related
Seniors, Children, and Disabled
Food/Hunger & Poverty Issues
F.E.M.A.
S.D. Community Back To Work Transportation Fund
Also included are services such as bed availability information,
inter-agency electronic mail, client referral coordination and
file transfer capabilities. The main menu allows the users to send
electronic mail or post information in topic sections related to
their organizations.
The funding arrangements are straight forward. Agencies have supported
the Electronic Bulletin Board by way of subscription fees for several
years now but the project was initially started with donations and grants.
The system does offer incredible capabilities for its users and it is a very
valuable step to the Information Superhighway. David Almada
of Catholic Charities Says "I am very surprised by the
response. I have been receiving E-Mail from nonprofits in Moscow
and Argentina asking for information about our system. I had no
idea the computers connected that far! It is relatively simple
to connect users to the system, all they need is a modem,
Catholic Charities provides communications software.
For more information mail can be sent to ccsd@spdn.cts.com
NEW SERVICES
------------
HYPERTEXT NETWORK MENU STRUCTURES:
Peter Scott - the developer of the wonderful HYTELNET SERVICES wrote that
"I have been thinking about creating a hypertext utility for listing main
menu structures, based upon my HYTELNET utility, which which you may be
familiar. It would be useful for handing out to interested people,
particularly those without any access to the network. It could also be
easily customized for particular groups who might be willing to assist in
funding i.e. index sub-menus for specific topics like business or
education resources. Also, useful documents could be linked i.e. business
plans, FREE-NET dial-in numbers.
If you want to see an example of how this may work telnet to
access.usask.ca login with: hytelnet and go to the FREE-NET menu under
SITES2.
IMPROVED SYSTEM FOR LOCATING A SPECIFIC GOPHER:
"We are among the few gophers that allow searches for gophers by partial Title
or partial Internet address. For instance, if you want to search for all
gophers with Pennsylvania in their titles you can enter a search parameter
of "Pennsylvania". If, however, you wanted to find all gophers provided by
the University of Pennsylvania and you knew their Internet domain contained
"upenn" you could enter "upenn" as the search paramter. You can even use
both techniques, using one type of search to refine the second search.
We have found that using search to access gophers is much faster than a
sequential search thru the full country/state list of gophers. And you
can quickly find if a particular site provides any other gopher servers."
Link=USA/Texas/Texas Tech University, Computer Sciences
Type=1
Name=Texas Tech University, Computer Sciences (SpIcE oF LiFe)
Path=
Host=cs4sun.cs.ttu.edu
Port=70
URL: gopher://cs4sun.cs.ttu.edu:70/1
--> 16. Other Gopher and Information Servers
--> 2. Search for Gophers by Name or Internet Address <?>
ACCESS INSTRUCTIONS FOR PACS NEWS & PACS REVIEW
The University of Houston Libraries have established a Gopher
archive for these electronic publications. Access directions
follow.
I. Public-Access Computer Systems News
A. Gopher Server Link
Name=Public-Access Computer Systems News
Type=1
Port=70
Path=1/articles/e-journals/uhlibrary/pacsnews
Host=info.lib.uh.edu
II. The Public-Access Computer Systems Review
A. Gopher Server Link
Name=The Public-Access Computer Systems Review
Type=1
Port=70
Path=1/articles/e-journals/uhlibrary/pacsreview
Host=info.lib.uh.edu
B. Gopher Client Access
Point your client at info.lib.uh.edu, port 70, and follow
this menu path:
3. Looking for Articles
3. Electronic Journals
6. University of Houston Libraries E-Journals
2. The Public-Access Computer Systems Review
CANADIAN NET EVENTS:
A SECOND WWW BASED FREE-NET IS ANNOUNCED
" We hope to have our WWW based Community Network on-line within
the next two months. I invite you to look at what we have done.
http://www.cs.dal.ca/mcnp/Home.html
David Murdoch * djm@duncan.alt.ns.ca * Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
THE OSTRY REPORT ON GOVERNMENT'S ROLE IN NETWORK DEVELOPMENT
This report - originally commissioned by the Mulroney regime, was being
ignored by the Liberal government till Mr. Ostry leaked it to the press.
The resulting publicity lead to its "adoption". Just how much of it gets
adopted will be seen this tuesday as the first format liberal statement of
its policies regard the NII will be laid out at the ITAC convention in
Toronto. The importance of this issue to the Prime Minister can be seen in
the fact that tonight [monday] he delivered a speech in Toronto to a
business group about his jobs program. Tomorrow a third ranking civil
servant will be in Toronto to deliver his position to to the assembled
audience at ITAC. [ and these folks have paid up to $1,ooo.oo each to attend]
The report itself is intelligent, quirky, and slanted to towards educational
needs. Which is to expected given its authors profound involvement in the
development of educational T.V.
Press accounts have missed the thrust of the report and failed to comment on
its most appealing but quirky elements.
According to Ostry, all previous government efforts at developing a national
net policy have been "mired... in indecision". He goes on to say that in his
numerous contacts with federal officials he found " a deep-seated suspicion
or fear that powerful hostile constituencies outside of OTTAWA .......[
everyone else in canda with any political clout is then listed] .... "stand
ready to obstruct or embarrass a federal initiative" ....
[ I can't resist commenting that during the Mulroney years I saw the same
behaviour. It lead to manipulative policy efforts and extreme secrecy; but
I assumed it came from a distain for the public and a desire to
hide a massive amount of financial corruption. ed ]
On the other hand in visiting these other players he found they all wanted
federal leadership.
Ostry believes that a real effort has to be made to use the nets to defend
Canadian culture. That the Canarie project is not sufficient and that
Cabinet level leadership is needed. "Today may be our last chance" he quotes
for a prior report. The key issue for him is clearly the need for supporting
"serious Canadian programming in a system dominated by the U.S...."
==============================================
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a public service of FUTURE DATA; a
partnership of researchers and research system designers. Our
research resources include all commercial and non commercial
nets, along with over 200 cd-rom databases, 50,000 magazines and
more than 30 million books. For commercial services contact
Gwyneth Store - circa@io.org
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enguire about this newsletter
contact Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.012
+778
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,778 @@
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : feb 7, 1994
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
compiler : Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
The 6th report of 1994 is the 12th weekly survey.
This special issue consists of a REPORT on the POWERING UP NORTH
AMERICA conference - Feb 2 & 3 - Toronto Canada.
================================================
This conference - which cost $1,000. to attend - presented a very
high power cross-section of the Information Network Business
community. Fortunately for readers of this newsletter, almost
everything said at the conference has been covered on the Internet
previously. In particular, recipients of Gleason Sackman's netnews
missed very little by not attending.
I will summarize the items that were "news" and the describe the
talks at the PUBLIC ACCESS panel. Extracts from two of those talks
are also provided.
The first extract is an excellent explanation of convergence -
provided by Andrew Bjerring, President of Canarie, canada's nsf net
equivalent. Mr. Bjerring can be reached at Bjerring@canarie.ca
The second extract is from the talk on the future of community
networks by Garth Graham, a TELECOMMUNITIES CANADA board member,
and on the steering committee of the COALITON FOR PUBLIC
INFORMATION. Mr. Graham's net address is aa127@freenet.carleton.ca
----------------------------------------------------------------
NEWS FROM THE CONFERENCE
Most participants acknowledged that we are really dealing with a
GLOBAL information infrastructure, a GII, but that political
realities often lead to discussions from a national perspective.
Minister John Manley - who opened the conference by appearing over
the network from OTTAWA - asked participants to offer advice on
what the game plan for Canada should be. Specificly he asked for
comments on what type of government - industry collaboration was
appropriate, what type of public access should be sought, how
privacy rights could be defined and protected, and what kind of
support should be provided to protect Canadian culture and
soveriegnty. He did not indicate how that advice should be
addressed to him.
Near the close of the conference Minister Jon Gerrard announced
that a advisory council is being formed and solicited suggestions
for members. His net address is gerrard.jon@istc.ca .
Dr. Michael Nelson - a Clinton-Gore Whitehouse advisor - Said the
administration hopes to complete its legislative agenda within a
year. They feel that it makes economic sense to allow the market
to take care of the connect needs of 2/3rds of the citizenry. The
additional 1/3 would require some form of assistance to meet the
social goal of 100% access. He also mentioned that the Whitehouse
had already begun assisting a few 3rd world countries in developing
Internet access by using Foreign Aid funds. They hope to expand
that program. He felt it was important for the U.S. and other
countries to assist in bringing the entire world onto the global
network.
He also said the Whitehouse Internet document facilities had
already DIRECTLY distributed over 100,000 copies of various
documents. As you know that is usually just the begining of a
distribution chain. This is probably the largest distribution of
any government information since Chairman Mao's LITTLE RED BOOK got
such good press in China.
Ted Rogers - canada's primary cable system owner - announced that
his company would be able to provide 2 way service on all its
systems soon. 80% of his systems already are equiped for 2 way
service.
[ The following day his company announced a bid for the #2 cable
provider in Canada. He is commiting his company to providing a
full range of data and voice services over cable. In Canada, were
95% of homes are passed by a cable and 86% subscribe, this amounts
to a virtual declaration of war on the Telco's. I personally
believe that he is at least as interested in that company's
business magazines. His staff are actively looking for publications
to turn into CABLE CHANNELS. The company he is persuing owns over
150 business magazines many of which operate internationally.
Potentially each magazine provides the "software" for a channel and
comes with a built in stream of advertising revenue. Several years
ago, well before the current battle over Paramount, Rogers tried
to by a peice of "Hollywood" but failed to pull of the financing -
ed ]
Not to be outdone, Wes Scott, representing the alliance of phone
companies in Canada, announced that by the end of the summer,
Canada would have a national commercial ATM network in place. Every
hospital is to be linked to the net for advanced medical services.
[ Canada's socialized medicine system makes this much easier to do
here than it would be in the U.S. ]
George Gilder - a father of "supply-side economic policy" and
proponent of the unrestrained regulation that lead to both rampent
homelessness, and the Savings And Loan Disaster during the Reagan
years - again demonstrated his unflappable wrongheadedness by
predicting that the newspaper industry would be the primary
beneficiary of the Information highway.
As for most of the other speakers - what wasn't old news, was
primarily promos for their particular company agenda.
-----------------------------------------------
THE PUBLIC ACCESS SESSION
Chaired by Brian Milton, National Director for Social Policy at
Stentor; It was probably the most lively of all the panel sessions.
Mr Milton - who appears not to have done much prior coordination
with the participants - proposed a discussion agenda which was
promptly ignored by all. He complained about that at end of the
session.
Ian Angus - who is one of the most knowlegable people in Canada on
telecommunication policy issues spoke last - saying that Canadian
phone companies have failed to diversify their service base because
of their monopoly postion. He made the most interesting comment at
the conference on hardware issues; describing TV as a poor vehicle
for delivering information. He also said that the P.C was
unsuitable for entertainment, though he felt it was overall the
better of the two options.[ he is right of course - computers may
get you on the Internet, but they are no ones idea of a great
family entertainment device. He did not speculate as to what an
appropriate Mutimedia appliance might be. My own candidate is
interactive high definition TV - HDTV. Their introduction is being
held up by fierce behind the scenes international trade warfare.-
ed ] He suggested that U.S. style regulatory reform designed to
stimulate competition was neccessary. It should be accompanied by
reduced rates for network access by schools, libraries, etc. Saying
the Hiway is here already - he recommended that we pave the
driveways since today we only have back roads to the home.
Andrew Bjerring - from Canarie - reported satisfaction with its
progress to date and delivered a fine explanation of the
convergence issue - it is extracted below. [ At the end of the
conference the Canarie Board met to decide if Canarie is to return
to its roots as an Industrial research network or seriously
undertake becoming the primary arm of the GII in Canada. That
discussion results from the fact that the telco's are already
commited to created a national hi speed data net before the year
end, the Ostry reports saw Canarie as an inadaquate solution, and
the present plans call for a 5 year wait for Canarie to reach
traffic volumes and rates similar to those already available in the
U.S. - I will report on their decision in a future issue ].
Garth Graham - who coordinated the First International Free-net
Conference last August - delivered an inspiring speech on the
future importance of community networks - which is summarized
below.
Barbara O'Conner - a california based Professor of Communications -
presented the position of the U.S. based Alliance for Public
Technology. That groups represents 40 non profits committed to
universal access policies. In line with the Clinton administration
they advocate a combination of regulated competition and social
assistance funding as the best solution. Her suggestions on
possible social funding mechanisms largely focused on the proposed
creation of a Universal Service Fund - to be paid for by either a
customer premise equipment tax, a fee included in the price of
every "appliance" designed for net use, or a payment by access
providers. All of those mechanisms are currently in use or proposed
as the solution for other communication related issues.
Joe Schmidt - President of the Business Telecommunication Alliance
- delivered a standard discussion of the issues and opportunities
this technology presents. His real strength is in his presentations
before the CRTC. Were he ably represents the view of business
consumers in a forum largely dominated by the Telecom Industry.
During the Q & A session many of the usual questions were raised
about censorship, protection of children, privacy, poor user
interfaces, difficulties in finding access, and the hi cost of
access. One audience member suggested communication stamps as a
possible solution. Another echoing Garth Graham's themes worried
about the devestation of the job market and the disruption of work
that will result from the introduction of these technologies.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Garth Grahams talk : THE PUBLIC AWAKES:
ANTICIPATING PUBLIC INTEREST AGENDAS IN AN INFORMATION SOCIETY
--------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. INTRODUCTION: FINDING A COMMON VOCABULARY
2. EMERGENCE OF PUBLIC INTEREST GROUPS
3. THE PUBLIC INTEREST AGENDA
- THE EXPECTED PUBLIC POLICY AGENDA
- THE UNEXPECTED PUBLIC POLICY AGENDA
a. Cyberspace is public space, not "infrastructure"
b. Computer mediated communications is about talking
c. Accelerate the flow of ideas, of knowing
d. Drive governments toward open government
e. Full public participation in the policy debate
f. FreeNets as examples of public behaviour in an information
society.
4. SOCIAL IMPACT: THE FUTURE OF WORK
5. ACTION CONTRIBUTING TO REAL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
6. CLOSE: RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP AND COMMUNITY
-------------------------------------------------
THE PUBLIC AWAKES:
ANTICIPATING PUBLIC INTEREST AGENDAS IN AN INFORMATION SOCIETY
If you only take two words away from my presentation, those two
words should be "community" and "citizen." If there's one word
that acts as a red flag for you in the public policy debate, that
word should be "consumer." .... [ .... means information
deleted by the editor ]
The transition to an Information Society is not about technology.
It's about social change. ...
We need to know much more about the social, political and economic
consequences of the choices we make in our transition to an
Information Society. The more I look into it, the more it seems
to me that the language used to articulate the "vision" of a
privately constructed electronic super highway is quite deliberate,
quite consciously chosen, and quite wrong.
The vocabulary of "constructed" superhighways and electronic
"infrastructure" evokes ideas in people's minds that obscure the
public interest. ... I want to change the language of debate.
We need to coin new terms for our understanding of the issues we
face in our use of Cyberspace.
(OVERHEAD) - MY OBJECTIVES:
* I want to change the language of public policy
debate about our transition to an Information Society so that the
public can frame the issues in a broader context than the
production and consumption of electronic services.
* I want better ways to ensure significant public
participation in a debate that is fully open to anyone who wants
to understand or influence the issues. In true Information
Society, it is neither desirable nor possible to contain the
learning that will occur in such a debate.
* I want to anticipate what a true agenda for open
public discussion will actually contain. ....
1. Emergence of public interest groups.
2. The public interest agenda.
3. Social impact: the future of work
4. What is feasible as action contributing to real public
participation.
[ G G provides a list of public interest groups in Canada here ]
What's still missing from this list are the social service, labour
and environmental organizations that traditionally adopt social
policy issues.
But I believe that these organizations are now beginning to see
through the obfuscations of technobabble and to understand the
impact issues on their own terms. I think that very soon we'll be
hearing from them.
3. THE PUBLIC INTEREST AGENDA
I feel privileged to be present at the formation of a new dream in
the national mythology. Never-the less I'm going to point out that
it is a myth.
There is no "electronic superhighway." Whatever "it" is, it isn't
"infrastructure." We are not "building" a new national dream of
a railroad to the Pacific of the imagination. Presently, there is
no capacity within Canada to address social consequences.
. There is great danger in viewing citizens as mere
consumers of electronically delivered products and services
.............
In a Knowledge-based economy, people will carry all the tools they
need for thinking and connecting with others with them. Then they
can move in Cyberspace to where the ideas are. But I don't think
any of us has a very clear idea of where they will move in the
physical landscape they actually inhabit.
My best guess is, don't invest in office buildings.
(OVERHEAD) - THE EXPECTED PUBLIC POLICY AGENDA:
* Support all Canadians' right to learn and to know through a
universally accessible and affordable Canadian communications and
information infrastructure (CCII)
* Information essential to citizenship must be free.
* Ask what's CCII's impact on society, not just a sector of the
economy
* Ensure CCII's connection to the information infrastructures of
other nations by resolving issues of access, cultural expression,
convergence, security, censorship, tariffs, and privacy.
* Guarantee the functional integrity of the CCII by establishing
critical technical requirements including; public domain tools,
ease of use, widespread availability, full functionality, high
reliability, privacy protection, and evolutionary expansion.
* Use electronic technologies to improve the work environment
rather than dehumanize it, ensure that equity and nondiscriminatory
practices form the core of work in the new information marketplace.
* Provide public access to, and inter-active communications with,
all levels of government, so that the boundaries dividing
participating communities of interest and inhibiting the emergence
of consensus can be transcended.
* Promote a competitive marketplace in terms of the content of
CCII. No one should control both the content and conduits into our
homes.
(OVERHEAD) - THE UNEXPECTED PUBLIC POLICY AGENDA:
Here are some issues where you are going to get blind-sided. The
public IS finding its way onto the Net and these new citizens of
cyberspace see things differently from you.
a. Cyberspace is public space, not "infrastructure"
The gateways into it are the function of information
technology, and therefore have a price. But the metaphor of
"infrastructure" as used in NII and CCII suggests that cyberspace
is NOT a place but a "thing" that we build. By the use of this
metaphor, business is enclosing a public common for private gain.
They occupying the transit lounges and shoreline properties for the
oceans of imagination.
b. Interactivity (Computer mediated communications) is about
connecting and talking. It serves people and communities, not mass
audiences. Universal access includes the freedom to communicate.
Interactivity, or computer mediated communications (CMC) is about
human connections. It's about talking. It serves a society that
is egalitarian and decentralized. It serves individuals and
communities, not mass audiences.
We've got the bizarre notion that access to "information" is
somehow about access to a bunch of value neutral "facts." Nothing
could be further from the truth. Let's take the example of a
teacher who has just got access to SchoolNet. She's fought with
the Board and principal for a phone jack in the classroom. She
thought that the big problem was connecting, but now she knows that
over 1000 schools have done that already. It's late at night, and
she's out surfing the Internet, and suddenly she realizes that
the Internet is not what she thought.
It's not a universe of facts. There's too much raw human
imagination there, too much beliefs, opinions, perversions,
darkness, cynicism and right shining passions to think about it in
terms of passive facts. Anyone can and does imagine and express
anything to anyone anywhere. And then she thinks of those 30 kids
in her crowded class. Without parental authority, she's going to
give them this window into every recess of the human mind!
Suddenly, they too can know anything they want to know, imagine
any possibility, but also find someone somewhere that wants to
talk about it. And she knows that the institution she represents
is consciously designed to channel and control children's'
thinking. She knows it's present purpose is to socialize them in
the direction of acceptable social behaviour.
Now here, through the interface, is the entire panoply of possible
human behaviour. Here are ideas that, in the old social order,
we'd never in our wildest flights of fancy imagine were possible.
Some so dark they plunge you into despair. some so exciting they
change the direction of your life....WHAT IS SHE GOING TO DO?
Teachers call this the "content" problem, and they are terrified.
The National Capital FreeNet on-line annual general meeting ( a
demonstration of faith in electronic democracy underway at this
moment) actually has a teachers' motion on the table to allow for
group memberships. The intention of the motion to control access
in classrooms is anathema to the open access spirit of individual
responsibility inherent in FreeNets.
c. Accelerate the flow of ideas, of knowing -
Knowledge, as such, cannot be commodified. When we speak about
the necessity of learning organizations we aren't about the
significance of that objective. Any organization established to
satisfy wants and needs to know will reconfigure its
socio-structural matrix (ie. its human connections) around
different principles. It must accelerate rather than
control the flow of ideas.
Here is a truism of the information society:
universal access means access to knowledge generating systems, not
just to the goods and services distribution systems. We are moving
into an economy of intangibles that commodifies artificial
experience. People will pay to experience "implied'
realities. Forget about economics and call this "imaginomics."
But how will we know that we're wealthy, when there's no quantum
of knowledge to allow us to quantify value, no measurable chunk of
information?
...............
d. Drive governments, kicking and screaming, toward open systems
as a means of achieving open government.
The significant "infrastructure" change would be to connect the
networks of similar types of programs in municipal, regional,
provincial and federal levels of government. This would de-layer
the management of public services toward the point of service
delivery. Then the "best provider" at whatever level of government
it appeared could do it all.
Andy Macdonald, as the federal government's first Chief Information
Officer, represents an approach to the electronic delivery of
government services that is driven by technology management. He's
focussed on the reduction of costs through the automation of shared
common administrative services. That most certainly will reduce
costs. But it concentrates on what government does to itself
internally, not on what government actually does with and for the
people of Canada.
The way we express needs will drive our technological evolution
toward open government:
* Do we talk about governing in an Information Society, or
about electronic delivery of government services? They are not the
same thing.
A change agenda that was driven by "governing" would first focus
on understanding what government actually does, not on how it does
it.
* .... Talking to the people who actually receive the
service sounds idealistic, but, if you do this, the service then
evolves pragmatically from experience .... (ie. the system of
service "learns"). Cutting administrative costs through sharing
common services sounds rational, until you discover
there's no "why?" There's no first premises related to
socio-political implications (ie. the system manages, it is
preoccupied by management methods to the exclusion of real
results).
* The open government approach identifies what everyone
involved in a system of service wants or needs to know. The
"citizen" is the client for the total system of program delivery.
The "electronic delivery of government services" approach doesn't
care what you know. It just moves the data. It sees "programs,"
not citizens, as the clients for systems of administrative
services.
e. Full public participation in the policy debate, not just the
"circling of one wagon" as now. If you told the Canadian public
that the intention of the "superhighway" was to put control of
government back in their hands, they would definitely support it.
f. FreeNets as examples of public behaviour in an information
society. We have a concrete example of how the public will behave
in the Information Society. It's called FreeNet. I think we
should be promoting community networks as keys to self governance,
to revitalizing communities and to meeting the public interest in
network access.
In the Ottawa Citizen, January 25/94, there was an article with the
title,
"HIGH-TECH HIGHWAY GATHERS SPEED: QUEBEC PROJECT TO LINK 34,000
HOMES TO ELECTRONIC NETWORK BY NEXT YEAR." The article states this
is, the FIRST test-run on Canada' electronic superhighway, which
will cost $750 million over the next decade. I'd suggest that this
Videotron Group project is not really the first test-run. National
Capital Freenet was, and it isn't going to cost $750 million per
decade. It's going to cost $4 million per decade. You might call
NCF an "application," but the people who are in
them see community networks as a social movement. We think that
support for community networks has the biggest social and political
payoff of any strategy for transition to the Information Society.
Jay Weston's CRTC "Comment" on telephone rates calls for:
- universal access
- flat rates, forget about time-distance pricing or local measured
services
If, as Tip O'Neil said, "All politics is local," how will we govern
in a society where anyone can connect to anyone else, anywhere on
earth. What dimension of locality will you use to define your
politics? On the Internet, there are communities of "interest"
that are located in the mix of ideas, conflicts and issues
surrounding specific social concerns. The people that belong to
them feel that virtual communities of common interests ARE
communities. Net-based discussion groups are inherently
political arenas where the exercise of politics lies in being able
to shift opinion in the context of the conversation.
(OVERHEAD) - COMMUNITY NETWORK DESIGN PRINCIPLES
..... this also can be read as a set of design principles for
community itself. These are as much principles for the design of
community as they are specifications for the functions of community
networking technology:
* Does it encourage universal access to a new global
conversation and universal participation in shaping its
content.
* Does it promote reciprocity in learning and the flow of
knowledge?
* Is it self-governing?
* Does it support skills in imagining and building physical and
virtual communities?
* Does it leave the power in the hands of individual users?
* Does it grant "on-line" access as a right, not a privilege?
* Does it leave control of community communications technologies
in the hands of communities?
* Are conversations open to everyone, not just to those making
claims of representation?
* Does the choice to act or not act, speak or not speak,
reside with the chooser?
4. SOCIAL IMPACT: THE FUTURE OF WORK
(OVERHEAD) - CARTOON: SALARY FOR THE ROBOT
(OVERHEAD) - UNEMPLOYMENT PER DECADE, 1950 - 2010
(OVERHEAD) - THE FUTURE OF WORK
The future of work is not in the cycle of production and
consumption. We've been using "work" as the mechanism for the
distribution of wealth. We all work to produce, so that we can have
money to consume. But now we've solved the production problem.
Not only are labour and capital being replaced by process
knowledge, but wetware is being replaced by software. It no longer
takes very many people to produce goods and services. This gives
us a crisis of consumption. We don't need producers to produce,
but we do need consumers to consume. How do the surplus non-
producers get any wealth to exchange for the products, so they can
continue to fuel the economy? Now that jobs don't distribute
wealth, what will? Early in the next century, we'll only have 15%
of the "workforce" involved in what we've traditionally thought of
as work. What do we think the other 85% will be doing? They won't
just die, at least not without trying to avoid it. We don't really
know how to measure an economy of intangibles, where the real
"commodity" becomes packaged experiences (ie "virtual
realities as learning spaces, anticipatory models, feedback systems
and entertainment).
Do any of you really know what those knowledge worker jobs in the
Information Society will really do? Given that the majority of my
partners in crime are sustained by the Internet, and that I
independently contract on a per project basis, I suppose I am one.
I will, by reflex, share anything I know to gain an edge in
learning more. No secrets, no copyright, no proprietary
information. I know that I have to stimulate the learning of
others in order to become a nodal switch point in an issue. But
your existing organizations don't really like people like me. We
are oblivious to authority and arbitrary status. We are loyal only
to the good idea. We are free to question what the actual
parameters of a problem really might be rather than accept the
context you define.
5. WHAT IS FEASIBLE AS ACTION CONTRIBUTING TO REAL PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION.
Allowing "representatives" of the public interest on closed
"advisory panel" discussions is just NOT meaningful participation.
(OVERHEAD) - DEMOCRATIZE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN MAKING
TECHNOLOGY POLICY BY:
* Consensus conferences, public forums and workshops
* Citizen advisory boards
* Community research centers / participatory research
* Social and political impact statements
* Use the Internet to bypass media based manipulation of
opinion
* Lobbying
* Tax credits for research or investment advancing social
objectives
* Worker involvement in design and management of workplace
technology
* Designate 3% of technological project budgets for studies of
social implications
Help people in low income neighborhoods understand and influence
economic development
* Match local production to local demand, complementing the tilt
toward global markets
Counterbalance ties of universities and governments to business,
by participating in local social issues and citizens' concerns
* Educate students, via internships and volunteer work, for
independent social criticism and responsible citizenship
These are quite conventional examples of traditional community
development options for action. By including this checklist here,
I'm serving notice that these sorts of tactics are going to start
appearing in Cyberspace
6. CLOSE: RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP AND COMMUNITY
Electronic infrastructure.....Electronic super highways
In the name of economic necessity, these expressions depersonalize
actions that have profoundly personal consequences. Some of those
consequences are exciting, some are appalling. But we are using
them to translate the practice of citizenship into the art of
shopping. The public needs to take back the language of discourse.
An "electronic superhighway" sounds both high tech engineering and
also imaginary. It sounds like a concept we can ignore. But this
concept, however described, is having a socio-economic impact on
physical geography and spatial relationships that far exceeds all
the hydro dams, pipelines or roads to resources that we've ever
built. Where's the socio-economic impact statement? It's far past
time that we knew who benefits and who pays.
>From the experience of FreeNets, there are four assumptions about
the public interest in the Information Society that I find
important, but very difficult to communicate. An awareness of
their significance doesn't really occur until you've wandered into
cyberspace. That is to say, they are reports from the other side.
They represent important choices for everyone, but choices that are
more apparent to those who have already made a conscious transition
to an Information Society.
(OVERHEAD) - THESE TRUTHS ABOUT CYBERSPACE I HOLD TO BE SELF
EVIDENT:
1. We can develop "community" with information technology.
2. Networks are more about conversations mediated by computer
communications than they are about access to information.
3. To make the networks function as the neurons of social
connection, it is essential that the technologies be
designed to place all of the power to connect and to
communicate into the hands of the individual.
4. In the view of economics, all that is left of our social
role in public life is our duty to consume. In an Information
Society, there is a very real possibility of regaining the
role of citizen.
My own vision of the Information Society includes a positive push
toward social change in the direction of communities that are less
"representative" and more participative, based on individual
responsibility.
I'm not in FreeNet to gain access to more electronic toys, and in
the process give my hard earned money to those who already have
more than I do. I'm in it because of the potential to discuss,
understand and act on common problems with my real and virtual
neighbours.
If our emerging "Knowledge Society" merely defines everybody as
"consumers" of information then we fail. There's much more at
stake in cultural survival than the success of markets. Universal
access to that new global conversation means universal
participation in shaping its content. That's the mission and
purpose of community networks.
...... <---- information deleted by the editor
Garth Graham
aa127@freenet.carleton.ca
<<< NGL/CANIS (Community Access Network Information Services)
>>> Box 86, Ashton, Ont., K0A 1B0 613-253-3497
=================================================================
Andrew Bjerrings talk included this outline for his explanation of
UNDERSTANDING CONVERGENCE ON THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY
[ I will attempt to flesh it out a bit. ed ]
Three Starting Paradigms
Telcos Internet Cable
Each has the following unique characteristics
Appliance: Telephone Computer Television
[ what you use ]
Application: Voice Call E-mail T.V. Channel
Network: Switched Routing Broadcast
Circuit Hierarchy "Islands"
Business: Private Volunteer Entrepr'n.
Monopoly Organization
Planning: Closed- Open- Closed-
Centralized Decentralized Decentralized
Customer: Home/ Universities/ Home
Business Research Instn.
Allies: Governments Schools/ Information
Communities Industries
Information Carrier of A universal A "500
Highway wide range of peer-to-peer Channel
Goal info. services network universe
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[ each of these models is completely different and the owners don't
understand each others universes ]
INFORMATION HIGHWAY
Towards Convergence
[ Mr Bjerring now goes on to suggest that in convergence the
following characteristics will dominate; and each characteristic
derives from one of the distinct models listed above ]
Closest Current Property - Prototype will come form
Local Ubiquity: Telcos
Global Reach: Telcos/Internet
Open Architecture: Internet
Ease-of-use: Telcos/cable
Capacity/bandwidth: Cable (one-way)
Intelligent Appliances: Internet
Interactivity: Telcos/Internet
Info. Services Provision: Cable/Internet
Affordability: Telcos
Diversity of Applications: Internet
Flexibility: Internet
Business Organization: Telcos
[ Its a hard to capture in this form but he feels that each of the
above characteristics will be part of our future and the closed
current model for that future characteristic is listed accross form
it. As you can see he proposes the each of the now distinct system
will provide some of the FEEL of the coming system. ]
==============================================
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a public service of FUTURE DATA; a
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For commercial services contact Gwyneth Store - circa@io.org
Net facilities for the preparation of this newsletter are provided
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Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at
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.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.013
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NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : feb 8, 1994
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
The 7th report of 1994 is the 13th weekly survey.
-------------------------------------------------
coverage in this issue included :
LEGISLATION CANADIAN NET NEWS DISCUSSIONS NEW SERVICES
TRENDS CLIPPER CHIP BACKGROUND REPORT
---------------------------------------------------
LEGISLATION
===========
The CLIPPER CHIP CONTROVERSY
The Clinton Adminstration - bowing to pressure from the
Intelligence Community - has decided to go ahead with the clipper
chip proposal.
Those interested in opposing this plan can participate in the
following activities. And hopefully, all of you are interested.
---------------------
CLIPPER PETITION
On January 24, many of the nation's leading experts in cryptography
and computer security wrote President Clinton and asked him to
withdraw the Clipper proposal.
The public response to the letter has been extremely favourable,
including coverage in the New York Times and numerous computer and
security trade magazines.
Many people have expressed interest in adding their names to the
letter. In response to these requests, CPSR is organizing an
Internet petition drive to oppose the Clipper proposal. We will
deliver the signed petition to the White House, complete with the
names of all the people who oppose Clipper.
To sign on to the letter, send a message to:
Clipper.petition@cpsr.org
with the message "I oppose Clipper" (no quotes)
You will receive a return message confirming your vote.
Please distribute this announcement so that others may also express
their opposition to the Clipper proposal.
In only 48 hours, over 2,400 people have signed on to tell the
President what they think of the Clipper proposal.
If you need more information on clipper ftp/wais/gopher to cpsr.org
/cpsr/privacy/crypto/clipper for a large selection of docs on the
proposal.
------------------------------------------
EFF [ the electronic frontier foundation ] offers something *you*
can do to support freedom and privacy. *Please take a
moment to send e-mail to U.S. Rep. Maria Cantwell
(cantwell@eff.org) to show your support of H.R. 3627, her bill to
liberalize export controls on encryption software.*
"I urge you to write to Rep. Cantwell today at cantwell@eff.org.
In the Subject header of your message, type "I support HR 3627."
In the body of your message, express your reasons for supporting
the bill. EFF will deliver printouts of all letters to Rep.
Cantwell. With a strong showing of support from the Net community,
Rep. Cantwell can tell her colleagues on Capitol Hill that
encryption is not only an industry concern, but also a grassroots
issue. *Again: remember to put "I support HR 3627" in your
Subject header.*
This is the first step in a larger campaign to counter the efforts
of those who would restrict our ability to speak freely and with
privacy.
The lack of widespread commercial encryption products means that
it will be very easy for the federal government to set its own
standard--the Clipper Chip standard. As you may know, the
government's Clipper Chip initiative is designed to set an
encryption standard where the government holds the keys to our
private conversations. Together with the Digital Telephony bill,
which is aimed at making our telephone and computer networks
"wiretap-friendly," the Clipper Chip marks a dramatic new effort
on the part of the government to prevent us from being able to
engage in truly private conversations.
P.S. If you want additional information about the Cantwell bill,
send e-mail to cantwell-info@eff.org. To join EFF, write
membership@eff.org. For introductory info about EFF, send any
message to info@eff.org.
The text of the Cantwell bill can be found on the Internet with the
any of the following URLs (Universal Resource Locaters):
ftp://ftp.eff.org/pub/Policy/Legislation/cantwell.bill
http://www.eff.org/ftp/EFF/Policy/Legislation/cantwell.bill
gopher://gopher.eff.org/00/EFF/legislation/cantwell.bill
It will be available on AOL (keyword EFF) and CIS (go EFFSIG) soon.
-------------------------------
IN ADDITION - ONE CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE IS INTERESTED IN DIRECTLY
HEARING FROM THE PUBLIC.
" Leahy's office said he *wants* to hear from the
public on the matter of holding hearings. Any and all comments
on the viability of the program, any concerns the public has,
should be sent to Leahy immediately, a staffer said. Leahy can
be reached at: Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC 20510;
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), chairman of the Technology and Law
Subcommittee said he would likely hold hearings "on the serious
issues raised" by Administration's announcement that it would
urge private sector to voluntarily adopt its Clipper Chip
technology. "Basically, what this means is that the United
States Government will hold the two keys to unlock any private
communication coded with this program," Leahy said. Citizens and
potential foreign customers aren't likely to see Clipper "as the
solution to privacy and security concerns," he said."
his phone number is 202-224-3406.
----------------------------------------
The recently posted summary from the Electronic Public Information
Newsletter contained several items of interest to the free-net
movement. We need unrestricted access to government information and
the depository library program is a major force for providing that
access. .......................
PUBLIC PRINTER ATTACKS NTIS FINAL RULE ON STEI: In a letter last
week (1/27) to the head of the National Technical Information
Services (NTIS), Public Printer Michael DiMario attacked NTIS's
final rule on agency transfer of scientific, technical, and
engineering information (STEI) to NTIS, while at the same time
inviting the agency to enter into an agreement with Government
Printing Office (GPO) to assure STEI is distributed to the nation's
depository libraries. DiMario told NTIS Director Don Johnson that
NTIS, in the final rule [Federal Register 1, Jan. 3, 1994, pp.
6-12], included new provisions related to the Depository Library
Program (DLP) without consulting GPO, which by statute is
responsible for the program. "We are dismayed that these new
provisions have been introduced as a final rule without
consultation or coordination with GPO," DiMario wrote. "....
SENATE PANEL TO HOLD HEARINGS ON GPO: The Senate Rules and
Administration Committee will hold hearings on Feb. 3 and 10 on the
Government Printing Office as referred to in H.R. 3400, the
National Performance Review, and Joint Committee on the
Organization of the Congress. A representative of the Office of
Budget and Management and Public Printer Michael DiMario are
scheduled to testify on Feb. 3. It is believed that Sally Katzen,
Director of the OMB Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs,
and possibly Deputy OMB Director Alice Rivlin will testify for OMB.
Other interested parties are being invited to testify on Feb. 10.
For more information on the complete ELECTRONIC PUBLIC
INFORMATION NEWSLETTER and subscription rates contact:
James McDonough epin@access.digex.net Tel/fax: (301) 365-3621
------------------------------------------
THE WINNER OF LAST WEEKS FLAME WAR OF THE WEEK CONTEST
is available for examination.: Legislation on National Knowledge
Strategy.
[ strangely enough the providers do not want additional on line
comments ] Your off-line comments are solicited. A draft is at
<gopher gopher.oss.net>, or <ftp ftp.oss.net>. Got to articles by
rds and down to "National Knowledge Strategy Act of 1994".
Comments received prior to 1600 ST on Friday would be especially
helpful, but comments at any time welcome.
------------------------------------------
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER - NOW AVAILABLE ON LINE
Eric S. Theise <verve@well.sf.ca.us> - The Internet Domain Editor
for the well has kindly offered it space.
gopher://gopher.well.sf.ca.us:70/11s/Community/communets/net.com
CANADIAN NET NEWS
=================
GOVINFO IS A DISCUSSION FORUM FOR CANADIAN GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
at all levels of government. The forum is established on the
DEC/VAX MAILSERV facility at the University of Saskatchewan.
To subscribe, send the message SUBSCRIBE GOVINFO (YOUR NAME) to the
following address: MAILSERV@SASK.USASK.CA
To post messages to GOVINFO, address them to GOVINFO@SASK.USASK.CA
More information on MAILSERV commands may be obtained by sending
the message
HELP to MAILSERV@SASK.USASK.CA
If you have any questions or need assistance, contact:
Andrew Hubbertz hubbertz@sklib.usask.ca (306) 966-5989
------------------------------------------
ALSO OF INTEREST - A RECENT REGISTRANT IN THE CANADIAN DOMAIN
Organization: Canada Communication Group - Groupe Communication
Canada
Type: Federal Government Agency
Description: Group responsible for distribution of Canadian
Federal Government information in machine-readable form.
Admin-Name: Roddy Duchesne
Admin-Title: Manager, Electronic Products
Admin-Postal: Canada Communication Group, Electronic Publications
Admin-Phone: +1 613 956 5782
Admin-Mailbox: admin@ccg-gcc.ca
Tech-Name: Roddy Duchesne
Tech-Title: Manager, Electronic Products
-----------------------------------------
CANARIE IS LOOKING FOR PROPOSALS
NOTICE of Pending Request for Proposal
Operational Network Product / Services
January 27, 1994
It is the intention of CANARIE Inc. to release a Request for
Proposal (RFP) on February 1, 1994 relating to the following areas
of interest. It is expected that the RFP will close on Tuesday
February 22, 1994. This is a notice pre-announcing the RFP only.
The CANARIE Inc. Operational Network Product / Services (ONPS)
Committee has identified as a funding priorities the development
of capabilities to facilitate the Access, Presentation, and
Exchange of Information on the operational network as follows:
Information Provider Capability - For the following information
categories, CANARIE Inc. will provide funding in support of
developing and implementing an information provider capability.
Note that CANARIE Inc. will not necessarily fund projects relating
to all of these categories and that CANARIE Inc. will consider
information provider projects which may not readily fit into any
of the identified categories.
Cultural Information
Educational / Education Administration Information
Not-For-Profit Information
Commercial Information
Information Presentation / Interaction Product Development
CANARIE Inc. will assist with the development of products which
enhance user access to and/or interaction with information
available on the operational network.
Note that projects may overlap the two general categories of
Information Provider and Information Presentation / Interaction
Product Development.
Parties interested in submitting a proposal should provide contact
information including name, postal address, e-mail address (if
applicable), telephone number and facsimile number via facsimile
or e-mail to Mr. Rod Anderson at: wcsrda@ccs.carleton.ca
Fax: (613) 722-1997
----------------------------------
CANARIE : In recent posting to com-priv, Canarie has been assaulted
for policies that it probably will be forced to change under the
new rules to be developed in Canada. Internally, Canarie member
NSTN (the provincial network in Nova Scotia) has opened offices in"
Ottawa, and is actively attracting members away from ONET, and"
competing with Hookup, UUNET Canada and the other providers
operating in that most lucrative of all Canadian markets. This is
in violation of the existing informal operating agreements against
cross competition.
In a recent posting - Vinton Cerf - the father of the Internet
wrote:
> for all practical purposes, if you purchase Internet access
> from a provider who does NOT exact any restrictions from
> users (e.g. UUNET/Alternet, PSI, CERFNET, SPRINTLINK, etc)
> then you can make use of the system for any purpose.
> The NSFNET backbone limitations are going to evaporate
> shortly since NSF is getting out of the backbone service
> business anyway. I suggest you just plunge in assuming
> the system is essentially free of restrictions.
As noted above the electronic boundaries between commercial and non
commercial nets have almost disappeared in the U.S. It will happen
in Canada too.
DISCUSSIONS
===========
I have added the COM-PRIV listserv to my monitored group. With this
addition, I may have a weekly winner for my new FLAME WAR contest.
Participants in the best flame war of the year will be personally
rewarded with a CERTIFICATE from Networks & Community. A very high
standard has already been set by last year's award winners - the
inter listserv battle between cypherpunks and cypherwonks.
NPTN LISTSERV announced 7 new committees had joined. A complaint
was made about a commercial company seeking a grant along with a
public television station for the available community network
funding from PBS. [ if PBS can't tell the difference between a
private company and a community based effort - we are all in
trouble ]
Little else of vital interest appeared on the listservs.
NEW SERVICES
============
USNONPROFIT-L MAILING LIST IS READY
The nonprofits mailing list is set up and ready to broadcast:
to subscribe, mail to : majordomo@rain.org
in the message, type : subscribe usnonprofit-l (no name
necessary)
messages to the list go to: usnonprofit-l@rain.org
The USnonprofit list is a discussion group for issues facing
nonprofit organizations, and the people in the less-advantaged
sectors of society that they serve.
Particularly encouraged are *action-oriented* discussions :-).
For more info write to Thomas Andrew Newman <newmant@CSOS.ORST.EDU>
--------------------------------------------
THE COMMERCE BUSINESS DAILY IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE VIA THE CNS
gopher! (gopher cscns.com)
For information about CNS, write to info@cscns.com, or call
customer service at 800-748-592-1240.
-------------------------------------
FREE S. D. I. ON THE INTERNET
[selective dissemination of information]
In the most exciting positive announcement of the past week
Tak Woon Yan tyan@Woodstock.Stanford.EDU
announced a free Netnews Filtering Service
"I'd like to announce the Stanford Netnews Filtering Service, a
personalized netnews delivery service. You subscribe to the service
with profiles that describe your interests. Netnews articles (from
newsgroups available to our local news host) that match your
profiles (based on content, regardless of which newsgroups they
fall into) will be sent to you periodically via email.
You can access the service from Mosaic:
http://woodstock.stanford.edu:2000
The service also supports email access. To get the instructions on
the email interface, send a message with the word "help" in the
message body to netnews@db.stanford.edu
Here is an example to give you some ideas of how the service works.
Say you subscribe to the service with the profile "online
information services." Then periodically you will receive email
messages like this:
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Subscription 1: online information services
Article: misc.activism.progressive.11965
From: hn0003@handsnet.org
Subject: HandsNet WEEKLY DIGEST 1/15-21
Score: 84
First 15 lines:
HANDSNET WEEKLY DIGEST January 15 - 21, 1994
News from HandsNet's Information Forums
HandsNet is a national, nonprofit network connecting
organizations working on social and economic justice issues.
Members use HandsNet to make new contacts, work collaboratively and
to find and publish information, news ....
Article: ca.politics.38420
From: rlm@helen.surfcty.com (Robert L. McMillin)
Subject: GOV-ACCESS #5:Cal.Emergency Svcs.online + Net-fax + MINN
Pub Info Net
Score: 82
First 15 lines:
Jan. 22, 1994
CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES INFO AVAILABLE ONLINE
<a recent exchange of messages>
The state Emergency Digital Information Service is working fine
Telnet to telnet oes1.oes.ca.gov 5501
....
The profiles are like queries in WAIS, i.e., plain English text (no
boolean AND, OR, NOTs). After you receive useful articles, you can
feed them back to the service to improve your profile. You can also
adjust the frequency of delivery, the volume of articles, and the
length of subscription.
Hope you find the service useful. Questions, comments to
tyan@cs.stanford.edu.
---------------------------
REALLY IMPROVED INTERNET ACCESS:
John Doyle, Washington & Lee University, doylej@liberty.uc.wlu.edu
wrote to say his new service is ready for use. I mentioned it in
a prior issue. This is a database of high-level sites throughout
the Internet. gopher to:
liberty.uc.wlu.edu 1020 or WWW to http://liberty.uc.wlu.edu:1020]
It includes subject and geographic access to resources. There is
even access to a searchable usenet news reader.
(root menu)
<search> Search:
<menu> Menu: Subject
<menu> Menu: Type (Telnet, Gopher, WWW)
<menu> Menu: Geographic
<menu> Recent Additions (date coded entries)
<document> [Netlink Server - This Item for Help]
<menu> [Netlink Server - Please Leave Comment or Error Report]
----< Other Major Internet Services >----
<search> High-Level Search of Gopher Menus (no field searching)
<menu> Veronica Search of Gopher Menus
type x WWW (WorldWideWeb Browser - Lynx)
<menu> USENET Newsreaders
<menu> WAIS
<menu> BITNET Mailing Lists/Listservs Archive Searches
<menu> Archie FTP Site Searches
<menu> Clearinghouse of Subject-Oriented Internet Resource
Guides (UMich)
<menu> Netfind Email Address Searches
<menu> "Phone Books" at Various Institutions
<menu> Local Times Throughout the World
<menu> Hytelnet (Telnet Login to Sites)
-----------------------------------------------
BASIC WEB INFO AVAILABLE
This is an announcement of a series of postings starting January
17, 1994, on the newsgroup embnet.net-dev in order to provide an
introduction to the World-Wide Web project. The goal is to answer
the very basic questions as what is the World-Wide Web, what is
available on the Web, what software is required to access the Web,
and how to get and install the software. It is not intended to
guide people who want to provide information to the Web. Its for
those who have access to the Internet and are interested in
obtaining and setting up the programs needed to access the Web.
Previous experience with network retrieval tools are not essential
but knowledge in the use of FTP would be an advantage.
Anyone who is interested in receiving these introductionary
postings but cannot read the newsgroup embnet.net-dev can send an
email request to www@comp.bioz.unibas.ch.
----------------------------------------
NCSA MOSAIC FOR MICROSOFT WINDOWS VERSION 2.0ALPHA1 RELEASED
NCSA Mosaic is a network navigational tool that will
allow you to easily access networked information with the click of
a button. The Internet is the primary source of this world wide
information and the amount of available information is literally
exploding. Mosaic is capable of accessing data via protocols such
as Gopher, World Wide Web, FTP and NNTP (Usenet News) natively, and
other data services such as Archie, WAIS, and Veronica through
gateways. NCSA Mosaic was designed to provide its user
transparent and seamless access to these information sources and
services.
Mosaic is a product that will retrieve and display a wide variety
of data types. These types include text, images, movies and audio.
Version 2.0alpha1 of Mosaic is available via anonymous FTP on
NCSA's FTP server, "ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu"(141.142.20.50), in the
directory "/PC/Mosaic". The file is wmos20a1.zip.
--------------------------------------------
YOU CAN NOW VIEW INFORMATION ON THE RURAL DATAFICATION PROJECT
on-line, using Gopher and the World Wide Web.
Via Gopher: gopher.cic.net
CICNet Projects and Gopher Servers
Rural Datafication Project
Via WWW: hhtp://www.cic.net/
-----------------------------------
TRENDS
======
Serious concern over network related social issues is growing in
the US. In its 'Agenda for Action' document, the Administration has
set forth a positive vision of what the NII can be," said Dr.
Roberts. "To achieve that vision, however, the government must
play a major role in the design, development, and regulation of the
network."
CPSR [ computer professionals for social responsibility ]
has recommended that the Administration adopt the following
policies:
o Promote widespread economic benefits by evaluating the NII's
economic success using measures that reflect its impact on the
society as a whole, not merely the profits of NII investors and
service providers.
o Evaluate the social impact of the NII by conducting periodic
reviews as the NII is implemented and used to guarantee that
it continues to serve the public interest.
o Guarantee equitable and universal access through an appropriate
mix of legislation, regulation, taxation, and direct subsidies.
o Promote the development of a vital civic sector by ensuring
resources, training, and support for public spaces within the
NII where citizens can pursue noncommercial activities.
o Promote a diverse and competitive marketplace in terms of the
content carried over the NII.
o provide access to government services and information over the
NII.
o Encourage democratic participation by ensuring full public
disclosure, and actively promoting democratic decision-making
and public participation in all stages of the development
process.
o Actively facilitate the seamless connection of America's NII
with the information infrastructures of other nations by
working to resolve such issues as security, censorship,
tariffs, and privacy.
o Guarantee the functional integrity of the NII by establishing
critical technical requirements including ease of use,
widespread availability, full functionality, high reliability,
adequate privacy protection, and evolutionary expansion.
The recommendations follow from a yearlong review of the NII
conducted by CPSR. The process included collecting more than 1,200
suggestions for NII policy from network users across the country,
drafting a report, holding special chapter meetings on the NII in
Berkeley, Boston, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., and having a
multiple-draft review process by the membership.
CPSR is planning a conference next April in Cambridge,
Massachusetts, on the future of the NII, The Directions and
Implications of Advanced Computing. The conference will
investigate at a more specific level how to achieve the principles
in the CPSR report.
CPSR's NII paper is available electronically by sending email to
listserv@cpsr.org. In the message write the command
GET CPSR NII_POLICY or you can also FTP/WAIS/Gopher
cpsr.org:/cpsr/nii_policy.
For a hard copy of the paper or for more information about CPSR ,
call 415-322-3778 or write to cpsr@cpsr.org.
BACKGROUND ON THE CLIPPER CHIP PROPOSAL AND ITS BENEFITS
--------------------------------------------------------
[ This is a serious matter, but I couldn't resist throwing some
irony into the subject- ed ]
This proposal is best understood in the context of the history of
the western intelligence community.
The ability to secretly intercept the communications of others has
been vital to covert action since the earliest days of
international telecommunications. When the first transatlantic
cable was laid between Britain and the U.S. in 1927; its operations
where monitored by secret agreement between both countries.
Britain would capture and analyze all calls coming from the U.S.
and the Americans would do the same with british traffic. Relevant
material would be sent back to each other. This allowed both
countries to honestly proclaim they were not spying on their own
citizens, while benefiting from the fact that someone else was.
By the end of the second world war; a war that the allies won
primarily because of strategic advantage gained from superior
telecommunication interception; the english speaking powers agreed
to create a multinational agency to capture all the information in
the world. Every newspaper, radio broadcast, t.v. transmission, and
international telegraph or phone call was to be captured and
recorded and stored for possible future analysis.
That agreement is still in place. The publications of the FBIS [
Foreign Broadcast Information Service ] are an example of the
publicly disclosed results of the joint monitoring program.
Today, Canada intercepts private communication in the U.S. and vice
versa. This is not illegal. Each country's laws forbid it from
invading the privacy of its own citizens. These same laws
intentionally provide no such protection for the communications of
other nations.
The Internet began as a service of the U.S. military. It is
impossible to believe that national security considerations were
not incorporated into its design. To this day the highest level
technical meetings on Internet design in the U.S. can only be
attended by individuals with security clearances.
The Internet is above all an international network. Messages travel
around the globe in fractions of a second. From an intelligence
perspective this amounts to providing an unwanted window on the
U.S. to the rest of the world. A disloyal government employee could
encode a document - and send it over the internet to anyone in the
world. An illegally distributed document, once securely encoded may
be captured, but unless it is crackable, the government would be
hard put to determine the nature of the damage done to its security
interests, because it could not determine what document it had in
its possession. The recent decision of the Department of Defence
to end Internet access for most of its employees is grounded in
these considerations.
Similar considerations arise for companies that depend on technical
secrets for their market advantage, or that wish to be certain that
their strategies can not be discovered by competitors.
Ordinary citizens also value privacy.
Of course - the internet isn't the only problem technology. Digital
cellular phones will soon be voice activated and may weigh less
than an ounce. The same disloyal government employee will then be
able to capture and encode a document. Then, with the aid of a
cellular modem, broadcast it to any point on the globe.
-------------------
A good situation for a national intelligence service is one in
which your own communications are untapable, while everyone else's
are easily accessed. The ideal situation exists when everyone
believes that their own systems are secure - when they are in fact
not secure.
The clipper chip proposal - if universally adopted - would appear
to provide the U.S. government with a nearly ideal solution to a
crisis that has arisen in connection to the Internet.
The crisis arises from the fact that cheap secure encryption
software and now hardware has become globally available for the
first time; from Albania to Zaire everyone who owns a computer can
guarantee their own privacy. In essence - the cat is already out
of the bag and a desperate effort is underway to stuff it back in.
Accepting that a genuine problem exists. Is the Clipper chip
proposal a reasonable solution. If it is not a reasonable solution,
are their other - better approaches. Or, will one have to accept
the fact that the nature of the struggle for advantage through
technical espionage has changed.
-------------------------------
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS AND WHO ARE THE LIKELY
BENEFICIARIES
The Clipper Chip proposal is an excellent solution if you are a
foreign company or nation interested in obtaining competitive
economic advantage over the United States. I expect that foreign
governments will begin lobbying immediately for adoption of the
proposal in the U.S. Here is why.
It will not prevent them from using effective encryption outside
of the U.S.
The United states represents only about 18% of the global market
place but it currently dominates in several hardware and software
categories.
These include supercomputers, network software and hardware,
desktop software, cpu chips, most categories of business software
for all classes of machines.
With adoption of these proposals - each of these categories will
become easier to gain market share in outside of the U.S.
Intel and Microsoft and Novell along with IBM, Thinking Machines
and Wais should all see significant declines in their market share.
Network Service providers like AT&T or Sprint should be easy to
defeat as they try to sell services in external markets.
If similar legislation is also passed in the area of cellular
communications, we can expect to see a dramatic decline in the
market share for Motorola products as well.
In the future as research on encryption techniques comes to a
standstill in the U.S. Foreign firms will be able to develop
optimized encryption standards that will meet the demands for the
emerging Multimedia market. Multimedia vendors seeking product
protection need efficient encryption standards to allow protection
of property rights. Encryption standards that slow down
transmission or minimize the effectiveness of compression
techniques will help guarantee the success of foreign firms.
SHOULD FOREIGN FIRMS REALLY SPEND MONEY ON LOBBYING.
Yes, despite the past history of success by the intelligence
community in crippling U.S. competitiveness in overseas markets in
areas like desktop computing and database software, and despite
that community's success in making U.S. companies the final
entrants in the Vietnames market and the China market; you can not
count on the continuing willingness of the American people to
accept these impediments.
In addition U.S. passage of this legislation may actual improve the
competitive advantage of a well prepared nation or corporate group.
U.S. history is replete with examples of trusted individuals who
have used intelligence information for private gain or sold it for
other reasons.
When men like former the multimillionaire Director of the CIA,
William Casey, had to be stopped from using intelligence
information for personal gain by Congress; there are probably few
serious limits the corruptablity of intelligence community staff.
And the clipper chip proposal is based upon trusting the keys to
chip's security system in the hands of low paid bureaucrats. Men
who may include among their ranks individuals like the Walker
Family who sold satellite intelligence secrets to the Russians for
peanuts.
The real danger here is that the U.S. might actually begin work on
improved encryption standards for incorporation in U.S. made
products. Such activity would create market advantage for American
companies.
ISN'T IT A DANGER TO OTHER COUNTRIES AND COMPANIES IF ENCRYPTION
THAT IS NOT BREAKABLE IS IN WIDE USE?
Not really. The Soviet Union and Israel managed to coexist with the
United States even though the U.S. was incapable of breaking their
codes. Both countries were themselves unable to break US coded
communications. Both countries successfully employed spies and
informants to obtain material and information that was otherwise
protected from decipherment. Both countries shared intelligence
information obtained from the U.S. So this raises the possibility
that foreign firms or nations could unite in obtaining economic
advantage over the US.
Because plans must be turned into action - existing national
technical means are sufficient to guarantee the physical security
of the U.S.
AREN'T THERE OTHER REAL BENEFITS TO THE US FROM THE ADOPTION OF
SUCH SYSTEMS?
Well, if the U.S. government adopted the clipper chip standard for
all its internal communication. It would be able to gain some
control of untrustworthy employees who wished to use technical
means in subverting the US. People like Jonathan Pollard who simply
physically removed documents from their safe storage sites, would
of course be unaffected. Similarly the Walker family was exposed
only because of a family feud.
WHAT ABOUT ORGANIZED CRIME ETC.
The US government's inability to prevent the ongoing success of
organized crime despite the availability of wire taps and
informants is a testimony to the intelligence of these criminal
organizations. Implementation of the clipper chip proposals will
not result in any change in their successful strategies for
avoiding monitoring.
ISN'T THERE ANYONE WHO WILL DEFINITELY BENEFIT FROM THIS?
Yes, some company will get the contract for these chips.
==============================================
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS: this issue arrives a day late so that I
could include late breaking information on the Cipper chip issue.
A recent post to communet correctly noted that the editing of this
newsletter is poor. I would welcome any OFFER TO EDIT this
publication. I already spend 10 - 15 hours a week on it and just
can't spend any more.
==============================================
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a public service of FUTURE DATA; a
partnership of researchers and research system designers.
For commercial services contact Gwyneth Store - circa@io.org
Net facilities for the preparation of this newsletter are provided
by the DISTRIBUTED KNOWLEDGE PROJECT - York University - Canada
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at
the WELL : gopher ----> well.sf.ca.us ->networks -->community
"subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the
listowner for the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE
reading "subscribe <firstname> <lastname>".
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter
contact Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.014
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NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : Feb 14, 1994
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
compiler : Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
This is the 8th report of 1994
------------------------------
ALERT DISCUSSIONS FUNDRAISING LEGISLATION
REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE TOOLS TRENDS
ALERT - YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS NEEDED
========================================
Public interest issues affecting the net may lose the single MOST
IMPORTANT VOICE in the very near future. I personally find that
Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility is better on the
issues than any other organization.
CPSR is in imminent danger of closing down. Foundation support
has declined this year and it cannot sustain operation on the
income received from dues.
"We are faced with a choice. We can close our doors and hope that
our work will be carried on elsewhere or we can issue one last
appeal or challenge to the computing community. We have chosen to
issue this appeal. I don't want to exaggerate the seriousness of
this appeal - without financial relief in the very near future, we
will close down the doors. (The Spring NII conference will occur
regardless but it may be our last event...)
If you support the goals of CPSR and you believe that our work is
important RIGHT NOW, please consider joining our organization or
sending a donation so we can continue the fight into the 21st
century and beyond.
Small donations - $5 or $10 - are welcome! Of course, larger
donations are even more welcome. If you can make a larger donation
we urge you to do so, but any help is much appreciated. If you
have friends or colleagues who are familiar with the work of CPSR
and have similar concerns as you, please let them know.
===============================================================
CPSR Pledge Form
I want to help retain a strong, independent voice of responsibility
in the computing community. I am making this pledge
Please send this *pledge card* to cpsr@cpsr.org.
__ $5 __ $10 __ $20 __ $30 __ $50
__ $75 __ $100 __ $200 __ $500 __ $1000
__ Other
============================ clip and mail=======================
or BECOME A MEMBER
Name
___________________________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip
_____________________________________________________
Home phone _____________________ Work phone______________________
Company
___________________________________________________________
Type of work
______________________________________________________
E-mail address
_____________________________________________________
CPSR Chapter
__ Acadiana __ Austin __ Berkeley
__ Boston
__ Chicago __ Denver/Boulder
__ Los Angeles __ Loyola/New Orleans
__ Madison __ Maine __ Milwaukee
__ Minnesota __ New Haven __ New York
__ Palo Alto __ Philadelphia __ Pittsburgh
__ Portland __ San Diego __ Santa Cruz
__ Seattle __ Washington, DC __ No chapter in my area
CPSR Membership Categories
__ $ 75 REGULAR MEMBER
__ $ 50 Basic member
__ $ 200 Supporting member
__ $ 500 Sponsoring member
__ $1000 Lifetime member
__ $ 20 Student/low income member
__ $ 50 Foreign subscriber
__ $ 50 Library/institutional subscriber
(Corporate memberships also available)
Additional tax-deductible contribution to support CPSR projects:
$50 __ $75 __ $100 __ $250
$500 __ $1000 __ Other
Total Enclosed: $ ________
Make check out to CPSR and mail to:
CPSR
P.O. Box 717
Palo Alto, CA 94301
DISCUSSIONS
===========
NPTN LISTSERV
Details of NPTN's process for re-examining its activities and goals
were posted this past week. Clearly, a total re-assessment is
underway. 4 primary issues are being focused on:
1. The Basic Functions of NPTN
2. The Economics of Community Computing
3. NPTN and Political Action
4. INTRA-Network Relations and Quality Control
a specific listserv for each of these topics was created.
In the TRENDS section I will look recent developments of different
economic models for civic nets.
Tom Grundner - NPTN's founder - outlined the issues from the
freenet perspective.
I THE BASIC FUNCTIONS OF NPTN
THE GENERAL QUESTION: How should NPTN define itself as an
organization? More specifically what are the key function(s) it
should be playing over the next three years?
SOME SPECIFIC QUESTIONS *MIGHT* INCLUDE:
1) Should NPTN continue to actively "evangelize" for the
development of locally-oriented, "free" (a term to be discussed on
another list), public-access, community computer systems; OR
should we support the development of systems and methods which
bypass these community hubs and encourage direct, pretty much
unlimited, individual access to the Internet (or whatever
successor network)?
- Can the two models co-exist?
- If the evangelism should continue, should it be done more
agressively than we have done it so far?
- If the evangelism should continue, should we be actively
taking this evangelism beyond the borders of the U.S., or
keep all our work within this country?
2) Should NPTN take responsibility for actively helping
communities to come online (e.g. by encouraging formal organizing
committees, allocating citywide "franchises" to local groups,
providing materials, etc.); OR should NPTN simply make information
widely available to anyone and everyone then stay clear until such
time as someone has something tangible up and running?
3) Should NPTN be in the "cybercasting" business? That is: as
these systems come online, should NPTN be attempting to formally
service them by developing a range of network-wide features that
they can use to supplement local resources; OR should each system
simply develop their own materials and just share them with each
other as they feel appropriate?
II. THE ECONOMICS OF COMMUNITY COMPUTING
THE GENERAL QUESTION: How do we build a stable economic model
that will support the development of both NPTN and each of the
individual affiliate systems?
SOME SPECIFIC QUESTIONS *MIGHT* INCLUDE:
1) Should NPTN create categories of membership based upon the
degree of commercial practices used to support the system. For
example:
- Full Commercial System: One in which the user is charged
an on-going fee for *any* access to the system.
- Commercial I System: One in which some portions of
the system are free to the user, while other portions
require a fee to access or use.
- Commercial II System: One in which system usage is free,
but a registration or initiation fee is charged.
- Freehold System: One in which there are no charges to the
user either to access or use the system.
2) If commercial membership categories are created, what (if
anything) should NPTN be doing to support those activities? (Some
potential examples: lining-up commercial products at good rates
for re-sale on the affiliate systems; providing financial services
such a VISA/MasterCard clearence, or other activities which offer
economies of scale.)
3) If Freehold Systems are operating, what (if anything)
should NPTN be doing to support those systems? (Some potential
examples: conducting workshops on grantsmanship and other means of
raising monies from the community, pursuing sponsorships of
features from major companies which would run on the Freeholds,
pursuing networkwide foundation or corporate grants to provide
services, equipment, or operating monies to the Freehold systems,
etc.)
4) Should NPTN seek payments or royalties from non-NPTN
commercial systems who send their users to our systems? (Said
monies to go into a fund from which the Affiliate Council can
create our own internal grants program.)
5) What is the economic model which allows NPTN to stay alive
in order to DO all this?
6) What is the DOWNSIDE of commercializing the Free-Net's in
terms of: a) increased user demands and expectations for
"commercial quality" system performance; b) will the *volunteer*
sysops continue to be volunteers if they think (rightly or
wrongly) that someone is getting "rich" off of their work; and c)
in most cases can enough revenues be brought in to overcome
problems a) and b), AND the cost and hassle of the accounting and
billing involved, AND still yield enough monies to make it
worthwhile.
III NPTN AND POLITICAL ACTION
THE GENERAL QUESTION: Should NPTN take an active stance in the
development of federal. state, and/or local legislation or
regulation to promote the development of community computing?
1) Should NPTN develop a piece of Federal legislation which
would specifically target permanent nationwide core funding for
the development and operation of community computer systems--and
promote that legislation through all available federal-level
political channels?
2) Should NPTN develop a piece of model State legislation
which would specifically target permanent core funding for th
development and operation of community computer systems within
each state--and which could be promoted through all available
state-level political channels?
3) Should NPTN form statewide committees to promote the
development of community computer funding via the activities of
statewide Public Utilities Commissions and other similar agencies?
4) Should NPTN devise a special program which will make local
communities aware of and engage them in the need for the
development of information age structures and services in their
localities?
5) What mechanisms would need to be created to accomplish each
of the above? How would they be created? How would they be
funded? How would they be controlled?
IV INTRA-NETWORK RELATIONS AND QUALITY CONTROL
THE GENERAL QUESTION: What responsibility do we bear for
keeping our own house in order--to do the things necessary to
increase the online quality of ALL of our systems, thus increasing
the reputation of the network as a whole, thus benefitting
everyone--especially when it comes to grantsmanship.
SOME SPECIFIC QUESTIONS *MIGHT* INCLUDE:
1) Should we have minimal standards for the acceptance of
groups as organizing committees. If so, what ?
2) Once a system goes online, should there be minimal standards
with regard to the operation of an affiliate (e.g. "look and feel"
issues, minimal menu categories, standardized menu structures,
provision of certain minimal services, etc.)? If so, what should
they be? How would those standards be enforced?
3) Should there be requirements for resource sharing (e.g.
information features, organizational and operational documents,
etc.) over and above the "Plan B: NPTN Information Cooperative"
option in the affiliate agreement.
4) Should NPTN undertake to raise the monies necessary to
create a "state-of-the art" software product for community
computers to run on? If so, should we then, as an organization,
standardize on that software product?
5) Should NPTN allow community systems which are NOT affiliates
of NPTN to pass their users on to us via their teleports? Is that
fair to our systems and to the organization as a whole?"
-------------------------------------
Several listservs had comments on the question of "public" - i.e.
government support for civic networks.
--------------------------------------
CANADIAN FREENET LISTSERV
There was some discussion of the impact of the clipper chip
proposals on Canada. A number of issues were raised about control
over the keys for canadian users. Also the need for canadian
manufacturers to participate in the production of clipper compliant
hardware was raised.
COM-PRIV
Posters had a rambling discussion on the role of government in the
production and marketing of information on the Internet. Strong
positions for and against were taken. The majority of opinion fall
into the " some is inevitable" category. Competition with the
Private Sector was frowned upon by several posters and just as
vigorously defended by others.
A proposal for a government funded encyclopedia emergered and was
debated. [ apparently the participants are unaware of the Internet
Encyclopedia project which is ongoing now - participants view the
entire contents of the Internet as part of a vast encyclopedia -
they are just working of giving it a little more formal focus. ]
---------------------------------------------------------------
A great deal of material furthering the debate and reporting on the
Administration's action on the Clipper chip appeared throughout the
internet. I hope to do a short special issue later this week
summarizing the most interest posts.
EVENTS
======
Canada's Coalition for Public Information has now established its
listserv. To subscribe send a message to listproc@resudox.net
in the text area: subscribe co_pub_info Your Name
Send the word help for assistance.
The Coalition is rapidly gaining recognition as THE group
representing the broad public interest in Canada. In recent weeks
coalition spokespeople have been represented regularly in Canadian
Radio, TV and newspaper articles on the Global Information
Infrastructure.
The Coalition has adopted an ambitious agenda of Issues.
.1 Participate in public policy development in order to
advocate for universal, open, and affordable public access to the
evolving information infrastructure through such actions as
obtaining Coalition membership and involvement in CANARIE.
.2 Advocate for public rights to information.
.3 Advocate for and encourage a multiplicity of sources and
authorship on the information highway, with an emphasis on Canadian
culture, values and quality.
.4 Develop policy positions on regulatory issues, such as,
telecom and cable-TV rate structures.
.5 Develop the research capacity to produce public policy
positions.
.6 Survey and report on the institutional readiness of
public institutions, such as libraries and schools, as points of
access to the information highway for many Canadians.
.7 Support the work of community networks and FreeNets in
providing community access to the information highway.
.8 Work with the Cable-TV industry in expanding the
"Canadian Cable in the Classroom" program into libraries and other
public institutions that will provide access to the information
highway.
.9 Work with the telephone industry to develop strategies
to ensure equitable and economic access to the information highways
at the community level.
.10 To ensure that access to information for the public
good is part of the 500 channel universe
.11 Initiate a public dialogue on privacy issues on the
in order to develop a public policy position.
.12 Develop a position on intellectual property and
copyright for an electronic networked environment.
for more information Contact: Stan Skrzeszewski
<sskrzesz@julian.uwo.ca>
----------------------------
Paul Robinson <PAUL@TDR.COM> announced the creation of a list for
the public disclosure of bugs, system problems, viruses, and any
other conditions in a computer system that people should be aware
of so they can fix the problem.
"It is also appropriate to report security holes, dangerous
conditions in PBXs, cellular and wire telephone systems, and other
computer-controlled devices. Also reports of things such as
default accounts and passwords on systems that should be changed,
etc.
The focus will be on reporting clear descriptions of problems
including how to generate them. The idea being that this will
alert people to the nature of certain problems that they might be
unaware of. Reproducing these conditions lets others know what is
being done, and can allow people to post solutions on how to block
them.
The purpose in creating this list is that currently, the only
means currently available for reporting discovered security holes
in computer systems and possibly other areas is via the Computer
Emergency Research Team (CERT) out of Carnegie Mellon University.
The problem with CERT reporting is that the reports generally tend
to be done in secrecy, and it fails to let system administrators
and others know about what is happening so that these things can
be fixed. In short, CERT acts like a black hole and takes too long
to publicize problems until lots of places get hit because they
didn't know about it.
Some people feel that reports should not be publicized because
potential reports might become available to "the bad guys." Well,
the truth of the matter is that "the bad guys" trade their
discoveries around all the time; the current use of secrecy is only
hurting "the good guys" who want to protect their systems.
This list has just been created, and pending creation of an
automated processor will be temporarily moderated since my current
equipment does not yet tell me what address the message is sent to.
This will be changed not yet tell me what address the message is
sent to. This will be changed in the next two weeks.
There will, however, be two addresses. The general list will be
PROBLEMS@TDR.COM
which is used to post a report to the list. To subscribe to the
list, use PROBLEMS-REQUEST@TDR.COM
Currently, both addresses are moderated. This will change shortly
as I upgrade the software on my system. Persons wishing to make
a report but not be identified should state so in the text of their
message. In the future, they will do so by using the -request
address which will come to me directly."
FUNDRAISING
==============
WORKING WITH UNIVERSITIES OR COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Toronto Freenet is going to open on March 31st. It has developed
very good relations with all 3 local Universities. They are
donating listservs, computers, office space, meeting rooms, and
have been the source of many excellent volunteers. A recent
posting, by Laine Ruus, a founder of the freenet, and the Data
librarian at the University of Toronto; outlined the basis for that
relationship. From the perspective of the universities, working
with the freenet will result in several benefits.
Freenet:
- will provide access to important information resources
which currently are not accessible, such as municipal, and
provincial government resources, as well as commercial sector
resources, which are not currently available via the Internet
- will provide easy access to collections of other libraries in the
Toronto area, which are not currently available via the Internet
- will take some of the pressure off the UT Library's VAX
(and thus from the campus backbone) from individuals going through
the VAX to read their electronic mail at other sites (e.g. other
Free-nets)
- can provide a 'living-laboratory' for research in social
issues, social behaviour, linguistics, distance education, etc.
- can provide improved access and services to the disadvantaged
- can provide University of Toronto with a low-cost opportunity
to demonstrate their involvement and commitment in the local
community outside the academic community itself, thus
strengthening the town-and-gown relationship.
---------------------------------------------
REALLY IMAGINATIVE FUNDRAISING IDEA # 1
Toronto Mutual Fund companies are raising funds for the YMCA. 16
companies have each put up $100,000 of their own money. All
earnings are being donated to the Y, loses are absorbed by the
companies. Started last April, the contest has generated over 1/2
a million dollars for the Y todate. Not bad for a starting amount
of 1.6 million. The Y is getting about a 33% return on money it
doesnt have! The contest chair is the President of a major local
investment services company. He put the arm to his buddies. [ from
the Toronto Star]
-----------------------------------------------------------
REALLY IMAGINATIVE FUNDRAISING IDEA # 2
Michigan National Bank has added a new menu item to its 300 cash
machines: information on charities."By pressing a few buttons,
depositors are able to transfer contributions directly from their
accounts to one or more of 20 charities around the state. The
machine provides a receipt for tax records." The story [ in the New
York times ] says the bank asked its officers "to recommend
charities that seemed especially worthy of contributions."
"Ariadne Magoulias, a spokeswoman for Michigan National, said the
idea for teller-machine giving came from a bank employee who
learned about a similar program offered by the tiny Fayette County
Bank in Georgia. The employee proposed the idea, she said, 'and
our management thought it had merit.'" [PUTNAM BARBER]
REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE
========================
PBS PROGRAM ON TECHNOLOGY & LEARNING.
The Merrow Report, the PBS series that covers education in America,
is looking for the best examples of effective use of technology
both inside and outside the classroom. Send ideas and suggestions
to report@aol.com. [EDUCOM ]
----------------------------------------------------------
GOVERNMENT ON-LINE
Max Lent : <72145.125@compuserve.com> is looking for information
on community based on-line services having contact with government.
" The reason that I am looking for this data is that I'm compiling
a book entitled "Government On-line." The book is an
annotated directory of public access government on-line services
covering national, state, county, and community on-line services.
Any information you can share with me would be greatly appreciated.
I'm especially interested in state, county, city, or community
governments offering on-line services directly or indirectly. I'm
also looking for foreign versions of the same info.
--------------------------------------------------
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE - SIMILAR TO THE NII.
The Australian Govt. is calling for submissions from interested
groups to provide them with a discussion paper, and backbone of a
marketing plan. [ sorry I don't have a contact address - ed ]
TOOLS
======
"A PROGRAM TO ASSIST HTTP BROWSING OF NEWSGROUPS
WWW browsers such as NCSA Mosaic allow the user to read
newsgroup articles by specifying the group name in a URL eg
'news:comp.answers'.
To browse through many groups, though, (and there are several
thousand of them) you really need a page or pages containing links
to all the groups.
Newslist is a program which creates a hierarchy of pages for
you based on the groups available from YOUR server. It is written
in Python - a splendid interpreted object-oriented language which
I suggest you get right now from the directory /pub/python at
ftp.cwi.nl, if you haven't already got it.
A suitable list detailing most groups can be found at
ftp.uu.net in /uunet-info/newsgroups.gz.
In addition to Python, you need:
An NNTP-based news feed.
A directory in which to put the pages.
This is an early version. The programming is not very beautiful,
but it works! It comes with no warranty, express or implied, but
with the hope that some others may find it useful. Comments,
improvements & suggestions welcomed.
[Quentin Stafford-Fraser : fraser@hare.europarc.xerox.com ]
--------------------------------------------------------------
A PROGRAM THAT ALMOST SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
[ Last weeks discussions on mail readers for FREEPORT software
prompted me to put this commercial announcement in ]
"Now you can reach your favorite Internet services using Windows.
All you need is Cyberdesk and a dial-up UNIX shell account --- the
least expensive account available --- to get powerful access to
Internet at minimum cost. You can use the Internet service provider
you like and connect through any standard UNIX shell. Cyberdesk,
a new kind of communications software, eliminates the need for you
to learn the complexities of UNIX to access and manage the
Internet. Cyberdesk automatically issues the appropriate commands
for you to exchange your private e-mail, participate in public
newsgroups, ftp files to your local PC, and telnet to systems
around the world. You read and respond to messages offline in
Cyberdesk's highly graphical Windows environment.
Cyberdesk routinely checks each system for new private e-mail and
public messages in CompuServe's forums and USENET's newsgroups.
All the messages from these various systems appear in one mailbox
on your Cyberdesk. Cyberdesk also includes a gateway to your LAN
e-mail post offices; a spelling checker with a 90,000+ word
dictionary, named file folders including subfolders, over 30
address templates, binary attachments, automatic cross platform
addressing, distribution lists, support for external encryption,
file transfer protocols, terminal emulations, a sophisticated
C-like script language, and extensive options for customization to
your personal preferences.
Details on Cyberdesk are in the file cdbro.exe, available via ftp
on netcom.com in pub/cyber,
Run cdbro.exe on your system to produce the brochure in
Windows Help format. Or we'll be happy to fax it if you'll e-mail
us your fax number. CyberCorp, Inc. Internet: cyber@netcom.com
----------------------------------------------------------------
A FREE MULTI-PROTOCOL SERVER FOR GOPHER AND HTTP
GN Release 2.0
[ This tool allows sites to serve people with either sophisticated
(graphical) and primitive (vt100 ascii) access to the net.]
FEATURES:
o GN serves two protocols gopher0 and HTTP/1.0,
the protocol used by WWW clients. GN recognizes the protocol
from the request and responds appropriately. This allows the
use of WWW browsers like Mosaic in their native mode.
o Over 60K of documentation.
o Eases migration from gopher to WWW
o Support for WAIS index searches.
Free for any use, commercial or otherwise! (GNU license)
AVAILABLE BY ANONYMOUS FTP:
FTP to: ftp.acns.nwu.edu
Get file pub/gn/gn-2.0.tar.Z
OR VIA GOPHER:
Server: hopf.math.nwu.edu port 70
Get file: gn-2.0.tar.Z
Gn is a gopher/HTTP server which is written in C and runs under
UNIX. It is freely available for any use, commercial or otherwise.
The software is freely redistributable under the terms of the GNU
public license. There is good documentation -- three man pages and
an extensive installation and maintenance guide.
you don't need to run different servers on different ports to have
different levels of access!
the GN gopher/http protocol server has support for WAIS index
searches. This means you can index a collection of files with the
index software designed for use with WAIS (Wide Area Information
Server) and the gn server will respond to user queries by providing
a menu of those documents from your collection which contain a
match for the user supplied search term. Simple boolean
combinations like `horses and cows' or `fox not goose' are
supported.
TRENDS
=======
THE NET & THE LEGAL SYSTEM are starting to reshape each other.
This is a process that will accelerate rapidly. The clipper chip
proposal is a major example; but two items from the Educom Review
this week show that more surprises are in store.
LAWSUIT CHALLENGES ACCREDITATION STANDARDS. The Massachusetts
School of Law has filed suit against the American Bar Association,
challenging some of the standards imposed on law schools, such as
the number of books housed in their libraries. The School makes use
of electronic databases and interlibrary loans in lieu of
"expensive hard-cover volumes of statues and court decisions that
the ABA wants to see on our library shelve.
SEX TITLES DRIVEN OFF INFO HIGHWAY. Canada's best-known computer
science school, the University of Waterloo, banned from its campus
five Internet BBSs dealing with violent sex and other areas out of
concern that the contents contravene laws on pornography and
obscenity. A university spokesperson says that while Waterloo
tries to protect freedom of expression as much as possible, it must
draw the line when it goes beyond the bounds of the law.
-------------------------------------------------------
THE COST OF NET ACCESS CONTINUES TO DECLINE
The cost of access to really powerful network service just declined
by at least 95%. Last year if you wanted ATM service to your home
machine you needed to spend $2,000. for a card. As the following
announcement indicates; the price should soon be under $100 for
similar power this year. While the price of ATM "access" from the
phone companies is still very high - it too should decline steeply
this year. [ ATM is about 20,000 times faster than what you get
with a 14.4 modem.]
ATM OVER COPPER. Micro Linear Corp. has developed a cheap ($20)
chip that enables copper wire to carry ATM (asynchronous transfer
mode) signals. Normally, ATM signals are too fast for copper to
handle, and "noise" results from the metal's resistance to the
tightly packed signal. The chip adjusts an equalization circuit
that filters out the noise and restores the signal to its original
clarity. [ EDUCOM ]
-----------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL CIVIC NETWORKS and other varients are becoming more and
more common. For several months reports of commercial access
systems with strong public information components have been
circulated on the Internet. NPTN is debating its position on these
hybrids now. The idea of a "self funded" - members pay - freenet
has even been discussed on the NPTN listserv.
In recent weeks 4 varients on the theme of civic nets were
announced.
1 - PALO ALTO WEEKLY GOES ON-LINE ON THE INTERNET
For more information contact: paweekly@netcom.com
This newspaper has decided to go on line with a twist.
"The Palo Alto Weekly has been testing its Internet "presence" for
the last month, and over 2,000 different Internet computer systems
have accessed it, even though no public announcement had been made
about its availability.
In addition to the contents of each issue, which includes news,
entertainment listings, movie and restaurant reviews, open house
listings and real estate transactions, the text of past issues will
be available.....Readers may also communicate with the newspaper
and send letters to the editor.
Under development are community-oriented "news groups," which will
permit readers to post messages and opinions about community issues
and allow local organizations to make information available
electronically.
The Palo Alto Weekly is on World Wide Web, with a URL address of
http://www.service.com/PAW/home.html.
---------------------------------------
2. SV-PAL OFFERS INTERNET ACCESS FOR $20 PER *YEAR*!!
All the talk and promotion for the information highway has
companies and investment groups scrambling to determine their
part in this new age for communications. Much of the attention is
focused on how the network will be organized, architected and
constructed. But more important is who will it serve, what is its
benefits and how can it be used. Answers to these issues are more
likely to come from the efforts of groups like SV-PAL, the Silicon
Valley - Public Access Link, when it opens its doors in late
February.
SV-PAL is committed to increasing the numbers of people in
Silicon Valley that access and benefit from on-line information.
SV-PAL's three fold objectives:
o Provide broader on-line access to local information,
o Provide on-line access to global information through the
Internet and
o Educate people about on-line resources,
goes to the heart of determining the purposes and values for the
coming age of communications. Because SV-PAL is so committed to
expanding the access to on-line information beyond the present base
of users, a comprehensive menuing interface was developed to
simplify the user interface. One of its most amazing attributes
is how the resources of the Internet are made available without
technical education on UNIX shell commands for users.
Preparation for SV-PAL's general roll out at the end of
February has been progressing for about a year. Over 100 users
have been in a Beta Test since October of 1993. By March SV-
PAL plans to make available to individuals and households full
local information and Internet access for a twenty dollar annual
fee. Special arrangements for independent accounts for minors
will also be available. There are no time based usage charges
although individual sessions will be limited to one hour of connect
time in order to provide equity of access.
Local information will include items like city council
agendas, schedules for cultural attractions, schedules for youth
activities and sports programs as well as information of a more
commercial nature. Later, SV-PAL expects to offer a geographical
data base that allows for graphically locating events, specific
activity routes and any other graphical information.
Global information is provided through access to the
Internet:
o Electronic Mail to the 20+ million Internet subscribers around
the world,
o Telnet connections to remote hosts,
o FTP, WWW and Gopher access to remote data bases,
o News net access to the thousands of news topics carried on the
Internet.
Even though its doors are not yet officially open, SV-PAL
became instrumental to at least one part of the world's largest
information resource (the Internet) when it offered the first
Gopher service to the new California Legislative Data Base in
January just days after the data became available to the Internet.
In its first week of existence almost 1000 inquiries were made
through this Gopher. Most of these were from people at other
Internet hosts pointing their Gophers at SV-PAL's Gopher for the
information. SV-PAL plans to locate public access
terminals with some limitations on the functions provided at
various public locations around the south bay. At one of these
terminals people can experience accessing data remotely as well as
getting information about what is happening in the Silicon Valley.
Although inspired by the success of freenets, SV-PAL is a
significantly new type of on-line experiment. SV-PAL is designed
to be self sustaining. Other freenets have been spectacularly
successful. But, typically they depend upon a large institutional
or corporate sponsor. SV-PAL is planned to be self sustaining.
Chartered as a 501(c)(3) non profit corporation ...... The
volunteer staff of over 30 people come from Silicon Valley's most
respected companies. For additional info contact
<selmeier@svpal.org> --Bill Selmeier
-------------------------------------
3. PUBLIC LIBRARY OFFERS 80 TERMINALS CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET
Here 60 miles north of San Francisco, our Santa Rosa Public
library announced free public access to the internet starting in
March, the only one in the state of CA. This has been brought
about through a State Grant and is in concert with our State
University System. Not only will there be 80 terminals
located throught our public library system, there will be eight
dialup lines for people to connect from home or business.
Patrick Laherty <plahert@ctp.org >
--------------------------------------
4. THE LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY AND INFORMATION NETWORK (LACIN) is
planning to use INFO LINE, the Information and Referral Federation
of L.A. County, as its basis. Info Line was recently converted
from print to a CD ROM database designed for professional Human
Service use. Now we will add a simplified overlay for public access
via modem. Info Line developed a taxonomy of human services that
has become the national standard. It has over a thousand search
words and new ones are regularly added.
You can write for more information to:
Genevieve Marcus <gmarcus@igc.org>
----------------------------------------
In addition the first " Inner City " training center for GII based
jobs training opened in the South Bronx on Valentines Day.
WILLOW OPPORTUNITY CENTER
WILLOW WILL OFFER NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN THE INTERACTIVE AGE USING
THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAYS AND FOCUS ON INNER CITY EDUCATION AND
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
For more information Point your WWW client to
HTTP://Shebute.com/Projects/Willow/Willow.HTML
_______________________________________________________________
==============================================
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a public service of FUTURE DATA; a
partnership of researchers and research system designers.
For commercial services contact Gwyneth Store - circa@io.org
Net facilities for the preparation of this newsletter are provided
by the DISTRIBUTED KNOWLEDGE PROJECT - York University - Canada
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at
the WELL : gopher->gopher.well.sf.ca.us->Community
->Civic Nets->Networks&...
"subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the
listowner for the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE
reading "subscribe <firstname> <lastname>".
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enguire about this newsletter
contact Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.015
+606
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@@ -0,0 +1,606 @@
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : feb 22, 1994
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
The 9th report of 1994 is the 15th weekly survey.
-------------------------------------------------
coverage in this special issue included an extensive 4part list of
resources for those interested in community networking.
part 1: GENERAL CIVIC NETWORKING AND RELATED ISSUES
DISCUSSION AND ONGOING ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
part 2: DISCUSSION AND WORK LISTS FOR INDIVIDUAL CIVIC NETWORKS
or REGIONAL AND NATIONAL PUBLIC NETWORK EFFORTS
part 3: TOOLS FOR DEVELOPING COMMUNITY FACILITIES
part 4: CURRENT INFORMATION SOURCES
part 5: ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY NETWORKING
AND RELATED ISSUES
The regular issue will appear tomorrow. It has been delayed by my
deleting of all my files last friday. Some days it just doesn't pay...
---------------------------------
NETWORKS & COMMUNITY
version: 2.0
frequency: occasional
Date: February 22, 1994
Compiler: Sam Sternberg samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
keywords: community, freenet, free-net, privacy, funding,
legislation access, technology
audience: network developers, community activists, free-net
organizers, fundraisers, social policy analysts.
I am including a list of major sources of information about
community access systems such as free-nets and issues which effect
them. It is a good guide to historical repositories of information,
ongoing debate and discussion, and useful tools for those
attempting to open or run a community computing facility.
To simplify the job of finding these resources I will point you
to a collection of resources rather than a source whenever that's
possible. I am grateful for the previous work in gathering a
resource lists by Sherri Steele and Stanton McCandlish
<mech@eff.org> at EFF and by Art "Rambo" McGee. I have made very
extensive use of their lists in compiling this one.
GENERAL CIVIC NETWORKING AND RELATED ISSUES
DISCUSSION AND ONGOING ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
===========================================
each entry has the following information
LIST NAME | SUBSCRIPTION Provider's net location | DESCRIPTION
To subscribe, send a one line message that says:
SUBSCRIBE LIST_NAME YOUR_FIRST_NAME YOUR_LAST_NAME
to the appropriate subscription provider's net location.
----------------
ACE-MG | almanac@esusda.gov
|Americans Communicating Electronically ) primary info source on
government action to improve public access
ALA-WO | listserv@uicvm.uic.edu
| regular reports on legislation - information
access - other matters effecting library networks
CO_PUB_INFO | listproc@resudox.net |Canada's Coalition for Public
Information
COM-PRIV | com-priv-request@psi.com
|Commercialization/Privatization of Inet
COMM_DEV | listserv@zeus.med.uottawa.ca |Community Mobilization
& Health
COMMUNET | listserv@uvmvm.uvm.edu
| Community and Civic Networks - THE PRIMARY LIST
T h) T
COMMUNITY-ACCESS | community-access-request@parc.xerox.com
| Community Access Issues
CET-MG | almanac@esusda.gov
| Communities in Economic Transition - for rural
and small town groups
COMMUNITY-ACCESS | community-access-request@parc.xerox.com
|Community Access Issues
COSNDISC | listserv@bitnic.educom.edu
| Consortium for School Networking
CPSR | listserv@gwuvm.gwu.edu
| Computer Professions for Social Responsibility -
censorship and network related social issues
CYPHERPUNKS |Main subscribe requests: cypherpunks-request@toad.com
| The Cypherpunks mailing lists exist for those interested in
cryptography and it's political rammifications
FREENET-ADMIN | listserv@nptn.org
| Free-Net Administrators - current issues facing organizers
funding - managing - law - etc.
FREENET-TECH | listprocessor@cunews.carleton.ca
| Technical Net Operations - advice and
assistance - excellent source of technical info
RURALDATA | ruraldata-info-request@cic.net
|Rural Datafication Project ) planning rural community access to
the Internet
RURALNET | listserv@gibbs.oit.unc.edu
|Rural Networking general discussion
PACS-L | listserv@uhupvm1.uh.edu
| Library & Public Access Computer Systems - the most
intellectual of the lists - excellent issue analysis
Some of these lists are archived; and the archives are accessible
through the gopher at Rice University in Houston or the Well.
Gopher: riceinfo.rice.edu
Gopher: gopher.well.sf.ca.us )> community
DISCUSSION AND WORK LISTS FOR INDIVIDUAL CIVIC NETWORK EFFORTS
or REGIONAL AND NATIONAL PUBLIC NETWORK EFFORTS
==============================================================
ALICE | listserv@searn.sunet.se
|Civic Networking in Italy
BEVPUB-L | listserv@vtvm1.cc.vt.edu
|Blacksburg Electronic VillageT h) T
CALNET-L | majordomo@rain.org
|Local/Regional Networking in California
CAN-FREENET | listprocessor@cunews.carleton.ca
|Canadian Free-Nets
CHARNET | listserv@gibbs.oit.unc.edu
|Charlotte(NC) Free-Net
CITYNET | listserv@unccvm.uncc.edu
|Charlotte Libraries Connectivity
COMMUNITY-NETWORKS)| majordomo@traffic.engr.washington.edu
|Seattle Community Network
FREENET | listserv@cms.cc.wayne.edu
|Greater Detroit Free-Net listserv@waynest1.bitnet
FREENET-DISCUSS | majordomo@uclink.berkeley.edu
|Berkeley Free-Net Discussion
ITHACANET-L | listserv@cornell.edu
|Ithaca [Free]Net Discussion
LANET | listserv@dhvx20.csudh.edu
|Community Nets in Los Angeles, CA
MTLNET | listserv@vm1.mcgill.ca |Montreal Freenet
cni.org |Telecomm Policy Roundtable Forum
RTPFREENET | listserv@gibbs.oit.unc.edu
|Triangle Free-Net
SPI-COOP | adamfast@u.washington.edu
|Seattle People's Internet Cooperative ) the first attempt at a
community owned networking co)op.
SVP | jvsv-services@eit.com
|Smart Valley Project(JV:SV) The silicon valley effort that is a
mix of commercial and community networking
TOOLS FOR DEVELOPING COMMUNITY FACILITIES
=========================================
each entry has the following information
TYPE OF RESOURCE | LOCATION OF RESOURCE | DESCRIPTION
NETWORK DEVELOPMENT | gopher lan.vita.org
3rd WORLD
path ->developnet news
-> technology transfer ->
| 3rd world community networks - tools
NETWORK DEVELOPMENT | gopher riceinfo.rice.eduT h) T
ON A BUDGET
path ->psgnet/rainnet ...
->tools for low cost networks ->
| software and advice for net builders
NETWORK DEVELOPMENT | gopher riceinfo.rice.edu
AND FUNDING
path ->grants ->
| fundraising resources
ALSO
| gopher cypher.esusda.gov
path ->resources for non profits
->resource development ->
| location of foundation center libraries
and book listing funding info sources.
NETWORK DEVELOPMENT | gopher riceinfo.rice.edu
AND CULTURE
path -> computer networks ....->
| lots of goodies including
Center for Civic Networking
civic nets, community nets
freenets, NPTN, etc.
ALSO
path -> computing
-> social issues ->
| various journals on social impacts of
computing
CURRENT INFORMATION SOURCES
==========================================
each entry has the following information
TYPE OF RESOURCE | LOCATION OF RESOURCE | DESCRIPTION
GLOBAL ACCESS TO CIVIC NETWORKING INFORMATION |
Gopher: gopher.well.sf.ca.us
path )>community ))>civic nets....
| This site provides extensive access to both documents and other
sites which are involved in all aspects of civic nets and freenets
ISSUE ANALYSIS | gopher wired.com
| articles about technology and society
OPERATING FREENET SYSTEMS | gopher info.senecac.on.ca
path ->interesting places
->city freenets
| best access list for community nets
ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY NETWORKING
AND RELATED ISSUES
========================================================
NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL
))))))))))))))))))))))
AUSTRALIA
))))))))))
ELECTRONIC FRONTIERS AUSTRALIA (EFA)
Early in 1994 Electronic Frontiers Australia will be formed to
define, promote and defend the rights of electronic network users.
This new organisation will be similar to EFF in the USA. If you
want to take part in the formation of EFA (and influence its basic
objectives and policies), send a subscribe request to the list
request address listed below.
General: Michael Baker <mbaker@apanix.apana.org.au>
CompuServe: Michael Baker <100026,1312>
FidoNet: Michael Baker, 3:800/838
Mailing list requests: efa-request@iinet.com.au
FTP: ftp.eff.org, pub/Groups/EF-Australia
Usenet: aus.org.efa
IRC: join #EFA, or contact dking@suburbia.apana.org.au
EFA, c/o Michael Baker
P.O. Box 5
Flaxley SA 5153 Australia
Voice: +61 08 388 8439
Fax: +61 08 388 9532
UK/GREAT BRITAIN
))))))))))))))))
COMMUNITY
Set up in 1993, partly in response to the activities of FAST and
ELSPA in their suggestion that BBSs should be subjected to
registration procedures to operate legally. Aims of CommUnity
"expressly modelled on EFF, though we are as yet very much
smaller."
General: David Swarbrick <david@swarb.demon.co.uk>
UK CRYPTO-PRIVACY ASSOCIATION
The UK branch of the Cypherpunks. Unlike the "main" CP group, the
UK is not a virtual organization (namely a mailling list) but is
in fact an physical one as well.
[no contact info yet]
USA
))))
AMERICANS COMMUNICATING ELECTRONICALLY (ACE)
ACE membership is diverse and represents private and govt.
organizations and individuals who wish to promote interactive
communications among federal, state, and local governments, private
businesses, public libraries, and schools, rural cooperatives,
public and private universities, community-based arts and theater
groups, voluntary associations, job training services, and health
care organizations.
Basic info: info@ace.esusda.govT h) T
Mailing list subscriptions: almanac@ace.esusda.gov [message body:
subscribe <list> <your name>]
CENTER FOR CIVIC NETWORKING (CCN/CIVICNET)
The Center for Civic Networking promotes broad public
benefits of the emerging national information infrastructure.
The Center's Programs focus on framing a national vision for civic
networking, developing a policy framework that supports civic
networking, developing and supporting model civic networking
projects, and assisting in the technology transfer based benefits
of civic networking.
General: Miles Fidelman <mfidelman@world.std.com>
<mfidelman@civicnet.org>, Exec. Dir.
Richard Civille <rciville@civicnet.org>, Dir., DC office
FTP: ftp.eff.org, pub/Groups/CCN
world.std.com, ftp/amo/civicnet
Voice: +1 202 362 3831 (R. Civille, Washington DC office)
COMPUTER PROFESSIONALS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CPSR)
CPSR conducts many activities to protect privacy and
civil liberties. Membership is open to the public and support is
welcome. CPSR maintains local chapters in several US cities.
General (nat'l. HQ): cpsr@csli.stanford.edu
General (DC offc.): Marc Rotenberg <rotenberg@washofc.cpsr.org>
Washington DC chapter: Larry Hunter <hunter@nlm.nih.gov>
NY chapter: David Friedlander <friedd@pipeline.com>
Berkeley CA chapter: Jim Davis <cpsr-berkeley@csli.stanford.edu>
Judi Clark <judic@netcom.com>
Palo Alto CA chapter: Andre Bacard <abaca
Portland OR chapter: Erik Nilsson <erikn@goldfish.mitron.tek.com>
Los Angeles chapter: Rodney J. Hoffman <rodney@oxy.edu>
Mailing lists: listserv@cpsr.org (cpsr-cpu, bawit-announce, etc.)
listserv@gwuvm.gwu.edu (cpsr)
FTP: ftp.cpsr.org
Gopher: gopher.cpsr.org
P.O. Box 717
666 Pennsylvania Ave. SE P.O. Box 40361
Voice: +1 415 322 3778 Washington DC 20003 USA
Fax: +1 202 547 5482
ELECTRONIC FRONTIER FOUNDATION
A non-profit public interest membership organization, working to
protect individual rights in the emerging information age. EFF
supports legal and legislative action to protect the civil
liberties of online users.
Basic info: info@eff.org
Online newsletter: Stanton McCandlish <mech@eff.org>
Mailing list requests: eff@eff.org (eff-talk, newsletter)
FTP: ftp.eff.org,
Gopher: gopher.eff.org
WAIS: wais.eff.org
World Wide Web URL: http://www.eff.org/
Usenet: comp.org.eff.talk, comp.org.eff.news,T h) T
1001 G St. NW, Suite 950 E
Washington DC 20001, USA
voice: +1 202 347 5400
fax: +1 202 393 5509
NATIONAL PUBLIC TELECOMPUTING NETWORK (NPTN) - AKA FREE-NET
The National Public Telecomputing Network exists to make free
public access to computerized communications and information
services a reality; to help people in cities throughout the U.S.
and the world to establish free, open access, community computer
systems (Free-Nets); to link those systems together into a common
network similar to National Public Radio or PBS on TV; to help
supplement what the local systems are able to produce.
General: info@nptn.org [note: this is not an automailer, but a
person]
National Public Telecomputing Network
P.O. Box 1987
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Voice: 216-247-5800
FAX: 216-247-332
Community Free-Net affiliate systems + modem number
Big Sky Telegraph
Dillon, Montana +1 406 683 7680
Buffalo Free-Net
Buffalo, New York +1 716 645 6128
Cleveland Free-Net
Cleveland, Ohio A
AA h # A+1 216 368 3888
COIN
Columbia, Missouri +1 314 884 7000
Denver Free-Net
Denver, Colorado +1 303 270 4865
Heartland Free-Net
Peoria, Illinois +1 309 674 1100
Lorain County Free-Net
Elyria, OhioA 8 AA
AA h # A+1 216 366 9721
Medina County Free-Net
Medina, OhioA 8 AA
AA h # A+1 216 723 6732
National Capital Free-Net
Ottawa, Ont., Canada +1 613 780 3733
Tallahassee Free-Net
Tallahassee, Florida +1 904 576 6330
Tristate Online
Cincinnati, Ohio +1 513 579 1990
Victoria Free-Net
Victoria, BC, Canada +1 604 595 2300
Wellington Citynet
Wellington, New Zealand +64 4 801 3060
Youngstown Free-Net
Youngstown, Ohio +1 216 742 3072
For more detailed information, including internet addresses and
login
instructions, see ftp.eff.org, pub/Groups/NPTN-Freenet/login.infoT
h)
T
GLOBAL/MULTINATIONAL
))))))))))))))))))))
INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS (IGC)
The Institute for Global Communications (IGC) provides computer
networking tools for international communications and information
exchange. The IGC Networks -- PeaceNet, EcoNet, ConflictNet and
LaborNet -- comprise the world's only computer communications
system dedicated solely to environmental preservation, peace,
and human rights. New technologies are helping these worldwide
communities cooperate more effectively and efficiently. IGC
maintains a major program to develop low-cost access
to computer networking from outside the United States, especially
in non-industrialized areas. This program is the Association of
Progressive Communications (APC) which now includes low-cost
computer networks in several countries.
Basic info: apc-info@igc.apc.org, igc-info@igc.apc.org
General: support@igc.apc.org, support@igc.org
PeaceNet staff: peacenet@igc.apc.org
US/Mexico/China/Japan/MidEast: support@ign.apc.org
Argentina (Wamani/CCI network): apoyo@wamani.apc.org
Australia/Pac. Is./SE
Brasil/misc. S.Am. areas (AlterNex/IBASE network):
suporte@ax.apc.org
Canada/Cuba (Web/Nirv Centre network): support@web.apc.org
Ecuador (EcuaNex network): intercom@ecuanex.apc.org
Nicaragua/Panama/misc Central Am. areas (Nicarao/CRIES network):
support@ni.apc.org
Germany/Italy/Austria/Switzerland/Zagreb/Beograd (ComLink e.V.
network): support@oln.comlink.de
Russia/Commonwealth of Independent States (GlasNet):
support@glas.apc.org
S. Africa (SANGONet): support@wn.apc.org
Sweden/Scandinavia/Baltic/St. Petersburg area (NordNet):
support@pns.apc.org
Uruguay/Paraguay (Chasque network): apoyo@chasque.org.uy
UK/Africa/misc.
Asian & European areas (GREENET): support@gn.apc.org
Institue for Global Communications
18 de Boom St.
San Francisco CA 94107 USA
Voice: +1 415 442 0220 (USA/etc.)
+1 416 596 0212 (Can./Cuba)
A
A +54 1 35 6842 (Arg.)
A
A +44 71 608 3040 (UK/etc.)
A
A +61 7 257 1111 (Austral./etc.)
A
A +49 511 350 1573 (Ger./It./etc.)
+55 21 286 0348 (Braz./etc.)
+7 095 207 0704 (Rus./CIS)
A
A +27 11 838 6943 (S.Af.)
+46 8 6000331 (Swe./etc.)
A
A +593 2 528 716 (Ecu.)
A
A +505 2 26 2 28 (Nic./etc.)T h) T
A
A +598 2 596 192 (Uru./Para.)
Fax: +1 415 546 1794 (USA) - contact other offices for non US
fax numbers and mailing addresses.
REGIONAL/LOCAL
))))))))))))))
USA
)))
*DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA/WASHINGTON DC METRO AREA*
CapAccess is an interactive public access network providing
information and education for the metropolitan DC area. It
integrates diverse media and allows access to a wide variety of
free public information about government, health and human
services, libraries, and education. In addition, CapAccess provides
email and online conferences and participation in public forums on
timely issues.
Basic info: info@cap.gwu.edu
General: help@cap.gwu.edu
Richard Civille <rciville@cap.gwu.edu>
Taylor Walsh <twalsh@cap.gwu.edu>
Telnet: cap.gwu.edu (login as guest, password visitor;
128.164.140.32 download reg. form to get full access)
CapAccess
George Washington University
2002 G St. NW, Ste. B-1
Washington DC 20052 USA
Voice: +1 202 986 2065 (registration & help)
+1 202 994 4245
Fax: +1 202 466 0522
Dialup modem line: +1 202 785 1523 (14.4kbps, 8N1, vt100 emulation
* Group 2600 [and some public access operators]
General: Bob Stratton <strat@intercon.com, strat@uunet.uu.net>
Mikki Barry <ooblick@intercon.com>
NEW YORK CITY METRO AREA
* The Society for Electronic Access (SEA)
SEA is a membership organization focusing on civil liberties and
access issues that affect the online world. SEA is based in New
York City, so many of their activities are focused toward the New
York metropolitan area, though issues of national concern are
addressed.
Basic Info: sea-info@sea.org (auto reply)
General: sea@sea.org
Membership: sea-member@sea.org
Post Office Box 3131
Church Street Station
New York, NY, 10008-3131
Voice: +1 212 592 3801
TEXAS ) AUSTIN
EFF-Austin was formed to protect constitutional guarantees of free
speech and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure for
users of computer networks. Experience has taught us that theseT
h) T
freedoms must be fought for if they are to survive in the online
world. EFF-Austin was created as an experimental local chapter of
the national EFF but became independent in 1993 while retaining
contacts with the parent organization. We're heavily involved
in public speaking, education, and advocacy of constitutional
rights in cyberspace. "We're Austin's forum for discussion of all
concerns related to the cutting edge where society meets
technology."
General: eff-austin-moderator@tic.com
Mailing list subscriptions: eff-austin-request@tic.com
Directors: eff-austin-directors@tic.com
Usenet: austin.eff
FTP: ftp.tic.com, eff-austin directory
Gopher: gopher.tic.com, "EFF-Austin"
EFF-Austin
P.O. Box 18957
Austin TX 78760 USA
Voice: +1 512 465 7871
BBS: the SMOFboard +1 512 467 7317 (and many other local
info-sites)
HOUSTON
Electronic Frontiers Houston (EFH)
a non-profit corporation devoted to working with and for the
Houston computer and telecommunications community. Working in
alliance with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, EFF-Austin and
other national and regional organizations, EFH acts as a focal
point for the diverse set of individuals who find themselves
involved in computer communications. Included on the EFH's agenda
are: advocating civil liberty issues in "cyberspace," promoting
wider public access to computer networks, exploring artistic and
social implications of new digital media, and educating the public
about the increasingly important on-line world.
General: efh@blkbox.com
WWIVnet: efh@5285
Usenet: houston.efh.talk
FTP: ftp.tic.com, EFH directory
Gopher: gopher.tic.com, "Electronic Frontiers Houston"
EFH
2476 Bolsover #145
Houston TX 77005 USA
Voice: Ed Cavazos, +1 713 661 1561
BBS: Bamboo Gardens +1 713 665 4656 (login as EFH GUEST, pw EFH)
================================================================
this issue is also a guide prepared for the collection of internet
resource guides maintained by the Clearinghouse at the University
of Michigan
Access to the Clearinghouse is available via Anonymous FTP,
Gopher, and WorldWideWeb/Mosaic (see below). From
within Gopher, a WAIS index of the full text of these
guides is searchable.
anonymous FTP:
host: una.hh.lib.umich.edu
path: /inetdirsstacks
(a key to the file names is available from
the FTPable file .README-FOR-FTP)
Gopher: gopher.lib.umich.edu / What's New and Featured Resources
/ Clearinghouse...
==============================================
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a public service of FUTURE DATA; a
a partnership of researchers and research system designers.
For commercial services contact Gwyneth Store - circa@io.org
Net facilities for the preparation of this newsletter are provided
by the DISTRIBUTED KNOWLEDGE PROJECT - York University - Canada
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at
the WELL : gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic
nets... ---> networks & community
"subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the
listowner for the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE
reading "subscribe <firstname> <lastname>".
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter
contact Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.016
+315
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@@ -0,0 +1,315 @@
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : feb 25, 1994
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
The 10th report of 1994 is the 16th weekly survey.
-------------------------------------------------
This special issue is devoted to a discussion of several U.S.
government proposals to eliminate privacy for the average citizen,
including all users of the Internet and the phone system.
I will attempt to show that the Internet related proposal is so
flawed technically as to endanger the security of the country and
that the other proposals contribute to a possible loss of liberty
for all citizens.
While I am not a resident of the United States, I am an active user
of the internet and a promoter of its global utilization. In
particular as a advocate of civic networks I feel compelled to
point out how U.S. regulations and legislation will impact both the
U.S and other nations.
LEGISLATION
===========
The U.S. government, through the actions of various police and
intelligence agencies is undertaking a fundamental revision of the
traditional role of the state in the western industrial world .
Many of its activities related to privacy are being debated or
contested by users of the Internet. Many others are not.
Some of its efforts along this line have already been prevented by
an aware Congress. Hopefully the current crop will all be given a
very thorough examination; and where they lack merit - will be
rejected.
Of particular note among the already rejected efforts is the
legislative proposal introduced in January of 1993 by Robert
Solomon (R-NY). His bill, HR380, would have required intelligence
committee members and their staff to submit to random polygraph
testing to prevent unauthorized disclosure of matters being
considered by the committee. The bill was rejected because it
inverted the traditional role of Congress and the Federal Agencies.
It would have made congress subject to the decisions of individuals
who's only claim to representation of public it the fact that they
were public employees.
This week's arrest of Mr. Ames shows that mere employment - even
employment that requires regular submission to polygraph testing -
is no guarantee of loyalty to the best interests of the country.
Readers may recall that 2 weeks ago I raised exactly this issue of
the corruptibility of Intelligence staff in my discussion of the
clipper chip proposal.
Particularly noteworthy in the Ames case is the small amount of
money alleged to have been required to gain Mr. Ames assistance for
Russia. He may have been paid a princely $150,000 a year for his
efforts. That sum isn't even a drop in the bucket for any country
or reasonable sized business. For that pittance he is alleged to
have compromised the entire overseas intelligence network of the
U.S.
He may not have been the first official in his position to have
compromised U.S. intelligence. James Jesus Angleton, head of U.S.
counterintelligence for nearly 30 years, was removed from office
under a similar cloud of suspicion. I will return to the issue of
Mr. Angleton's removal at the end of this report.
FLAWS IN THE CLIPPER CHIP PROPOSAL
The clipper chip proposal suffers from numerous flaws. The most
devastating are technical. The most worrisome would result from the
consequences of its implementation.
TECHNICAL
This proposal is based on the use of a "split key encryption
system". Such systems are not uncrackable. Instead they are time
consuming to crack. But every set of keys is crackable by a well
known approach, given enough time. The security the system provides
lies in the technical fact that the average time to crack such a
set of keys with a particular computer is currently many years.
This does not mean that some keys won't be randomly cracked in a
few minutes. That can happen. Its just that on average the time
required might be many years.
Such a system normally permits the user to choose any key and to
change keys as often as the user desires. The adminstration's
proposal freezes the key once its chosen.
The ability to change keys provides the user with an additional
guarantee that even if his prior key was broken - his new key will
offer some assurance of privacy for a time.
The ability to choose any key permits the user to make his key
longer as the technical means of key cracking improves. The longer
the key the more time it takes to crack.
By freezing the key length and value the NSA provided proposal
guarantees that any country or company with sufficient money will
soon be able to crack any key rapidly.
The problem is simple - we are moving into an era of mutli-cpu
computers and of course the rate of change in computational power
is not slowing either.
The administration reports that the current scheme will take an
average of 35 years to crack. That's well and good - but they do
not report which computer chip that estimate was based on. Assuming
the fastest available chip was used; all that is needed to turn
the problem into just one days work, is a bank of 35 x 365
computers - or 12,775 computers. But wait. Machines are now on the
market that incorporate from 1,000 to 64 thousand cpu chips in a
single [ relatively inexpensive ] system. The 64k cpu system could
crack the code in about 3 hours on average.
In addition current lab systems using optical computing elements
look like they will provide a 1,000 fold increase in power within
the next 5 years. That would take the current scheme and make it
possible for a 64Kcpu system to crack the codes in under 1 second.
So any foreign nation or large corporation with some money and some
technical skill could just capture as much traffic as feasible and
then save it for a few years before being able to examine it at
will. This saving of old traffic has already been done and proved
useful by the allies. They found material captured during the
second world war and then stored; to be of use even decades later.
At the same time those nasties could systematicly attack the codes
used by their major competitors or rivals. You know, 3 hours and
you've got all the IBM traffic another 3 hours and you've cracked
the White House flows.
This flaw is fundamental to the proposal. But other problems of a
technical nature also exist.
1. Where are the keys kept.
The keys are to be kept with 2 separate agencies. Those agencies
are unfortunately both vitally linked to the intelligence
community.
NIST has long acted as a front agency for the NSA. Its cover
identity allows NSA staff to attend conferences without arousing
suspicion from wary academics and business people. The current
budget request an near doubling of the level of funding for NIST.
TREASURY is the home of the Secret Service and INTERPOL.
2. How are the keys sent and received.
They will be networked. So little wires will come out of the back
of each black box. Its efficient, but since these devices will be
kept in heavily guarded locations who will know just were the other
connections on this network are. There could for instance be more
than 2 boxes produces. None of us will ever be in a position to
know.
3. Who will guarantee that the keys won't be captured in transit.
They could be easily duplicated and sent to other machines.
REBIRTH OF THE DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE STATE
These flaws are not trivial. But any scheme that attempts to meet
both the needs of police and of the citizenry will be flawed.
The danger lies in the natural tendency of policing agencies to
suspect everyone. It comes with the territory. The problem is not
new.
In 1989, William W. Keller, on the staff of the congressional
Office of Technical Assessment's program on international security
- which was examining the problem of international terrorism,
published an important study. His book is "The Liberals and J.
Edgar Hoover - RISE AND FALL OF A DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE STATE. He
wrote it because he became fascinated by the history of counter
terrorism work in the U.S. In it he articulately and carefully
shows how a well intentioned FBI program to defend black civil
rights in the south turned into the Legendary COINTELLPRO program.
Congress dismantled the program once its excesses were exposed.
That program did not go forward without high level approval. The
highest level Justice official to approve it is now the U.S.
Secretary of State.
Mr. Keller closes his book with a warning that the domestic
intelligence state could return. He points out that new technology
will make it even harder to control if its starts up again. I think
his warning was prescient and needs attention now.
In the past both Congress and the White House have been subject to
monitoring and manipulation by elements of the police and
intelligence community.
THE DANGER FOR CONGRESS
During the Hoover years every phone in congress was taped.
Hoover liked to greet freshman congresspersons and let it slip that
he was privy to a conversation they recently had with someone in
the Halls of congress. This trick was made possible by the phone
taps. Someone calling an associate and reporting a conversation
made this possible.
It put the fear of Hoover and the mistrust of other congress people
uppermost in the minds of a freshman. The information from taps was
also used for planning on bills the community wanted passed over
opposition.
The Church committee hearings delved into these matters. Much was
covered in closed sessions. The final public report sanitized the
findings and reported that only 5 people had their phones tapped.
Any congressperson with suitable clearances can examine the
committee minutes in the classified stacks of the Library of
Congress. But most current congressional reps don't have the
clearances and were not serving at the time those hearings took
place. So history gets lost and forgotten.
At the very least Congress should not permit "low level" [ to use
Mr. Gore's disingenuous description of those making decisions on
the clipper chip proposal ] officials to choose its security system
for data services. Each office would be best served by purchasing
its own facilities. Preferably a software based system that was
more generally usable.
THE DANGER FOR THE WHITEHOUSE
As the ensign Radford incident shows, - during the Nixon years -
anxious members of the military were not beyond taping White House
phones when they are uncomfortable with administration positions
or actions. President Kennedy would have sensitive discussions
while walking in the White House garden. He was convinced that his
offices were tapped.
THE DANGER FOR THE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY
As the Ames case and the many that have gone before it show -
information made secret for whatever reason, becomes the target of
espionage. With the secrets of commerce and civic discourse
available to the intelligence community they too will become
targets. The next Mr. Ames will endanger far more the espionage
establishment if the clipper chip proposal and its companion bills
are passed.
THE DANGER FOR INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE
As I have previously pointed out. The intelligence and police
communities are too easily corrupted to be trusted with the
capacity to capture and reveal the private actions of American
firms. The problem is that their work breeds cynicism. While most
staff accept the cynicism and serve honourably; it only takes a few
dishonest individuals to subvert the commercial future of the U.S.
Those few having grown cynical, become greedy. The rest as they say
is "history".
THE DANGER FOR CIVIC DISCOURSE
The right of citizens to work on legislation or to engage privately
in any activity is paramount to a well functioning society. The
tendency of police states to evolve - as Mr Keller warns - is a
constant danger to the exercise of such rights by the citizenry.
Traditional police work cracked the World Trade Center bombing. It
will serve equally well in the future.
WHAT ACTION CAN BE TAKEN TO PROMOTE NATIONAL SECURITY
and PERSONAL OR COMMERCIAL PRIVACY
The most appropriate action - after reject this bill and the
companion bills on telecom and FBI rights to obtain personal
records without a court hearing - is to encourage additional
research on cryptographic security systems. The results should be
incorporated in technology including software that is readily
available. If the U.S. does not keep up with technical advances its
capacity to both defend itself and compete commercially will be
irreparably damaged.
There are many promising areas for research in improved security
systems. With a diversity of systems available it really does
become possible to attempt to safeguard governmental, commercial
and individual privacy. Many systems makes cracking more difficult.
Modernizing systems also helps prevent intrusion. As anyone who
has ever dealt with a virus on his system knows. The most
unexpected things can turn up on your system. Unless you can defeat
efforts to harm you or steal your secrets - you are vulnerable.
Cryptography defeating systems will evolve just as readily as
viruses. Only ongoing research will defeat these dangers.
ANOTHER LESSON FROM THE PAST
I mentioned the case of Mr Angleton earlier. There may be a lesson
to be learned from it. Mr Angleton effectively disrupted the U.S.
and allied intelligence communities for decades through his
excessive paranoia and his incompetent methods. He was finally
stopped when one official, Clare George, [ staff to the CIA ] wrote
a report pointing out that it really didn't matter if Mr Angleton
was sincere or a Soviet Mole. His behaviour was as disruptive as
if he was in fact a mole. Mr George's report was acted on.
Mr Angleton was retired, given a good pension, and other
indications of the appreciation of a grateful republic.
Perhaps the various groups responsible for this round of dangerous
nonsense should also be examined. It just might be the case that
they too deserve early retirement, a good pension, and the thanks
of a grateful republic.
==============================================
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a public service of FUTURE DATA; but this
issue is entirely the responsibility of Sam Sternberg
<samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.017
+722
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,722 @@
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : March 1st, 1994
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
The 11th report of 1994 is the 17th weekly survey.
-------------------------------------------------
coverage in this issue included :
ASSISTANCE NEEDED DISCUSSIONS EVENTS FUNDRAISING
LEGISLATION NEW SERVICES TRENDS
---------------------------------------------------
MY FAVOURITE QUOTE FROM THE PAST TWO WEEKS OF POSTINGS.
" The large commercial networks, while providing for access to
global resources, defeat the uniqueness of each local
community as they concentrate their efforts on broadening their
markets and increasing subscriptions. The vision of Community
Computing is to defend our regional distinctions and create a new
resource for information and services ..."
Jim Burns ,Chair, Victoria Community FreeNet Development Committee
Victoria, Tx <h9305@vicvx1.vic.uh.edu>
ASSISTANCE NEEDED
=================
SOME NZ GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS NEED CONVINCING..!
Here in New Zealand I have found that "A Government Official
Who Is Not UP On Something, Is DOWN On Something".
* After outlining (to a few key Government Officials) the
features and benefits of basic e. mail services via the
Internet, (e. mail from Government Officials at a National,
Regional and Local Levels) among themselves, to other Government
Departments and Ministries, to their clients, non profit
organisations and the general public they want further "PROOF".
* They want information (ie reports, studies and research etc.on
the North American experience), on the "ADVANTAGES" and
"DISADVANTAGES" for Government Officials to:
- Have e. mail facilities for use among themselves.
- Have e. mail facilities for their clients.
- Have e. mail facilities available for non profit organisations
and general public.
Would you please:
- Forward to me any e. mail publications that you may have,
that would assist me in helping these Government Officials to
make up their minds about e. mail.
- Advise me of any information that I can retrieve via e. mail
(and the address to retrieve it).
It's no use me, telling some Government Officials that you have "E.
Mail" in North America and giving them good general information
(which I have done), they want evidence that this is the way
to go. Regards Roger Mackenzie rogerm@nzonline.ac.nz
-------------------------------------
"I WORK FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN HALIFAX, NS,
and perform Secretariat functions for a "One-Stop" Information and
Service Centre Initiative now ongoing. (i.e. project logistics,
management, scheduling...) The Initiative strives to use technology
to its greatest advantage to deliver government (fed, prov, mun)
information and services in (initially) 5 locations is Nova Scotia.
The centres are to open in June with a basic level of service --
adding to those services as the years progress. Services include
information, advisory, program applications and transactions.
I would be interested in communicating with anyone who has a unique
or novel service delivery method [either using the internet or
some other electronic medium], or discussing any issue which we may
want to consider when setting up the centres."
Contact CJ Carruthers cjcarr@industry1.ditt.ns.ca
-------------------------------------
" We are two MLS graduate students who are doing an independent
study which involves HELPING BUILD A LOCAL COMMUNITY NETWORK. We
are hoping that you will be able to provide us with samples of your
promotional literature (brochures, etc.). One of the requirements
for our study is the creation of a sample brochure for the Onondaga
County CommunityNet committee."
Send your materials to Sally Murray (sdmurray@mailbox.syr.edu) and
DISCUSSIONS
===========
TWO STEPS BACKWARDS
-------------------
1 - SCHOOLS WITH OUT ACCESS TO "SCHOOLNETS"
Re. TCI/BA and PacBell educational announcements:
One thing that seems conspicuously absent is explicit mention of
Internet connectivity. To my mind wiring up schools en masse, to
a proprietary closed network, is NOT a desirable activity - rather
its a market capture technique. I'm waiting to see an announcement
that says "we're going to give every school in <xxx> a T1 (or even
64kb) connection to the Internet.
Miles R. Fidelman mfidelman@civicnet.org
Executive Director The Center for Civic Networking
2 - THE PROVINCE CLAIMING NET LEADERSHIP COMMITS HIWAY ROBBERY
New Brunswick recently provided SLIP/PPP Internet access via NBNet,
a subsidiary of NBTel. I believe that we were in the process of
establishing a nice little community until February 1 came
along...the day that NBNet began charging. The first post to the
local support group, "Where did everybody go?"
NBNet's one-time set-up charge is $17.50; after that, all charges
relate to connection time. Unfortunately, NBNet has opted to charge
$10.00 per hour to a maximum of $400.00 per month, probably because
they are the only game in town (for now). In New Brunswick, we call
this the Information Highway Robbery. *faint smile*
IMHO, NBNet should have attempted to secure a broad base of users
at a nominal charge. As it is, individuals must limit their Net use
to a bit of email to keep monthly charges under $50.00. If you want
to telnet, gopher, etc. be prepared for $100-200 per month.
Corporate use only is not in the spirit of the Net.
Bruce. newmanb@nbnet.nb.ca
FLAME WAR OF THE WEEK
Several listservs carried complaints about press coverage. NPTN
discussed how Freenets can work successfully with the press and
Com-priv saw an assault on the quality of press coverage of
Internet events. A poster suggested offering all your local media
e-mail access to their Editor or New Room. Other proposed
prewritten articles as well as press releases.
One the negative side, anger over poor coverage lead to verbal
attacks on a number of journalists. One specific target was Philip
Elmer-Dewitt, Time Magazine's primary writer on high tech. He did
Time's pieces on the Internet and Video Games. I have always liked
the way he lead Time in its current effort to appeal to a TV
oriented audience with a mental age of 12. Long before Time
reformatted to look more like at news show; Dewitt was displaying
disdain for his readers by delivering such info-gems as "America's
Founding Fathers did not have computers or cable TV." That was from
"Dial D for Democracy" in the June 8,1992 issue. His internet
delivery is just as incisive.
The potential advantages and disadvantages of civic owned utilities
and local co-ops for cities and rural areas were explored. The
number of municipal internet utility efforts is growing. On the
down side, 1 respondent wrote " who needs the clipper chip" if the
government already owns the wire.
ONET - the ontario canada based network - was attacked as a barrier
to rural networking. On writer praised co-ops and suggested that
a "cheap net at $10/yr you could actually get on was much better
that an freenet you couldn't even start.
A good discussion of the significance for community computing of
the crop of Telco offers to wire the nation's schools occurred.
The very real possibility that schools which took up the telco
offerings would end up a few years from now with big bills and no
internet connections was pointed out.
NPTN agreed to create an electron archive of free-net development
documents. Unfortunately, in order to defend the growth of
organization and provide a significant membership benefit, it
decided to make the archive private. A few posters protested that
such a position went against the "spirit" of the freenet movement.
Another interesting NPTN discussion focused on creating freenets
that had no phone access - only internet connections. While most
posters opposed the idea; its easy to understand the frustration
that leads to it. Just try raising the funds to pay for the endless
demand for phone lines. [ see the item in fundraising for some
ideas of reducing phone line costs ]
Also touched on were the relationships between libraries and civic
nets, non- profits and civic nets, and some good ideas around
fundraising and proposal writing. One free-net described an
interesting internal structure were all board members were
activists in the development of the net.
EVENTS
======
MAY CONFERENCE ON COMMUNITY NETWORKS
[This is a tremendous opportunity to meet many of the pioneers of
the movement at a subsidized conference. And the BAY AREA is never
more beautiful than in May. In addition, if you can stay a few days
more - you're just hours away from the spectacular Big Sur coast
& Yosemity National Park. Both are world class natural areas -ed]
" Because of the growing interest in community networks in Canada,
the United States, Japan, New Zealand, Finland, and other
countries, we believe it is time to convene this conference to take
a hard look at the challenges and opportunities for individuals and
groups involved in community networking. The meetings are aimed
at the organizers, system operators, librarians, educators, users,
software suppliers, funding organizations, and information
providers for new and existing community systems. It will be an
excellent forum for legislators, policy analysts, public utilities
commission regulators, and city planners to learn more about these
networks.
Conference Specifics
Date: Wednesday, May 4 to Friday, May 6, 1994
Place: Apple Computer Conference Center, 4 Infinite Loop,
Cupertino, California 95014
Cost: $25 U.S. includes meals Wednesday evening through Friday
noon.
Pre-register.
Sponsors: Apple Library of Tomorrow, Cupertino, California
The Morino Foundation, Great Falls, Virginia
Estimated Number of attendees: 250 maximum. We reserve the right
to limit the number of attendees from any one organization.
Conference Schedule: (subject to additions)
Wednesday: May 4, 1994
5:00-6:00 p.m. Registration
6:00-7:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner
7:00 p.m. -Ken Phillips, Director, Marion Salem Information
Services, Salem, Oregon and founder of Santa Monica Public
Electronic Network. Then and Now: A look at Santa Monica PEN and
community networks 8:00 -8:30 p.m. Organize Ad Hoc meetings for
Thursday after lunch Thursday: May 5, 1994
8:00-8:45 a.m.. Breakfast 9:00
-Tom Grundner, President, National Public Telecomputing Network:
The State of Free-Nets
10:00-noon
Track 1
Urban Systems
-Helen Moeller, Director, Leon County Public Library System:
User Support Issues for Tallahassee Free-Net
-Richard Naylor, Manager, Information Technology, Wellington City
Net Community Networking in New Zealand
-Miles Fidelman, Executive Director, Center for Civic Networking
Sustainable Development Information Network Cambridge and Cape Cod,
Massachusetts
Track 2
Rural Systems
-Richard Lowenberg, Director, Telluride (Colorado) InfoZone
Status report on the InfoZone
-Jean Armour Polly, NYSERNet, Liverpool, New York
Project GAIN: Rural libraries in upstate New York
-Patrick Finn, President, La Plaza TeleCommunity Foundation , Taos,
NM
Building partnerships to build a network
-Frank Odasz, Director, Big Sky Telegraph, Dillon, Montana
Big Sky Telegraph after six years online
Noon-3:00 p.m. Lunch and free time for BOFs, Ad Hoc meetings, and
schmoozing.
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. BOF: Public Outreach and training. Eric Theise,
Internet Domain Editor, Millennium Whole Earth Catalog.
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
-Mario Morino, Director, The Morino Foundation
A Meta-View of Community Networks: the goals of the Morino
Foundation
4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Indigenous Groups Online
-Keola Donaghy, Network Designer and Administrator, Hale Kuamo'o
and MauiLink, Hawaii : Breaking out of the ASCII barrier. Software
for other cultures.
-George Baldwin, INDIANnet Census Information and Network Center
Getting Indian Nations online
-Anne Fallis, System Operator, INDIANnet (South Dakota)
Setting up small systems for Indian users
Friday, May 6
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.. Breakfast
9:00 - noon.
Track 1
Policy and Funding
-Richard Civille, Center for Civic Networking, Washington, D.C..
Civic networking and local community and economic development
-Jim Warren, Columnist and Advocate, Nuts & Bolts getting state and
local public records online: real world experiences.
-Michael Strait, Project Director, Corporation for Public
Broadcasting, Washington, D.C.. Response to the CPB/CWEIS
Initiative: What are the types of partnerships emerging in the 90
communities that sent in proposals? -National Telecommunications
& Information Administration Representative (invited) Community
network grant program
-Open discussion of funding opportunities and challenges
Track 2
Regional Networks and technical issues
-Marty Tenenbaum, Enterprise Integration Technologies, Palo Alto,
CA
CommerceNet: a broadband project for the San Francisco Bay Area
-Peter Scott, Saskatoon FREE-NET, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Free-Nets in Canada
-Benay Dara-Abrams, Silicon Valley Public Access Link, Mountain
View, CA
Designing a distributed multi-hub community network
-Dewayne Hendricks, Tetherless Access Ltd, Fremont, California
Wireless community networks: examples and future plans.
Noon - 1 :00 p.m. Lunch
1:00-3:00 p.m. Short and Sweet: Online and canned demos of
community networking software and systems. Show us your best in
fifteen minutes of fame. (Please sign up)
3:00 -5:00 p.m. Where are Community Networks headed?
-Jean Armour Polly, NYSERNet, Inc. Liverpool, New York
Declaration of Information Interdependence
-Frank Odasz, Big Sky Telegraph, Dillon, Montana
The Need for Rigorous and Quantitative Evaluation of Community
Systems
-Howard Rheingold, author, The Virtual Community.
Open mike
5:30 p.m. End of Conference
Registration Details
Please fill in the following information. It will be used for a
printed roster to be distributed to the other attendees at the
conference. Community Network Conference Registration
Name:
Title:
Organization
Address
City, State, Postal Code
Country
e-mail address:
telephone:
Please describe your interest or involvement in community networks
in a few words. This will help other attendees to locate
like-minded people for informal meetings and discussions.
Payment: $25 U.S. by check or money order, payable to "ALUG" One
check per attendee. This registration is non-refundable, but you
may transfer your registration to another person. If we receive
your registration before April 8, you will receive a free
conference T-shirt.
What size? S M L XL XXL
Do you need vegetarian meals?
Send the check and registration to: Community Network Conference,
Apple Library, 4 Infinite Loop MS 304-2A, Cupertino, CA 95014.
For more info e-mail SAC@apple.com
HINTS-6
--------
The sixth Hawaii Information Network and Technology Symposium
(HINTS) will focus on "Building Electronic Communities" - big ones
like the NII and the Internet, as well as community networks like
Hawaii FYI and Big Sky graph. Representatives of the Clinton
administration, Congress, and the FCC have been invited to deliver
their perspectives on the Information Highway. Joining them will
be community networkers such as Steve Cisler (Apple Computer) and
Frank Odasz (Big Sky), local telco and cable TV representatives,
the PUC, and Hawaii educators. The focus is on benefits,
issues and applications; the audience is a mix of government,
business, and consumers; the result is very synergistic and
exciting. Affordable general session fees from $25 for students
to $150. Contact HAWAII INC: +1 (808) 586-4636, fax +1 (808)
586-4625, e-mail johnp@pulua.hcc.hawaii.edu.
FUNDRAISING & COST REDUCTION
============================
Cincinnati Bell Directory Inc. (CBD) and the Greater Cincinnati
Consortium of Colleges and Universities have reached a tentative
agreement to transfer administration of TriState Online, a
community computer information system, from CBD to the Consortium.
Cincinnati Bell created TriState Online in January 1990
to provide a community information and computer communications
services in Greater Cincinnati at no cost to users. It has
approximately 12,000 registered users, who average 2,000 on-line
sessions per day. CBD, a directory services subsidiary of
Cincinnati Bell Inc., administers the service.
As part of the tentative agreement, Greater Cincinnati
Television Educational Foundation, which operates Channel 48, will
maintain educational programming support for TriState Online and,
on behalf of the Consortium, has applied to the Corporation for
Public Broadcasting for additional operating funding.
.......Barbara Stonewater, Executive Director of the
Consortium, said the group is interested in TriState Online as a
tool for communicating and sharing resources among its 13 member
institutions in Southwestern Ohio and Northern Kentucky. The
Consortium is attempting to raise additional operating funds
that would enable it to expand TriState Online's community-based
information services.
>From Mark Powers (powers@tso.uc.edu)
-------------------------------------
I am personally pleased to announce that the Toronto Free-net has
just received several significant contributions.
1 - The North York Public library is contributing staff time to
support the integration of all the regional public library systems'
on-line catalogues into the Toronto Free-net's services.
2 - Sun has just donated 3 computer systems to the T-F.
3 - Rogers Shared Services, a division of Rogers Cable will
contribute about $500,000 of services, facilities and equipment
over the next 5 years. This includes T-F's Internet connection for
the next 5 years.
4 - Ryerson University has agreed to provide extensive facilities
and services to the T-F as well. This includes the office space for
T-F.
5 - York University has donated an additional Sun computer to T-F.
6 - The campaign to get individual businesses to sponsor phone
lines has already found its first sponsors too.
The Toronto Free-net will open officially next month. My
congratulations and appreciation go to the Executive Director, both
of the fundraising committees and all the other volunteers.
--------------------------------------
Ottawa area networks have come up with several ideas to reduce the
cost of phone lines.
1 - Using government tie lines after hours - when demand for
freenet is highest and the government use is minimal - cost is zero
accept for the connection arrangements.
2 - Getting your lines purchased by the municipal government. [
municipalities making bulk line purchases have much lower rates ]
- cost is reduced dramaticly and the government get to make a major
financial contribution at no cost to itself.
3 - connecting to the freenet through an existing Centrex system
[centrex line costs are also lower than ordinary business lines ]
The bottom line is - study you local tariffs - there may be value
cost reduction opportunities hidden there.
LEGISLATION
===========
CANADA GETS INTO THE BUSINESS OF ENDING FREEDOM OF COMMUNICATIONS
but there is no campaign to stop it. Isn't anyone interested in
legislation to control or prevent this happening in Canada?
from E-d-u-p-a-g-e 02-01-94 ]
HIGH-TECH SNOOP GADGET. A super-secret branch of the Canadian
Security Intelligence Service has awarded three contracts to a
Montreal firm to make equipment that can quickly isolate key words
and phrases from millions of airborne phone, fax, radio signals and
other transmissions. The hardware has the "Orwellian potential to
sweep through ... and keep records of all conversations," said one
CSIS critic. (CTV National News, 01/31/94 11:00 pm).
ONTARIO PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND THE ELECTRONIC REGISTRY OF THE
ENVIRONMENTAL BILL OF RIGHTS
The Environmental Bill of Rights legislation is a priority of the
Ontario government and is the result of several years of
consultation and negotiation between business, environmental
interest groups, government and the legal profession. The
Environmental Bill of Rights establishes new rights for the public
so they can participate in protecting the environment.
Using computer stations in almost 300 libraries, Ontarians will
soon have direct access to environmental information from Ontario
Government Ministries through the Electronic Registry of the
province's new Environmental Bill of Rights.
This is possible because public libraries can use the existing
electronic infrastructure of the Information Network For Ontario
(INFO) used for interlibrary loan and the sharing of library
resources. INFO libraries will take the lead in providing the
Electronic Registry to the public becoming an electronic doorway
to provincial government information related to the environment.
Using the EBR Electronic Registry, the public will be able to get
information from 14 Ontario government ministries, including
Statements of Environmental Values, proposals for policies, acts,
regulations, instruments, instrument appeals and court actions.
The Electronic Registry is a computerized bulletin board. The
Registry will be accessible free of charge by modem from a home or
business computer as well as through public libraries. Network
access using the Internet and ONET will also be possible.
Library access to the Electronic Registry is expected to be
available beginning May 15, 1994. For Information Contact:
Gay Spiegel, Project Coodinator
Libraries and Community Information Branch
Ontario Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Recreation
Internet: clubbb@gov.on.ca
-----------------------------------
THE MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES LAUNCHED ITS GOPHER SERVER
in December of 1993: gopher.revisor.leg.state.mn.us
The server provides:
- bills that have been introduced in regular session;
- long titles of bills introduced in the interim
(non-legislative session periods);
- house journal;
- summaries of bills from House Research;
- phone books for the House;
- biographical member information;
- New Laws book for 1993 session;
- the MN Statutes;
- civic oriented Mac programs based on MN statutes
legislative history, county names, and new laws.
For more information contact Representative Marc Asch,
rep@loon.house.leg.state.mn.us
NEW SERVICES
============
CANADIAN ELECTRONIC FRONTIER GROUP CONCERNED ABOUT NET CENSORSHIP
Electronic Frontier Canada (EFC) is concerned about the recent
censorship of five Usenet newsgroups at the University of Waterloo.
Usenet News is a distributed electronic bulletin board system
available to an estimated 15 million Internet users across Canada
and around the world. Users can browse articles on any of the
several thousand available topics that may interest them. The
choice of what to read is left to the reader. Users may also
contribute their own articles and follow up on the articles of
authors. EFC believes the open exchange of ideas and opinions on
Usenet has become an important part of a university education.
EFC was founded in January 1994 "to ensure that the principles
embodied in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms are
protected as new computing, communications, and information
technologies emerge". EFC is concerned that, although in Canada
the right to free speech is not an absolute right, the censorship
recently imposed at the University of Waterloo sets a dangerous
precedent and has resulted in the banning of some forms of
expression that are protected. "No Canadian court has ever decided
that any message on any Usenet newsgroup is illegal," the
organization's co-founder, Professor Jeffrey
Shallit, said today. "By this ban, the University is exercising
`prior restraint' on the rights of University of Waterloo faculty,
students, and staff to read and contribute freely to the
discussions on the banned newsgroups." Prof. Shallit noted there
was a "conspicuous absence of computer scientists and librarians"
on the committee that decides what people can read on computers.
He also said that the order did not take into account the
University's historical role as the guardian of free intellectual
inquiry.
Prof. Shallit noted that the University of Waterloo has been down
the path of censorship before. Acting upon a complaint about a
single joke posted to the newsgroup in "rec.humor.funny", the
entire newsgroup was banned by the university administration in
1988. Later, a dozen newsgroups devoted to discussions about sex
were banned. The ban was reversed in May 1991 after a public
outcry.
In a Usenet news article, Professor David Jones of McGill
University, the other co-founder of EFC, commented that the UW
Ethics Committee seemed to "focus on the medium rather than the
message". He asked if the sort of information now banned in
electronic form would soon be removed from the UW libraries.
Prof. Jones observed that the University of Waterloo Library
carries information that, at first blush, might seem controversial,
including Playboy_ magazine (available on microfilm), and a book
denying the Holocaust, _The Hoax of the Twentieth Century_. "If
the University of Waterloo administration chooses to place limits
on what its students and faculty are allowed to read, these limits
should be consistently applied across various media," Jones said.
Dr. Jeffrey Shallit, University of Waterloo, Dept of Computer
Science E-mail: shallit@graceland.uwaterloo.ca
Dr. David Jones, McGill University, Dept of Electrical Engineering
E-mail: djones@cim.mcgill.ca
Electronic Frontier Canada can be reached electronically by sending
e-mail to: efc@graceland.uwaterloo.ca
Reference documents collected by EFC are accessible using the
Internet gopher file-search tool: gopher -p "1/community/efc"
ee470.ee.mcgill.ca
[ if only this group and CPI were interested in what CSIS is up to
- see the item in LEGISLATION about CSIS
Non the less - canadian community networkers should consider
joining this group as its focus will definitely cover our interests
in providing uncensored information ]
A NATIONAL GOPHER SITE FOR CANADA
The National Library of Canada has opened its gopher site. This
site offers excellent access to almost every other canadian based
public Internet facility. It is well organized and will eventually
be available in French and English. Currently there is no
significant french language information. Three canadian e-
newsletters are being archived on the gopher.
Gopher -----> gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
PROMOTE YOUR COMMUNITY NET
World-Wide WAIS-Searchable WWW Catalogues are now available for:
Community Network Projects - Companies
CS Departments - Government Agencies
Hardware - High Performance Computing
High Speed Networks - Research Centers
Software - Universities
Please add your institution's home page, or URL's for interesting
items in the categories, or for other categories you define. All
are accessible at:
http://www.cs.colorado.edu/homes/mcbryan/public_html/bb/summary.h
tml
Services like this with Wais searchable Web info are really
powerful examples of integrated net services.
TWO EXCELLENT NEW RESOURCES TO INCLUDE IN YOUR COMMUNITY NET
1 - The online equivalent of Great Books of World Civilizations.
This is a marvellous collection of classics in English. Everything
from Ancient Greek comedy to Hindu love literature to Sherlock
Holmes - nearly 1000 books, full text at one location. This is the
best I have found on the net.
Gopher: gopher.vt.edu /eris files /information resources /books
2 - An archive of all the Internet FAQs.
FAQs - Frequently asked Questions are concentrated collections of
subject specific wisdom - voluntarily compiled by internet addicts.
This collection is complete and its classified.
Gopher: storm.stanford.edu /construction /consulting /FAQ archive
TRENDS
======
Transforming Government
------------------------
The first 2 requests for assistance and the legislative item from
Ontario about piggy backing public access on a existing library
net, show a growing recognition within government circles of the
potential of the internet. The importance of net based public
access to government is becoming more and more evident. The White
House has obtained tremendous benefits from its net connection. And
it has also found it initiatives being responded to far more
rapidly than those of any previous administration.
-----------------------
Here is a brief outline of the principal first year achievements
of THE WHITE HOUSE ELECTRONIC PUBLIC ACCESS PROJECT.
"In the six months since June 1st, we have received over
100,000 email messages to the President & Vice President.
1a. This is the first Administration to accept email from the
public.
1b. President Clinton is the first sitting President to send
email to citizens -- 5th graders in Oxford, Ohio spring 1993.
2. This is the first administration to establish internet
addresses for President & Vice President:
president@whitehouse.gov vice-president@whitehouse.gov
3. Over 220,000 requests for information have been processed
electronically since September 1, 1993.
4. In 1993 1,600 public documents were published electronically.
4a. This is the first administration to establish an electronic
self-service public document library: publications@whitehouse.gov
The service opened experimentally in December 1993.
5. The first ever live online computer conference by a sitting
Vice President was done by VP Gore on 1/13/94. The VP took 10
questions in a 45 minute forum.
6. We initiated the first White House forums on commercial
networks: America Online, Compuserve, GEnie, MCI Mail
7. Americans Communicating Electronically, an all volunteer
organization, was started in Spring 1993. ACE represents the NII
in action. It aims to provide government services
electronically and enable interactive communications between
government agencies and the public, especially those citizens
without modem equipped computers.
8. Starting in November, we became the first administration to
post audio files of the President's Saturday radio talks to the
internet. This use of internet radio is our latest experiment .
We plan to continue to roll out new features and services during
1994: The budget on CD-ROM [made available Monday, February 7]
Multi-media CD-ROM of the first year's public documents
Mosaic "Welcome to The White House"
Improved email technology
Improved publications@whitehouse.gov technology
Additional commercial White House forums"
---------------------------
And from the public side, Jim Warren and fellow internauts have
opened up the California Legislature, while EFF & CPSR have used
the net to MOUNT MAJOR CAMPAIGNS AGAINST THE DISASTROUS "SECURITY"
INITIATIVES that the intelligence community is attempting to impose
on the public. If you haven't yet taken the time to support those
campaigns - please do so. Use the white house e-mail addresses
above to talk to the issues. This goes for non citizens as well.
Anything affecting the net, affects the planet.
-------------------------------------------
SO - GET ACTIVE
On January 24, many of the nation's leading experts in cryptography
and computer security wrote President Clinton and asked him to
withdraw the Clipper proposal. The public response to the letter
has been extremely favorable, including coverage in the New York
Times and numerous computer and security trade magazines.
Many people have expressed interest in adding their names to the
letter. In response to these requests, CPSR is organizing an
Internet petition drive to oppose the Clipper proposal. We will
deliver the signed petition to the White House, complete with the
names of all the people who oppose Clipper. To sign on to the
letter, send a message to: Clipper.petition@cpsr.org
with the message "I oppose Clipper" (no quotes)
You will receive a return message confirming your vote.
Please distribute this announcement so that others may also express
their opposition to the Clipper proposal.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation is also working to protect our
privacy. To help stop Clipper and eliminate export controls on
cryptography, support a bill introduced in the House of
Representatives, HR 3627. To support the
bill, send email to <cantwell@eff.org>. For details of EFF
membership, send mail to membership@eff.org .
==============================================
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a public service of FUTURE DATA; a
partnership of researchers and research system designers.
For commercial services contact Gwyneth Store - circa@io.org
Net facilities for the preparation of this newsletter are provided
by the DISTRIBUTED KNOWLEDGE PROJECT - York University - Canada
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at
the WELL : gopher ----> well.sf.ca.us ->networks -->community
"subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the
listowner for the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE
reading "subscribe <firstname> <lastname>".
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter
contact Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
==============================================
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a public service of FUTURE DATA; a
a partnership of researchers and research system designers.
For commercial services contact Gwyneth Store - circa@io.org
Net facilities for the preparation of this newsletter are provided
by the DISTRIBUTED KNOWLEDGE PROJECT - York University - Canada.
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at
the WELL : gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic
nets... ---> networks & community
AND the National Library of Canada : gopher gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
"subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the
listowner for the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE
reading "subscribe <firstname> <lastname>".
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter
contact Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.018
+817
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,817 @@
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : March 8, 1994
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
The 12th report of 1994 is the 18th weekly survey.
----------------------------------------------
coverage in this issue includes: QUOTES OF THE WEEK
CORRECTION ASSISTANCE NEEDED DISCUSSIONS EVENTS
FUNDRAISING LEGISLATION NEW SERVICES TRENDS
---------------------------------------------------
MY FAVOURITE QUOTES FROM THE PAST WEEK OF POSTINGS.
( both have been edited by me )
==================================================
1 - WHAT COMMUNITY COMPUTING SHOULD BE ABOUT
"I think we should be trying to collect and develop good ideas
about how to make this all work to make healthier communities and
more humane and effective governments. ........ What we haven't
done is to fit that into the on-going routines of government and
community life in practical and transforming ways.
..... I've seen too little thought about how it's going to make
communities different, improve the workings of governments, change
the character of public life. If you think about the nasty effect
television has had on presidential campaigning in the years since
Eisenhower, you will get an idea of the dimensions of the
sequences that are possible. Can't we please do better than
that?!" Putnam Barber Seattle
2 - GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE
"I've been an activist outside of government--which I am now--and
both an elected official and an administrator on the inside.
........ My general reaction to the discussion of whether
government should or should not "run" telecommuncations systems is
it depends on the government...A few basic points:
1. "Governments" are as different as the communities that elect
them. To generalize about "government" in Canada or in the US is
silly. There are thousands of local governments in both places,
with different structures, politics, values, etc..--as varied as
the communities, again, which they serve.
The variety is not infinite--there are types of governments; types
of systems--but it's essential to make this decision on a
government by government basis.
2. A more general problem of government involvement right now,
however, is that almost no public official understands what any of
this entails. They aren't any further along the learning curve than
their constituents, and considerably behind anyone who is
participating in this discussion. Nor do most of them have the time
to learn. They'd like to be able to communicate with their
constituents in various ways, but someone has to make it easy for
them to even understand how to do that.
3. The fate of public access on cable television should be
sobering warning those who think that public involvement will be
a panacea everywhere. I sat on Philadelphia's City Council when we
awarded cable franchises. I took it all quite seriously --
interviewing all the companies, etc. Their response to public
access requirements was a prerequisite for my support. The moment
we awarded the franchises, the feds relaxed the regulatory
requirements and the companies reneged on all deals. Those channels
are blank. The City's own channel took three years to show
anything, and now it's still basically bulletin board styled
announcements. It's run out of something called the "public
property" department whose major responsibilities the maintenance
of public buildings...As I say, there's not a lot of vision here...
4. As important in big cities--perhaps more important--as any
content on these channels--and I'm talking now about both cable
and telecommunications channels--will be who gets the gravy.
Affirmative action for hiring...specific contracts to specific
people and groups...even small buck deals have their price
....I've played in all these arenas, and don't find them as
noxious as most people do...It's disturbing, though, when that's
all that elected officials care about. That's as big a threat as
censorship--maybe bigger.
5. Government control won't be a problem..that is, until someone
uses one of these systems at public expense to mobilize a major
lobbying campaign against elected officials over some
issue...that'll get their attention... and the reaction of all but
the most decent governments will not be pretty.
I left government in 1992 to return working with citizen
groups...I accomplished a reasonable amount in both positions that
I held, but the capacity to "empower" people in ways that
challenged the system of which I was a part was limited...And if
this is to be a tool for empowerment, then that would apply in most
instances to government control of it.. Government should pay for
the training...give it startup funds...make itself accessible as
the White House is trying to do...but the rest of us should
build it...
Ed Schwartz Institute for the Study of Civic Values 215-238-1434
---------------------------------
CORRECTION
==========
A NATIONAL GOPHER SITE FOR CANADA
The National Library of Canada's Gopher server, which was
previously reported as open, is accessible but under development.
Comments and suggestions are appreciated, but visitors to the
Gopher should be forewarned that some menu items are in place for
developmental purposes and may not yet contain information or
links. At present, the structure is being developed in only
one of the official languages - English - for simplicity. Within
the next few weeks, the same menus will be translated into French.
The Gopher will be ready for registration then with the University
of Minnesota. As soon as the NLC Gopher is open, announcements
will be posted on several discussion lists and newsgroups.
ASSISTANCE WANTED
=================
1 - CREATING A PUBLIC INTEREST GOPHER
--------------------------------------
jmorris@resudox.net wrote " We are presently working on the gopher
the group. I would appreciate any input from you as to what the
content should be. We will have the Canarie gopher and the Well.
There will be the minutes from the last meeting and general
information."
Any suggestions readers may have to improve the gopher site for
Canada's Coalition for Public Information will be appreciated.
2 - DEVELOPING A NATIONAL ADVISORY BODY FOR CANADA
--------------------------------------------------
The Advisory Group for the Information Highway is still being set
up and as yet has no official name. The chairs, which may
possibly be two co-chairs, should be in place by mid-March.
Additional members of the group are likely to be selected by the
chairs on the recommendation of Industry Canada. These members
may have very little experience with the public information
access/freenet/telecommunities sector and might need assistance
with nominees. The following people are those who will probably
be submitting recommended names to the council:
Hon. John Manley,Minister of Industry
235 Queen St, 11th floor, East Tower
Ottawa, Ont
K1A OH5
613-995-9001
NET:jon@istc.ca
Dr. Jon Gerrard
Secretary of State
Science, Research and Development
235 Queen Street, 11 Floor, East Tower
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A OH5
613-995-1333
NET: manley.john@istc.ca
Michael Binder
Assistant Deputy Minister
STITT
Industry Canada
0th Floor
300 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A OC8
613-998-0368
NET: not yet established
Susan Baldwin
DGNM
Industry Canada
6th Floor
300 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A OC8
613-990-4262
NET: Not established yet
It has been strongly suggested that community network groups,
library, public interest and other organizations should be
contacting all these people over the next two weeks or so in order
to secure representation on the Council.
3 - ASSISTING A LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE FROM NEW ZEALAND
--------------------------------------------------------------
Here in New Zealand Local Government Reform and changes in
legislation brought about changes in the way Local Authorities
relate to their people and communities. This new non-prescriptive
legislation, and a growing desire for self determination within
communities, has meant involvement with people (partnership) to
provide many different services and to help shape a better
environment people live in. Many small and rural communities
are wanting control over their own destinies.
* Many Local Governments are adopting a "facilitation
role" to encourage "community-based" facilities, services and
projects.
Before I leave for the USA (3 April) I have agreed to
assist a Local Government representative (Karen has no access to
the Internet) in locating background literature (reading
lists) publications (newsletters, magazines, electronic
newsletters and lists etc), case studies, contact particulars of
key contacts and those she could visit (eg Local Governments,
community organisations, development groups, research and
education providers). In September Karen is planning a nine week
study tour to North America and the United Kingdom.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT WITH DEVELOPMENT
The focus is on the involvement of Local Government with
community based programmes, services and projects for,
telecommunications, distance education, telecomputing,
information kiosks, health, education, management of at-risk
environments, community facilities, employment, new business
development, economic development (of rural communities, rural
towns, rural cities and regions), noneconomic outcomes (eg
recreation and lifestyle) etc.
YOUR ASSISTANCE IS APPRECIATED
I look forward to your reply. Thank you for providing any
information you can on resources that are available (via
Internet and paper) and possible contacts.
Roger Mackenzie rogerm@nzonline.ac.nz
4 - BERKELEY WOULD LIKE THE SAME INFO TOO!
-------------------------------------------
If you want to pass on your thoughts about
the challenges of turning government into a "broker"
or "facilitator," I'd welcome those, too.
You can reach me by e-mail at robbg@well.sf.ca.us
Rob Gurwitt Institute of Governmental Studies, UC Berkeley
[ as a later post points out - some locations have been very
successful getting government involved - ed "Have a look at the
Government Centre on freenet.carleton.ca.
We have a city government and a regional government participating.
Half of the elected officials in the city can be reached via email
and there are newsgroups about their wards." ]
DISCUSSIONS
===========
The principal theme this week has been the formula for developing
a viable civic net.
Nancy Willard <willard@edlane.lane.edu> Who is co-authoring an
upcoming book on creating community systems wrote:
"It is my hope that the future will bring public-private
partnerships, where the government folks take the responsibility
provide access to public records, libraries take the
responsibility to sift through the incredible information resources
available and provide pointers/access to their local residents,
and a non-profit organization handles the other aspects that we
now consider to be community networking, local information, local
conferences, Internet access, etc. Of course, each
community will need to work out what is best for it."
In a separate communication she wrote that the standard by which
business activities on the part of Free-nets should be judged is
their impact on the PUBLIC INTEREST.
Much of the discussion on both com-priv and communent dealt with
the potential of commercial activity to impact both the free-net
movement and Internet in general. SEE TRENDS for additional info.
Some contended that junk mail would hurt Internet. Others proposed
a variety of mechanisms to accommodate business on the Internet.
One freenetter claimed that only by permitting business activities
on free-nets could they survive in long run.
An interesting response pointed out that Freenets without Internet
connections could be created for very little money. Thus avoiding
the whole issue of constant fundraising.
EVENTS
======
1 - "Computers, Freedom and Privacy 94." Chicago, Il. March 23-26.
Sponsored by ACM and The John Marshall Law School.
contact: George Trubow, 312-987-1445 (CFP94@jmls.edu).
2 - Directions and Implications of Advanced Computing (DIAC)-94
"Developing an Equitable and Open Information Infrastructure"
Cambridge, MA. April 23 - 24, 1994. Sponsored by CPSR.
Contact: cwhitcomb@bentley.edu, or doug.schuler@cpsr.org.
3 - Computer-Human Interaction 94. Boston, Mass. April 24-28.
Sponsored by ACM.
Contact: 214-590-8616 or 410-269-6801, chi94office.chi@xerox.com
4 - "Navigating the Networks." 1994 Mid-Year Meeting, American
Society for Information Science. Portland, Oregon. May 22 - 25,
1994. Contact: rhill@cni.org
5 - Rural Datafication II: "Meeting the Challenge of Providing
Ubiquitous Access to the Internet" Minneapolis, Minnesota. May
23-24, 1994. Sponsored by CICNet & NSF.
Contact: ruraldata-info-request@cic.net.
Send name, mailing address and e-mail address.
6- "Information: Society, Superhighway or Gridlock?" Computing for
the Social Sciences 1994 Conference (CSS94). University of Maryland
at College Park. June 1-3, 1994.
Contact: Dr. Charles Wellford, >301-405-4699, fax 301-405-4733,
e-mail cwellford@bss2.umd.edu.
7 - Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computer Science.
Washington, DC June 9-11.
Contact: 415 617-3335, hopper-info@pa.dec.com
8 - Third Biannual Conference on Participatory Design, Chapel Hill,
North Carolina, October 27-28, 1994. Sponsored by CPSR.
contact: trigg@parc.xerox.com. Submissions due April 15, 1994.
FUNDRAISING
===========
1 - A DIRECT APPROACH TO GOVERNMENT FUNDING SUCCEEDS
----------------------------------------------------
FEBRUARY, 1994--STATE FUNDING BILLS PASS
All of us at La Plaza wiped our brows and gave sighs of relief upon
hearing that the two bills introduced into the New Mexico State
Legislature to help support La Plaza were passed with flying colors
in both the House (Rep. Frank Peralta) and Senate (Sen. Carlos
Cisneros). Both bills were pegged at $500,000 each.
However, after the legislative budget paring knife took over, the
total funding for the project has been cut, but at press time, we
do not know the exact amount. Nonetheless, it appears that La Plaza
will receive some state funding for development. Thanks to everyone
who called or wrote their legislators.
Richard W. Bryant Vice President and Director of Projects and
Development La Plaza Telecommunity rbryant@hydra.unm.edu
2 - A VERY USEFUL DOCUMENT AVAILABLE AS A MODEL
FOR GROUPS SEEKING GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
--------------------------------------------------
>From : Clyde "Bird-Dawg" Forrest
Forrest Research & Consulting Group
Internet E-mail: ud793@freenet.victoria.bc.ca
HIS PREAMBLE BLASTS THE CANADIAN TELCO's VISION
"I encourage you to consider how we can build on this model to
contrast Stentor's vision statement. Note that in the BC model,
65% of the $12.9 million price tag is for people. If we need about
$13 million for BC, what do we need to Free-Net all of Canada?
$100 million? Maybe $200 million? That's still less than what BC
ministries spent on I.T. last fiscal year. Compare a community
run Free-Net vision which sez "within one year, we can build &
maintain Canadian public electronic communications utility for a
couple 100 million" versus Stentor's $30 billion/10 year consumer
rollout strategy. Too much, too little, too late.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
BRITISH COLUMBIA FREE-NET BUSINESS CASE
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
[ The document includes these and other sections - ed ]
SECTION PAGE #
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Summary ...................................................... 2
Purpose & Goal ............................................... 4
What is Free-Net? ............................................ 4
Standard Free-Net Costs ...................................... 5
Free-Net Benefits ............................................ 6
[ This section includes a major examination of the economic
benefits of civic nets -ed ]
Also covered are :
Potential Major Funding Sources:
Potential Partners
----------------------------------------------
3 - NEW NTIA FUNDING PROGRAM GUIDELINES ANNOUNCED
_________________________________________________
Key elements of the NTIA program :
Total grant funds available in this round: $26 million
Size of individual grants: No guidance for this first round.
Application deadline: May 12, 1994
Announcement of awards: Late summer or early fall, 1994
Duration of grants: 6-18 months
Special consideration: Requires matching support
Special consideration: Emphasis on partnerships for applications
Special consideration: Emphasis on computer-based electronic
networks
Eligible Entities: State and local governments; nonprofits
Types of grants: 1) Planning Grants (40% of available funds);
2) Demonstration Projects (60% of available funds)
Selection process: Competitive merit review
Additional note: Guidelines are approx 37K
Excerpts:
Summary: "...funds for planning and demonstration projects to
promote the goals of development and widespread availability of
advanced telecommunications technologies; to enhance the delivery
of social services and generally serve the public interest; to
promote access to government information and increase civic
participation; and to support the advancement of an advanced
nationwide telecommunications and information infrastructure."
"The TIIAP will provide matching grants to state and local
governments, non-profit health care providers, school districts,
libraries, universities, public safety services, and other
non-profit entities.
Grants will be awarded after a competitive merit review process
and will be used to fund projects to connect institutions to
existing networks and systems, enhance communications networks and
systems that are currently operational, establish new network
capabilities, permit users to interconnect among different networks
and systems, and bring more users on-line. Equally important, they
will help leverage the resources and creativity of the private
sector to devise new applications and uses of the NII. The success
of these pilot projects will create an ongoing process that will
generate more innovative approaches each year."
NTIA contact:
Dr. Charles Rush, Acting Director of the Office of
Telecommunications and Information Applications
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Department of Commerce
Telephone: (202) 482-2048; fax: (202) 482-2156
e-mail: tiiap@ntia.doc.gov
NTIA BBS via Internet: ntiabbs.ntia.doc.gov; or at: iitf.doc.gov
LEGISLATION
===========
1 - INTERNET CONNECTIONS FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF DEMOCRATIC
DISCOURSE [ guaranteeing flat rate access ]
Proposed amendment to HR 3636.
.............. much material deleted -ed ................
On page 25, add a new section
SEC. 106.INTERNET ACCESS AND FLAT RATE PRICING OF EMAIL SERVICES
(a) APPLICATION -- All telephone service providers are
required to offer a reasonably priced tariffed service which
provides Internet access.
(b) RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION -- The Commission
shall determine a minimum level of service for Internet access.
The minimum level shall include the ability to send and receive
electronic mail to and from the Internet.
.....................
The rationale for this proposal is to insure that the Internet
will continue to provide opportunities for citizen to participate
in democratic discourse on a wide range of topics (since flat rate
email pricing is considered extremely important for Internet
discussion groups).
Please copy (cc:) comments to James Love of the Taxpayer Assets
Project. v. 202/387-8030; f. 202/234-5176; internet:
love@essential.org. jamie
--------------------------------
2 - PUBLIC INTEREST AMENDMENTS TO H.R.3636
A. UNIVERSAL SERVICE VISION
"(2) To make available, so far as possible, to all the people
of the United States, regardless of location or disability, a
switched, broadband telecommunications network capable of enabling
users to originate and receive affordable and accessible high
quality voice, data, graphics and video telecommunication
services."
This is in-lieu of the current provision that reads:
(2) to encourage the continued development and deployment of
advanced and reliable capabilities and services in
telecommunications networks"
B. PUBLIC INTEREST RATES
A new provision will be added to the bill that reads as follows:
"(iii) Such plan [referring to a plan developed by a federal/state
joint board] shall address the need for public access to
telecommunication services at incremental cost offered by
non-profit, public institutions, public education, library, public
broadcasting and government entities, both as producers and users
of services."
The Alliance for Public Technology working with Congressman Al
Swift (D-WA), have developed the amendments, which HE WILL OFFER
DURING MARK-UP OF THE BILL IN FULL COMMERCE COMMITTEE. HOWEVER HE
NEEDS TO KNOW THAT THERE IS BROAD BASED SUPPORT. AT THIS TIME, WE
HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THERE WILL BE NO SERIOUS OBJECTIONS
FROM INDUSTRY, EITHER TELCO OR CABLE.
The purpose of the first amendment is to include in the
preamble of the bill a statement of national purpose, similar to
the statement in the 1934 Act, except that this makes clear that
the national policy is for the eventual deployment of a broad band
network to every home that has the capability to enable "upstream"
video...that is, the ability of any user on the system to input
video and, in effect, become a publishers.
The purpose of the second amendment is to establish the
principle of non-profit rates. It amends that part of the bill
that creates a federal/state Joint Board to come up with a
Universal Service definition. This adds the requirement that they
develop a plan for non-profit access and use at "incremental cost,"
which means the cost of one addition service or user. This would
be substantially reduced from standard rates.
LET CONGRESSMAN SWIFT KNOW YOU SUPPORT THE AMENDMENTS BY
E-MAIL LETTER TO THE ALLIANCE FOR PUBLIC TECHNOLOGY STATING YOU
OR YOUR ORGANIZATION SUPPORTS THE AMENDMENTS.
AND I WILL SEE THAT THEY GET IT.
(SSIMON@IDI.NET)
--------------------------------------
3 - CLIPPER PETITION PASSES 40,000
The CPSR Internet Petition to oppose the Clipper Proposal has now
passed 40,000 signatures.
The petition has been signed by users at over 2,600 sites,
including ,100 companies and 800 colleges. Messages continue to
arrive at a rate of over 1,000 per day.
To sign on to the letter, send a message to:
Clipper.petition@cpsr.org
with the text "I oppose Clipper" (no quotes)
You will receive a return message confirming your vote.
To obtain a copy of the petition, email a blank message to
petition-info@cpsr.org
For more information on Clipper, email clipper-info@cpsr.org. You
will receive a copy of the Clipper FAQ.
4 - CPSR ANALYZES THE CANTWELL LEGISLATION
This legislation takes some important steps to resolve a
serious problem facing some of our most dynamic industries. It
would give the Secretary of Commerce exclusive authority over
dual use information security programs and products, eliminates
the requirement for export licenses for generally available
software with encryption capabilities, and requires the Secretary
to grant such validated licenses for exports of other software
with encryption capabilities to any country to which we already
approve exports for foreign financial institutions.
Indeed, there is no provision in H.R. 3627 that would in any
way rescind the Administration's recent decision to adopt
key-escrow Clipper technology as the government encryption
standard. The legislation would do precisely what Rep. Cantwell
said it would do relax restrictions on the export of strong
encryption products outside of the United States.
Some have suggested that passage of the Cantwell bill would
create an environment in which it is less likely that Clipper will
become the defacto encryption standard within the United States.
This view was expressed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
and several large corporations in a letter to the President last
December which expressed "tentative" support for Clipper on a
"voluntary" basis. CPSR dissented from this position in a
subsequent letter to the President and expressed its opposition to
the Clipper proposal under any circumstances.
While it is possible that the Cantwell legislation would make
it less likely that Clipper will become the de facto privacy
standard, such a result is by no means a certainty. It is, in fact,
possible that passage of the legislation would provide better U.S.
encryption products overseas than would be available within the
United States -- particularly if, as many fear, Clipper eventually
becomes a mandatory standard in this country.
We believe that the Cantwell bill is a step in the right direction,
as it would remove current disincentives to the development of
strong encryption products by U.S. companies. But the proposed
legislation is not a panacea -- it would not address the threat to
privacy in the United States created by the Clipper initiative.
Export controls on cryptography are a related issue, but they are
not central to the Clipper controversy. The Administration's
adoption of the key-escrow Clipper standard must be opposed and
reversed.
------------------------------------------
[ editors note - the administration has tacitly recognized the
validity of criticism of the security of the clipper chip proposal.
It announced this week that government agencies can only use
clipper for sensitive information - NOT CLASSIFIED INFORMATION.
Now you just have to take part in the effort to convince the Gov.
that no one wants this flawed piece of nonsense for any purpose.]
5 - QUASI OFFICIAL RECOGNITION OF THE ROLE OF CIVIC NETWORKS
Americans Communicating Electronically (ACE). is
recommending the issuance of an Executive Directive assigning
responsibility to all Federal Departments and Agencies for the
establishment of information access programs to help create and
foster an "inter-active citizen-government communications system".
ACE does not recommend a new layer of bureaucracy. ACE is however,
urging Federal departments and agencies to fully adhere to the OMB
A-130 circular utilizing existing funds and resources and, to
respond to a new culture with new directions and a commitment to
openness in government.
GOALS OF THE INFORMATION ACCESS PROGRAMS
The goals of the information access programs would be to foster
and facilitate interactive communications between the public and
their government, and to broaden public participation in the
development of government communications policy. Citizens would
be provided with access to a wide range of public databases
containing electronically stored information accessible through an
electronic gateway.
................ lots deleted ...........................
COMMUNITY-BASED CITIZEN DEVELOPMENT/FREE CIVIC COMMUNITY NETWORKS
With the participation and support of federal departments and
agency information access programs, the coordinating body could
support community-based citizen development of free civic/community
networks with a focus on creating broad-based community
participation and opportunities. In time, this would lead to the
innovative development of nation-wide community computer systems
and use of the national communication technology for economic
development opportunities.
Citizens could learn new issues, gain a sense of accomplishment,
build new relationships and develop evidence that every individual
matters.
In addition, the coordinating body would foster and promote
understanding of the social benefits to be gained from
community-based inter-active communication applications.
COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT COOPERATION
Community and government cooperation is critical to the success
and balance of this major undertaking. The participation and
contribution of federal staff resources would ensure a more useful
information flow with greater ease to providers of free community
networks, citizens, information architects, community activists,
public policy analysts, facilitators, and administrators through
computer-mediated cation, such as; email, bulletin boards,
electronic conferencing that forms a direct link between the public
and government, which is the centerpiece of ACE. Finally, the
coordinating body would be responsible for conducting periodic
studies to gauge the information needs of the public and compiling
an annual report of the findings and goals of the organization.
NEW SERVICES
============
1 - STATISTICS CANADA GOPHER
[ as I predicted this gopher will not offer the public any free
access to the information they pay to have gathered - ed ]
It's Internet service -"Talon" is now open. " Our internet service
includes a Gopher with WAIS, a LISTSERVER and an anonymous FTP
This node will not replace current data dissemination
practices. Information about Statistics Canada's products and
services will be made available on the node but all products and
services which Statistics Canada currently sells will not be made
available on this node. "Statistics Canada's Gopher can be accessed
via a gopher client by specifying the following host name and port
number: talon.statcan.ca (142.206.64.2) port=70
For more information, contact thoemic@statcan.ca
2 - ENVIROFREENET, A PROJECT OF THE ENVIROLINK NETWORK
TELNET ENVIROLINK.ORG or 128.2.19.119
Login Name: Press RETURN
Password: Press RETURN
1. About the EnviroLink Network...
2. The EnviroGopher-- Environmental Information Library...
3. EnviroFreenet News (please read regularly)
4. EnviroProducts-- Green Products and Services...
---- deleted ------
3 - NEW SERVICES FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA
A SMALL RURAL BRITISH COLUMBIA FREE-NET COMES ON LINE
& there is now a WWW SERVER ON THE VICTORIA FREE-NET.
A - For those of you lucky enough to have IP connections to the
net, it can be found at the following URL:
http://freenet.victoria.bc.ca/vifa.html
For everyone else, we are running the secure "Lynx" vt100 client,
you can use that by connecting to the Victoria Free-Net and making
the appropriate choice under "Library and Information Services" on
our FreePort menus.
[ Lynx lets you see the information even when you don't have a
graphic interface available to you. All WWW sites should provide
this service - ed ]
B - TRAIL BC - this tiny community - population 3,000 now has a
free-net. CIAO! Free-Net
TELNET CIAO.TRAIL.BC.CA or 142.231.5.1
login: guest
For general information contact - info@CIAO.trail.bc.ca
If you require assistance contact - Help!@CIAO.trail.bc.ca
To offer assistance (or money) contact - support@CIAO.trail.bc.ca
Positive Suggestions and Ideas contact - ideas@CIAO.trail.bc.ca
----------------------------------
4 - LISTSERV SEARCH TOOL
LISTGopher or "I love to get email."
[ This tool only covers listserv's for Librarians - but its an
idea that deserves to be spread to all types of listservs - ed ]
LISTGopher is a gopher+ item whose purpose is to facilitate the
searching and retrieval of archived LISTSERV messages.
Despite the large amounts of noise, I have long believed LISTSERV
archives contain a wealth of useful information. How many times
have you wished you could retrieve that little bit of information
you read in that posting a few months ago? Or how often do you
wish you could glean postings from a LISTSERV list without
subscribing to the whole thing? LISTGopher can help you with
these and other problems.
North Carolina State University Library gopher
Type=1+
Name=Search library-related LISTSERVs (LISTGopher)
Path=1/library/disciplines/library/listgopher
Host=dewey.lib.ncsu.edu
Port=70
URL: gopher://dewey.lib.ncsu.edu:70/11/library/disciplines/library
/listgopher
5 - COMMUNITY NETWORK INFORMATION
As part of an ongoing project on community networks, a set of
of surveys from over 30 community networks are now available.
"http://www.cs.washington.edu/research/community-networks/"
These surveys are intended to help develop a "community memory"
for community network developers. Feedback on the survey and new
surveys are welcome, as part of an effort to keep the information
current. Send questions and comments to doug.schuler@cpsr.org.
6 - COLLECTION OF DOCUMENTS CRITICAL OF NII
FINS INFORMATION AGE LIBRARY ADDITIONS
Washington, DC Fins Information Age Lib will release, Mar 8, 1994,
a new online directory: Periodicals_and_Newspapers. This directory
will contain thoughtful, thorough, and provocative articles of
special relevance to the emerging Information Age. In this
undertaking, Fins intends to track the antidemocratic propaganda
model of the mass media developed by American business that has
been discussed by writers during the last half of the
twentieth century (Arendt, 1950; Lindblom, 1977; Herman & Chomski,
1988). Special emphasis will be placed on the technological
imperative of the Information Age now being pursued by the
"one-eyed prophets" of the Clinton-Gore Administration, which
threaten totalitarian dangers of the "Technopoly" described by
communications critic Postman (1992). Finally,
articles that discuss alternative possibilities that can sustain
and enhance democracy will also be highlighted.
Follow these directions to browse the Fins Information Age Lib:
If you have a Gopher client : gopher to inform.umd.edu
and go to the directory
Educational_Resources/Computers_and_Society/Fins_Information_Age
If you have ftp : ftp to inform.umd.edu
cd to inforM /Educational_Resources/Computers_and_Society
/Fins_Information_Age
Federal Information News Syndicate, Vigdor Schreibman, Editor &
Publisher, 18-9th St. NE #206, Washington, DC 20002. Internet:
fins@access.digex.net.
7 - TWO SOURCES FOR ACCEPTABLE USE POLICIES
A - If anyone wants a really big file of [ free-net ] AUP's and
you haven't received it, please let me know. Dave Loan
aa112@freenet.carleton.ca
B - The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has got a large
collection of AUPs, primarily from academic institutions, along
with critiques. It's part of the Computers & Academic Freedom
archives.
Via Gopher, it's at:
Name=Computer policies from many schools (with critiques)
Type=1
Port=70
Path=1/CAF/policies
Host=ftp.eff.org
8 - NPTN - PROPOSES A "LOW COST" APPROACH TO RURAL NETWORKING
FOR INFORMATION: If you have any questions about NPTN or the Rural
Information Network, please contact:
NPTN - Rural Information Network
Box 1987
Cleveland, Ohio 44106 e.mail: info@nptn.org
9 - A GOPHER SITE TO SERVE URBAN NATIVE AMERICAN POPULATIONS
an excellent gopher site from British Columbia has opened with the
specific purpose of serving the needs of urban native american
groups. The material under "library" provides access to virtually
all other Internet gophers and sites created to serve native
americans.
gopher ------------> gopher.native-ed.bc.ca
TRENDS
======
The impacts of BUSINESS ON THE INTERNET are increasing rapidly.
A company called Electronic Postal Service which purports to pay
people to receive commercial e-mail. The company sounds too good
to be true, doesn't it?
Well research by Brock Meeks show that it is a fraudulent posting.
Another item on the same theme - this time about the Internet
listserv with "the largest membership". HOTT circulated an
announcement last year that also sounded to good to be true. So
far nothing has been delivered of the promised cornucopia of
articles from the commercial press. It made no mention of ads in
its announcement. Now this from the L.A. Times, 3/2/94
"...But Lewis believes users will accept tasteful ads in the form
of promotional stories known as 'advertorials,' which in HOTT will
take the form of perspectives from computer company executives,
helpful hints, or new product announcements."
"The market will speak," said Dern. "And it's hard to know what
the reaction will be and it depends on how it's done."
Lewis says HOTT will have eight times as much news in it as ads.
Once the circulation hits 50,000, Lewis said he will seek sponsors
who will be charged somewhere between $2000 and $3500 per screen
of advertorial. A few sponsors have already approached him."
[ Lewis is involved with HOTT, Dern - is unaffiliated with HOTT and
is an writer and former magazine editor - whose work focuses
primarily on the Internet -ed ]
2 - OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOUNDATIONS TO IMPACT THE CIVIC NETWORKING
MOVEMENT ARE GROWING.
There have been numerous calls for the creation of mechanism to
simplify the development of new civic nets. NPTN has decided to
partially meet this need by creating an "exclusive" document
repository. For non members there needs to be a public equivalent.
Techies have also been calling for a mechanism to share
improvements to software being used by freenets. Both of these
needs would benefit from a single site to locate these services
on.
These needs represent an excellent opportunity for the Foundations
with an interest in Urban issues to provide a major public service
at very low cost. Perhaps the Morino, Benton, Kellog and other
foundations with an interest in this area could cooperate in
funding such a site.
==============================================
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a result of the work of people located
throughout the global Internet community.
Net facilities for the preparation of this newsletter are provided
by the DISTRIBUTED KNOWLEDGE PROJECT - York University - Canada.
Editing is done anonymously by a UNB librarian.
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at
the WELL : gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic
nets... ---> networks & community; & the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CANADA
: gopher ----> gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
"subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the
listowner for the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE
reading "subscribe <firstname> <lastname>".
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter
contact Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.019
+598
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,598 @@
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : March 15, 1994
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
The 13th report of 1994 is the 19th weekly survey.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Coverage in this issue includes:
QUOTE OF THE WEEK CORRECTION ASSISTANCE NEEDED
News Reports from
AUSTRALIA CANADA and the USA
DISCUSSIONS NEW TOOLS TRENDS
-----------------------------------------------------------
===========================================================
SECTION NUMBER
QUOTE OF THE WEEK.................................... 1.0
CORRECTION........................................... 2.0
REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE.............................. 3.0
Author's Query.................................. 3.1
Business Plans Needed........................... 3.2
Editor's Personal Request....................... 3.3
NEWS REPORTS......................................... 4.0
Australia....................................... 4.1
Canada.......................................... 4.2
Open Gov't Campaign........................ 4.2.1
Telecommunities Canada..................... 4.2.1
USA............................................. 4.3
DISCUSSION........................................... 5.0
NEW TOOLS............................................ 6.0
NPTN Document Depository........................ 6.1
Other New Tools................................. 6.2
TRENDS............................................... 7.0
1.0 MY FAVOURITE QUOTE FROM THE PAST WEEK OF POSTINGS.
========================================================
or why we have our "educational work" cut out for us.
"I travel a lot. I get out my color laptop and many of the business
epople are curious. I explain what I do and when the Internet <
"word" > comes up. I generally hear something like - oh , yes, that
thing that Al Gore is building. Or Al Gore built that Internet
thing, yes, I have heard of it. The most recent one I liked was...
Well, now you know that the NSF is building this high speed
super-whatever thing to allow us to all watch as many as 500
channels of TV on. Many people think Al Gore designed,
developed and started up the Internet. Many people also think that
the Internet will allow them to watch 500 channels of TV as well.
........ One business traveller with American Express had
thought about buying a home satellite TV system. Why ?
Because he did not want to have 500 channels from his phone
company/cable company anywhere near his house. He held off the
satellite system purchase when he learned that there was a company
sending Internet News via satellite. He must have heard about
Pagesat ! The point is - Page One Headline: National Superhighway
etc. People read and think those headlines are really true. Its
sad." Joseph Stroup
2.0 CORRECTION
================
"I don't mind people saying bad things about me, but I do insist
that they spell my name correctly. The last name is Elmer-DeWitt,
with a hyphen and a capital W. Thanks."
Philip Elmer-DeWitt ped@well.com ped@panix.com philiped@aol.com
"Read TIME on America Online, where we get paid to take abuse."
3.0 REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE
=============================
3.1 AUTHOR'S QUERY for a upcoming book on Community Networks
"I'm interested in a broad range of information which could take
the form of program descriptions, literature references, articles,
brochures, people or system contact information, anecdotes, menus,
session transcripts, suggestions, hypotheses, problems, or other
tidbits that you think I could or should use.
In order to look at both current approaches and possible future
approaches I'm using six "points-of-view" through which to examine
community networks. These six points of view are as follows:
1. Conviviality (or "community spirit")
2. Participation in the democratic process
3. Community health and well-being
4. Education and training
5 Economic equity and opportunity
6. Information and communication
If you have any information to contribute - especially that
which is related to any of the "points of view" in innovative and
particularly effective ways - I would love to see it.
I'll gladly acknowledge any assistance you provide. I know that
I couldn't even think of undertaking a project like this without
help from the "community" of community network developers.
Thanks in advance! "
David Schuler dschuler@cs.washington.edu
---------------------------------------------
3.2 BUSINESS PLANS NEEDED
"The SALSANET organization is writing a business plan now and
we would like to learn from those who have gone before us.
I would like to receive (or fetch) business plans from functional
community networks or community access systems. ...
Please post these if possible. If not, could I get copies as well?
There are more of us that could use the business plan information!
Thank you, Sally Murray" sdmurray@mailbox.syr.edu
[ see the item on the new NPTN document depository - perhaps you
should send your responses there too. -ed ]
3.3 PERSONAL REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
The compiler of this newsletter is working on a special report
about how to set up small business services on freenets. It is
intended primarily for civic nets, but will be useful for any
gopher site, etc. interested in serving local business. It will
also contain a compilation of ideas on gaining support from your
local business community.
I would appreciate pointers to any site with information of use to
local or visiting business people. This includes business
directories, lists of business funding sources, avenues for
business education, local statistics, tax and regulatory matters,
etc.
Please send your responses to Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
As I have a commercial internet research business - I may also make
use of anything sent in serving my commercial clients.
4.0 NEWS REPORTS
=================
4.1 Australia
The ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY TELEMATICS
has released a major report in an effort to influence the early
stages of Australia's reexamination of its position regarding the
academic use of the Internet. This study advocates the view of the
nascent Civic Networking community there.Copies are available from:
Geoff Holland, e-mail - geoffh@uow.edu.au, gholland@peg.apc.prg
>From the report - a "SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS"
1. That the broader social significance of AARNet as part of the
Internet and the emerging Global Information Infrastructure be
recognised, as well s the responsibilities it has as a major access
point to a global forum, and that it be recognised that this forum
essentially lies in the Public Domain and therefore carries the
universal right of access of a Public Common.
2. a) That AARNet be assigned a higher priority by the
universities, by ASTEC and by the Federal Government, so that
adequate funds can be secured from a mix of sources for its rapid
upgrading and expansion.
b) That AARNet does not look to non-academic not-for-profit
users, or small business to fund one-time costs, and that fees are
calculated to offset incremental (as opposed to average) recurring
costs.
3. That AARNet be developed as a major component of the Australian
information Infrastructure.
4. That AARNet recognise the value of the larger number of
low-level users so that access and reliability are not jeopardised
by mega-volume users such as in the areas of supercomputing,
video-conferencing and realtime multimedia online education.
5. a) That AARNet maintain free access to academic staff and
students.
b) provide free access to a number of not-for-profit
individuals and organisations outside academia.
c) That AARNet provide subsidized and minimum cost access to the
general not-for-profit community and possibly also small business.
d) That where a fee is charged for access for not-for-profit
users, it be in the form of a flat fee.
e) That all new not-for-profit users be given an initial period
of free access.
6. That AARNet change its name to reflect a broader agenda of
Public Education and Information Access while perhaps maintaining
"AARNet' as a subset of that agenda.
7. That AARNet provide support for software development for more
friendly user-interfaces, for improved online research tools, for
directory development, for online tuition and other tuition
services.
8. That AARNet maintain a reasonable level of direct user technical
support, including after-hours support.
9. That AARNet continue to provide space and free access to Public
Domain files, databases and software.
10. That AARNet work more closely with the national library network
to further develop a shared national knowledge resource.
11. That AARNet make information and statistics on its operation
and performance more publicly available.
4.2 Canada
4.2.1 - OPEN GOV'T CAMPAIGN
The Canadian Association of Public Data Users
<CAPDU-L@vm.ucs.UAlberta.CA> is working towards legislation
designed to bring Canada's government information policies out of
the Dark Ages.
Presently no equivalent of the US concept of fair use exists in
Canada. Government production means that the government only may use
material. This is the exact opposite to the US situation, where
government information is automatically in the public domain.
Background: The Campaign for Open Government (COG) was started last
summer by Peter Calamai, the editor of the Ottawa Citizen's
editorial page.
Several national groups, including CAPDU have representation
on this committee. Others include the Canadian Library Association,
Friends ofthe Earth, Canadian Bar Association, Canadian Labour
Congress, Social Science Federation, Canadian Chamber of Commerce,
Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Canadian Association
of University Teachers, Democracy Watch and the Geomatics Industry
Association.
The Campaign for Open Government (COG) has a single goal:
TO ENSURE AN INFORMED CITIZENRY THROUGH ELIMINATING THE
BARRIERS TO INFORMATION HELD BY GOVERNMENTS
1) PRINCIPLES
o Information produced and held by government should be
accessible to the public. This is the essence of
"openness".
o Governments should identify their information products and
holdings. The challenge for anyone outside of government is
to know what is being produced by a department or agency.
The major change required is for government departments to
adopt a principle that one of their objectives is to make
the public aware of all of the information they produce or
hold, with the expectation that what they have can be made
available. The actions to satisfy this objective should
include directories to information and proactive steps to
inform the public of information products.
o The information must be accessible. For information to be
of use to the public, it must be accessible in a format that
they can use, or capable of being transformed into such a
format by an "information intermediary" such as a library,
association or publisher. Consultation with potential users
should help define the keys to availability. For some
information, electronic access may be the most effective
manner.
o The cost of accessing the information should be minimized.
The principle to be followed is that the maximum price
should be the incremental or marginal cost of the additional
copy of a report, or the cost of copying a tape or diskette,
including the media cost and the postage or equivalent
distribution cost. Cost should not be a barrier to the
public.
2) SUGGESTED ACTIONS FOR GOVERNMENT
o To demonstrate a commitment to "open information" as part of
"open government", there are some actions that should be taken by
the federal and provincial governments. These have been selected
so as to avoid the need for new legislation. Subsequently,
some of these actions could be confirmed in new legislation.
o To further encourage the distribution of information
produced by governments, the government as the owner of the
Crown copyright should declare that it will henceforth allow
unrestricted copying, reproduction, etc, preferably with
acknowledgement, but without fee to all Canadians. Any
compilation of such material should not be subject to
right, whether done within government or by the private
sector.
o Increased use of public computer networks should be
encouraged by governments through the provision of databases
for access without incremental charges.
o Each government department, agency, royal commission, board
of inquiry or other emanation of government should be
required to produce a monthly (annual, weekly) compilation
of all reports produced in the previous month (year, week)
providing titles and a description with an indication of
availability (free or cost), or the need for an Access to
information (AtI) request, or an indication of the reason for
the non-availability (national security, Cabinet memoranda).
(It may be possible that these lists can be placed in the
INFOSOURCE for on-line access.)
o All polls commissioned by governments should be released to
the public within 90 days of the receipt of the poll results
by the government. The release should include the reports
and the data files.
o The Treasury Board guidelines on "open information" should
be reaffirmed and enforced. The Information Commissioner or
his/her provincial counterpart should be charged with
enforcing these guidelines.
o The governments should support effective public education
about AtI.
o Data and information assembled for other purposes should not
be treated as 'tradeable' data. Indeed, governments should
not be in the business of selling databases to obtain a
financial return.
o Licensing of databases to private sector groups should be
done on a non-exclusive basis. Any existing licences should
be so modified at the first opportunity. The costs of such
licences should be limited to the incremental costs of
copying the data.
o Any fees for the use of the National Library or National
Archives should be limited to actual incremental costs
incurred by the organization.
o All contracts between the government and its suppliers
should be publicly available as a matter of principle.
will an "open information" policy cost the government more?
It is believed that a more open information policy will actually
save the government resources now expended on the consideration
and satisfaction of AtI requests, since their numbers should be
reduced. As well, from the viewpoint of national interest,
better information should promote better decision-making, the
benefits of which should exceed the additional costs for making
such information available.
If in the directory of government information, the need for an
AtI request is indicated, then there will be the need to consider
the release of the information in advance, based on
certain principles. This should greatly reduce the scope of AtI
exclusions and administration.
For more information contact:
Wendy Watkins, wwatkins@ccs.carleton.ca
4.2.2 - TELECOMMUNITIES CANADA
"At long last, a draft set of by-laws is ready for comment. Please
retrieve a copy via anonymous ftp from alfred.carleton.ca
pub/freenet/telecom.by-laws or log into freenet.carleton.ca and
look into National Capital FreeNet/Futures/ menu. "
After suitable discussion, the founders will call for people to
sign the papers (and share the cost ... < $100 each).
4.3 USA
An excellent report on the TELLURIDE IDEAS FESTIVAL is available.
This appeared as an article in Fringe Ware Review #3
(ISSN 1069-5656). More information is available from:
Eric S. Theise, verve@well.sf.ca.us
Copies can be obtained from:
gopher://io.com/11/commercial/fringeware
e-mail: fringeware@io.com
FringeWare, Inc., POB 49921, Austin, TX 78765; +1 512 477 1366
" ... the Telluride InfoZone is at the heart
of this year's Ideas Festival. It's drawing the social hackers
here to brainstorm about Tele/Comm/Unity and, if the Telluride
Institute has its way, some of them will stay, to live, work, and
attract.
[.....lots deleted........-ed ]
"People [ the local towns people -ed ] want to know what the
opportunities will be for collaboration between the school and
library; for distance learning; for local content from the sheriff,
fire department, tax assessors, athletics, and zoning commission;
they want to know about tourism; they want to know about how
the local media (KOTO, Daily Planet) will be integrated; what the
InfoZone will offer to students and their parents. The questions
are handled diplomatically, if noncommittally, and people are urged
to get involved and to pay closer attention to media reports on the
InfoZone.
There's been speculation all along about the extent of local
awareness and support for the InfoZone, and this outburst of
questions is exciting. We outsiders sit back, listen and watch.
A show of hands suggests that more than 90% of the 60+ people live
here. More than 75% would dial into the InfoZone today if it were
operative."
(You can pick up the proceedings and other materials from the Ideas
festival in the WELLgopher's Community/Civic Networks/Telluride
section (gopher gopher.well.sf.ca.us), and Colorado SuperNet's
anonymous-ftp server, ftp.csn.org in the /Infozone directory.)
5.0 DISCUSSION
================
The listservs have not been very active for the past few weeks. The
primary topic of discussion remains the opportunities and dangers
that may arise from partially commercializing civic nets.
One message advocated abandoning the NPTN style commitment to no
charges for service and suggested sliding scale fees for listings
by businesses and larger non profit groups. Others pointed out that
without business support very small communities probably could not
find the resources to provide free access to the general public.
One person stated that government, educational organizations, and
businesses were all members of the community and the community
service mandate meant that freenets must also serve all of these
groups.
Another message advocated great care in making such concessions to
business needs. She cited the danger of being subverted into a mini
version of a commercial provider.
6.0 NEW TOOLS
===============
6.1 NPTN opens a PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE
DOCUMENT DEPOSITORY
[ I am very pleased to report that NPTN has reversed its original
decision and is testing a public document depository. Non NPTN
nets can contribute. Please identify the source organization!
Anyone may borrow materials. One commentator asked that only documents
which were essentially original material be deposited. - ed ]
"After much more debate over format, etc, we are ready to start
receiving your various documents. Because we don't really know all
the types of documents that we will be receiving everything will
be going into a common area at the beginning. As time goes by and
we get a handle on the various areas that exist we will break
things down by topic.
At the onset all the information will be placed in the ftp site
under:
pub/nptn.docs.
As time goes by we will add additional subdirectories.
To help organize the information. For you folks without direct
connections to the internet we will be placing the information in
a listserv archive. This will come on line about a week after the
ftp site.
With that said I'm sure you all are beginning to wonder "How do I
make a submission?" Well here you go. Simply e-mail your document
to docs@nptn.org and someone here will add it to the index and
appropriate directory. To make our lives simple we are asking that
submissions follow a few simple rules:
1) While it may cause you some inconvenience please send your
documents in ascii, with CR/LF where appropriate. It makes
everybody's life a lot easier.
2) The subject of the e-mail should tell us what type of document
it is, budget, job description, etc
3) The first line of the document should contain your system and
a one sentence summary of the contents of the document. Something
like this:
nptn.org: director of cybercasting services job description
This is VERY important because the summaries will be used to create
the index of documents.
Because we expect to get quite a few documents, and like everyone
else we have a limited number of hours to work with, if you don't
follow these guidelines we will in probably bounce your document
back to you for further editing.
As usual, if you have any questions please contact:
John Kurilec (jmk@nptn.org)".
6.2 OTHER NEW TOOLS OF INTEREST
1 - I highly recommend a NEW TERMINAL PROGRAM (to me, anyway) from
Cornell called Comet. It's on ftp.cit.cornell.edu in the
/pub/mac/comm/ folder
It lets you do IP and dialup connections with support for 3270and
lots of other stuff. Seems to be freely available, quite robust,
and with a bunch of features I have not tried yet. Steve Cisler
2 - The TALLAHASSEE FREE-NET SOFTWARE can be used with POP.
you can get it from ftp.scri.fsu.edu in pub/TFN. Not much
documentation yet, but a few Free-Nets have put it up on their demo
machines already. It's been ported to AIX, BSD and OSF1 versions
of UNIX. The creator is Diane Wood (904) 644-4295
wood@scri.fsu.edu
3 - How to get NASA INTERNET VIDEO
NASA has produced an 11-minute video describing the benefits to
schools using the Internet. The video, entitled Global Quest: The
Internet in the Classroom, is available through the broadcasts on
NASA Select TV, can be duplicated for no charge at the nearest NASA
Teacher Resource Center or Regional Teacher Center, or can be
purchased through NASA's central Operation for Educators (CORE) for
cost of $15. The video is freely copyable. For more information
Global Quest, contact NASA CORE, Lorain County Joint Vocational
School, 15181, Route 58 South, Oberlin, OH 44074,
ph. 216/774-1051, ext. 293.
4 - MAVEN VIA FTP
Maven is a brand-new piece of software allowing real-time audio
conferencing over the Internet. This capability has been available
on Unix machines, but as far as we know this is the first Mac
software freely available for this purpose. CNIDR has
been working with the developer to coordinate the release of this
software.
Maven, real-time Internet audioconferencing software for the
Macintosh, is now available via anonymous ftp from k12.cnidr.org.
ftp://k12.cnidr.org/pub/Mac/Maven-2.0a11.sea.bin
To subscribe to a discussion list about Maven, send e-mail to:
listserv@cnidr.org
Leave the Subject: line blank, and in the message type:
subscribe maven Your Name
7.0 TRENDS
============
We are going to be seeing more commercial imitators of the FREE
NET format. During the past week 3 new Commercial Ventures modelled
on Free-Nets were announced.
ACCESS ATLANTA is a joint venture between Prodigy and the COX
newspaper chain.
BBN - which has the federal mandate to assist in the development
in K-12 resources - is building a similar net using the CABLE
system in Lexington MA.
And stodgy old COMPUSERVE is providing Internet access and starting
some additional features that look very much like free-net based
ideas.
Meanwhile - Innovative approaches to community service in the true
spirit of the Freenet Movement continue to appear.
The Minneapolis Telecommunications Network Announced *Freedom And
iberty*. This new program is designed to cooperate with local
free-nets and assist in bringing NON PROFIT GROUPS On-Line. These
groups will in turn work on net access solutions for the
disadvantaged.
" All across this country, people are abuzz with excitement about
a new Information Super-Highway. There'll be a million new ways
to communicate, we'll have virtual reality and work from home,
there'll be fantastic riches made and our kids will all be smarter.
Yet, many people will be standing beside this so-called
Super-Highway and watch as life passes them by. Who will make the
on-ramp available to those who cannot afford the high-cost of
connections? Who will make this Information Superhighway
accessible to the poor, to the disenfranchised? "
For further information contact: Anthony Riddle <mtn@mr.net>
Minneapolis Telecommunications Network
---------------------------
Administrivia - the lovely look of this issue is due to the work
of my anonymous volunteer editor. Sam
==============================================
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a result of the work of people located
throughout the global Internet community.
Net facilities for the preparation of this newsletter are provided
by the DISTRIBUTED KNOWLEDGE PROJECT - York University - Canada.
Editing is done anonymously by a UNB librarian.
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at
the WELL : gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic
nets... ---> networks & community; & the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CANADA
: gopher ----> gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
"subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the
Listowner for the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE
reading "subscribe <firstname> <lastname>".
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs.
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter
Contact Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.020
+860
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@@ -0,0 +1,860 @@
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : March 18, 1994
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
The 14th report of 1994 is the 20th survey.
----------------------------------------------
This special issue should be of interest to civic nets, free-nets,
commercial gopher services and university gopher services.
========== CREATING A SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTRE ===========
Contents:
1. WHAT BUSINESS NEEDS FROM THE FREENET COMMUNITY
What civic nets offer.
What small businesses want.
2. ON-LINE SMALL BUSINESS CENTRES
Local assistance programs as a resource
local business and professional associations as a resource
3. SEEKING THE ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT OF BUSINESS SERVICE GROUPS
4. SEEKING FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
[ a guide to seeking business funding ]
5. INFORMATION & SERVICES YOU CAN POINT TO
6. A sample "SMALL BUSINESS OFFICE" MENU
1. WHAT BUSINESS NEEDS FROM THE FREENET COMMUNITY
==================================================
There are a variety of professional groups, university programs,
government programs and private external sources that provide
service or information that is important to business.
Freenets have an opportunity to benefit themselves and the
community by providing an opportunity for these organizations to
join in developing an online "non commercial" set of assistance
services to the small business community.
Small business is now creating over 80% of all new jobs. That means
that anything we can do to assist the development and survival of
small business in our communities is of benefit to everyone.
The Freenet movement is now debating the role of business in the
freenet sphere. Without taking a position personally. I would like
to point out one method for the movement to serve the needs of the
businesses in their communities and improve the possibilities of
fundraising - without compromising the traditional principals of
this effort.
What Civic Nets offer the Business Community
--------------------------------------------
Before freenets came into existence assistance programs for
business operated in isolation. Only the library might have an
outdated guide to local assistance resources. Our movement creates
the opportunity for a more efficient form of access and use of
these dispersed resources. We are all aware of our potential to
improve the delivery of government services, non profit services
and even recreation information. The same is just as true for
business.
Freenets can provide information about these resources. Our systems
can also provide direct technical assistance. If business
assistance is readily accessible at your site; its much easier to
gain support from the Business community and local government.
Because membership in a Freenet is free; we have unique advantages
over any other potential supplier of business information. Most
businesses will choose to use commercial access providers for their
net services. With competition in your community, the business will
be located on several systems. No matter how good the services on
any one system are they wont have the "reach" of freenet based
services. So freenets will be the necessary glue that ties together
the whole business community. This is the basis for gaining
business support and participation in our movement. All the other
services we offer just makes our system that much more likely to
be used by businesses. We have a attractive mix that creates an
appeal no one else can match.
The primary resources which we can assist locally, are usually
local chambers of commerce, university business assistance
programs, industry trade associations and the many varieties of
Small Business Development Center programs.
What Small Businesses Want - and need
-------------------------------------
Companies - especially new small businesses - are interested
PRIMARILY in learning more about funding sources. More than half
the calls received by groups offering assistance to small business
ask for information on where to find money. While there are sources
for local, state, provincial and federal funding; your local
business people often do not know how to find and use the programs.
For more established businesses, another major need is information
on how firms can benefit from government and university research
and technology.
While money and technology is what business people want; they
usually need a great deal of help with:
business plans
regulatory and licensing information
tax issues
employment rules and regulations
computerized accounting systems
other financial controls
other information automation systems
improved customer service
marketing strategies
domestic sales strategies
international sales
developing new products
improving existing products
manufacturing production changes
health and safety issues.
The specific nature of the needs of a business tend to vary with
its stage of development. Generally - Start-Up - Expansion
and - Turnaround or Crisis Management - stages present unique
problems. Women and Minority groups may also benefit from programs
that help them with the special problems involved in their
participation in Business.
2. ON - LINE SMALL BUSINESS CENTERS
===========================================
A new activity on the Internet is the provision of online business
services. Such services can offer many forms of aid. There are 4
primary forms of assistance.
Information pamphlets
Interactive access to referral assistance
Interactive self help forums on-line
Interactive access to direct assistance
The simplest activity to start with is providing pamphlets about
existing programs and organizations along with some general how to
information.
The innovative services that are perfect for civic nets are the on-
line interactive services. These can provide technical assistance
in preparing the business plan, and they help with regulatory and
licensing problems. They may also provide technical assistance in
business management areas, new product development, procurement,
energy management and advise or assistance in gaining access to
capital from private sources.
New business managers often need a full range of services. The
owner of an existing business can often benefit from access from
a peer based conference dealing with his or her firms problem.
DISPENSING PAMPHLETS ABOUT OTHER ORGANIZATION
AND HOW TO INFORMATION
---------------------------------------------
Freenets are an ideal resource for dispensing passive information.
We offer uniquely easy access and retrieval. We never run out of
copies of a brochure and its always the most current one available.
Groups will want to print their own material to hand out on site;
but they can benefit by being able to grab copies of other
services' brochures from the free-net's "rack" and provide them on
demand to their walk in clients.
A good "rack" can include information about:
BUSINESS SERVICE CENTRES
HOW TO INFORMATION
INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS
LOAN PROGRAM AND GRANT SOURCES
EMPLOYEE AND WORKSITE SAFETY INFORMATION
SECURITY INFORMATION
SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP & CORPORATE REGISTRATION
TAXES AND LICENSES
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
INDUSTRY & TRADE GROUPS
LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORIES
COLLEGE & PRIVATE BUSINESS TRAINING PROGRAMS
Vocational
Entrepreneurship
Technical
Managerial
PUBLIC LIBRARIES AS BUSINESS INFORMATION SOURCES
FOREIGN CONSULS & TRADE OFFICES
FOREIGN LANGUAGE TRAINING PROGRAMS
REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL TRADE PROGRAMS
SERVICES AND FACILITIES FOR VISITING BUSINESS PEOPLE
ON-LINE REFERRAL PROGRAMS
-------------------------
The least demanding of the Interactive services is operating an on-
line referral service. These can be staffed by local business
librarians or by staff from a local assistance center or by
volunteer retired businesspeople. These may involve using an
existing database of services or your folks may have to design and
maintain a new one.
DIRECT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
--------------------------
LOCAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AS A RESOURCE
Problem oriented direct assistance activities can be "staffed" by
employees of existing programs. The ease of on-line interaction
makes free-net based consulting especially useful for dealing with
activities like:
Loan Packaging
Projections
Business Plans
Cash Flow Analysis
Financing Programs
Governmental
Private Lenders
Venture Capital
Export Marketing
Financing
One-on-one Counselling
Planning and Research
Market Research Assistance
Census information
Local business lists
Yellow pages information
Planning for Employee Training
On-the-Job Training
Classroom Training
Custom Designed Training Programs
LOCAL BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AS A RESOURCE
Local professional Associations may also be willing to staff
moderated listservs or on-line assistance programs that deal with
their members areas of expertise. Typical programs include:
1 - ONE STOP OR SHORT TERM SERVICES
General Business Assistance Centers
Small Business Assistance Centres
2 - PROJECT ORIENTED LONG TERM ASSISTANCE
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
University Based Small Business Institutes
3 - ASSISTANCE FOR TARGETED POPULATIONS
Minority Business Assistance Programs
Women Entrepreneurs Networks
Business Incubator Programs
4 - ASSISTANCE IN SINGLE PROBLEM AREAS
Bar Association Programs
Accountants Society Programs
SELF HELP ORIENTED PROGRAMS
---------------------------
A series of unmoderated conferences can also be started. These
should reflect your local communities needs. They can be general
interest or focused. One especially attractive conference can cover
business software and technology. Another could focus on local
regulatory issues.
3. SEEKING THE ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT OF BUSINESS GROUPS
=============================================================
Generally organizations like Accountant's Associations, Advertising
Associations, Insurance Groups, and Law Societies can usually be
brought on line. You may also have some success with Computer
professionals, and services oriented to specific business sectors
like Retail Trade, Real Estate, Manufacturing, or Farming.
Existing service programs may see you as a rival, but careful
cultivation will generally bring them aboard soon.
A business outreach committee composed of members who are business
people will do the most effective work in involving these groups.
4. SEEKING FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
=======================================================
The search for financial support involves teaching local groups
like chambers of commerce and private businesses about the ways a
freenet can increase the community's income and employment levels.
Your hit squad can talk about:
Helping existing businesses expand.
Attracting new business and investment.
Encouraging start-up activity.
Fostering small business growth and entrepreneurial skills.
Pursuing legislative and administrative reforms
Benefiting the business community through superior services.
Increasing employment levels
Diversifying work opportunities
Providing statistical and analytical data to support
economic development efforts.
WHY BUSINESSES GIVE SUPPORT?
When going after the support of individual businesses; it helps to
understand what motivates their charitable contributions. Some of
that motivation is simple self interest. Creating an on-line small
business center appeals to that self interest.
When planning a corporate funding campaign, there is one basic
fact that must be recognized.
THEY DON'T HAVE TO GIVE
Companies have no legal obligation to support community or non
profit activities. Every contribution represents money that would
otherwise have gone to pay taxes, to pay shareholders, or to
reinvestment in future growth. Charitable support is generally
seen as an "investment".
WHAT'S IN IT FOR THEM?
Corporate gifts are rarely altruistic. Companies are looking for
a primary benefit to their community of customers, employees, and
shareholders, and only secondarily to the society at large.
Given this very business-like attitude its easy to understand
that the following are the main reasons companies give. I list
them here in the order they are most often mentioned by companies,
not in the order that matters most to freenets seeking support.
THE BOTTOM LINE ON SUPPORT
A: SUPPORTING SERVICES THAT BENEFIT EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILIES.
Freenets serve employees and families by improving their access
to community services [like the availability of womens' shelters]
or emergency child care services, community information of all
types, and to direct personal help in the form of moderated
information services. Our services also benefit many of the
organizations that employees and their families may turn to.
With a business service in our freenet structure we also help build
and maintain the economic basis of the community. We will actually
help create more customers for all the businesses in our
communities. That helps improve job security for everyone.
B: SUPPORTING SERVICES THAT EDUCATE EMPLOYEES & RAISE THEIR SKILL
LEVELS.
While this is usually the motivation for supporting higher
education; Freenets can point out two related benefits.
First, that we are teaching our members a set of computer related
skills that are of growing importance to business. Freenet
members are learning RESEARCH SKILLS, ONLINE COMMUNICATION
SKILLS, AND IMPROVING THEIR KNOWLEDGE Of A WIDE VARIETY OF
INFORMATION RESOURCES, SOME OF WHICH ARE VERY USEFUL TO BUSINESS.
Second, freenets are SIMPLIFYING ACCESS to information that can
be of direct benefit to business. We are after all simplifying
ACCESS TO LIBRARY CATALOGUES FULL OF BUSINESS INFORMATION. Along
with a host of government data of interest to businesses.
The on-line access you create will directly strength all businesses
in the community. It will help them improve their operations and
lower the failure rate among new businesses.
C: PROVIDING PUBLIC RECOGNITION AND PRESTIGE TO THE COMPANY
Most gifts to cultural institutions and the arts are
justified this way.
Freenets have a special advantage here. Any business support can
be acknowledged on line and in the case of support for phone
lines, over and over again. Contributing to the success of a
major community service does contribute to the good will of the
general community towards specific businesses. And freenet are
very much cultural institutions - of a very new kind.
D: IMPROVING THE MARKET FOR A COMPANY'S PRODUCTS
This is the main motivation for corporate support for
special events and sporting activities. Its no accident the beer
and cigarette companies love to sponsor outdoor summer events.
In the early stages of fundraising - this may be the single most
important reason that can presented to organizations which can
offer interactive services or pamphlets in asking for their
support. The case for the value to them must be made in a very
professional way. The fundraisers first task is to understand
just what your free-net has to offer your business community in
the way of a marketing opportunity.
Reaching the freenet membership is far more effective -COST
EFFECTIVE - than a $50,000 .oo newspaper add. And it works year
in and year out.
Once the first company donates to you; you can tell the next
company you are going to about the brilliant marketing decision
company #1 just made.
F: SUPPORTING GROUPS IN WHICH EMPLOYEES ARE INVOLVED
The vast majority of businesses do not have either staffing
or a formal process to control contributions. Instead they let
the interests of their employees govern most of their
contributions.
We are all in the business of recruiting volunteers. Efforts to
recruit volunteers from the business community will rarely be
wasted. Some Larger companies actually match employee
contributions with a similar gift. The most straightforward way
of getting business volunteers, is to make presentations to
business related associations. Of particular value are
presentation before the many associations of computer
professionals. It is occasionally possible to be adopted as a
project by one or more of these associations and computer clubs.
A poll of your supporters will usually lead directly to several
such groups with whom they are affiliated.
In the case of the on-line business center it may pay to have the
major local business association "adopt" the center as its project.
G: RESPONDING TO PEER PRESSURE
Many companies don't know who is "real" or worthwhile. Its
reassuring to the management to be told that the big guys have
checked you out and decided to support you.
Once a local corporate leader has contributed, its much easier to
get others to give. If the company officers will make even casual
calls to their peers on your behalf, your prospects are all the
better.
H: CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP - MAINTAINING GOOD COMMUNITY RELATIONS
This is the least effective direct appeal but it figures in
most decisions. So don't forget that you really are creating or
running a major new community service. Its important to let them
know that even by supporting only the business services they are
strengthening the entire free-net and benefit all of your
community.
Since most freenets are not only available from home and office
computers, but also from assorted public sites; its invaluable to
know how many patrons your affiliated libraries and agencies are
seeing each year. This number should be prominently displayed in
your materials and mentioned at fundraising meetings. It creates
"goodwill" for companies when they are seen as directly
benefiting the community by supporting the freenet movement.
Free-nets provide an excellent opportunity to be seen doing good.
Of course these same numbers are also worth mentioning to
companies that service first time buyers when looking for their
support. Training firms, computer insurers, small system sellers,
etc., should all be approached to cover phone line costs. And
they should all be reminded of the number of potential new
customers who can see them mentioned when connecting to your
free-net.
A NOTE ON CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND IRRESPONSIBILITY
Lest this seem to be offering a white wash of the many
problems created or contributed to by bad business practices; I
have no interest in seeing free-net sell their soul to business.
I expect part of every dollar raised to go toward providing
better public access to data about polluters, fraudulent schemes,
self interested legislative efforts, etc. I just don't believe
business is all bad or all good. As a community information
resource we have a responsibility to display all the faces of
business.
The flip side of all of this is something know in the
corporate world as CAUSE RELATED MARKETING. This now represents
about 15% of most larger companies contributions budget. Business
publications have bluntly described its purposes as "enhancing
corporate image, thwarting criticism, pacifying customers and
easing market entry." Every freenet's directors while have to
deal with the ethical dilemmas involved. My personal view is that
we have an obligation to ask for this money and see that it is
used to create a fully informed public. But, we have to avoid
being abused by the worst of these offers. An example of abuse by
a cause related marketing scheme is this gem. In 1987, just
prior to thanksgiving, American Express spent $50,000.00 on an ad
offering to donate 10 cents to New York MEALS ON WHEELS for every
meal ordered with their card over the holiday. New Yorkers would
have had to order half a million meals just to match the ad
budget.
WHAT TYPES OF SUPPORT ARE AVAILABLE?
A: CASH
B: SERVICES - LEGAL - ACCOUNTING - MARKETING
Most major firms donate some services. Law firms are often
required to do so.
C: EQUIPMENT - GIFTS & LOANS
If you can't get equipment donated - try getting it loaned.
If local resources are poor try getting a preferential
price.
Freenets by their nature are not on the cutting edge of
computer technology. Your success rate will be highest if you
know the product lines and consistently ask for last years
models. That help remove dead inventory and convert it real
advertising and goodwill development.
D: ADVERTISING
Ask companies to work you into their print adds and handout
materials.
E: CONTACTS WITH OTHER COMPANIES
As mentioned previously no one has better connections in the
business community than an active business person.
F: FURNITURE
Most medium and large firms have a storage area for
currently unused stuff. Ask around - why spend money on
furnishings.
G: SPACE
Investigate the possibility of space with the companies
having the largest involvement in your freenet. They can be
approached with space requests for meetings and special events,
even for offices.
H: STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
Many larger companies support their employees voluntarism
and may be able to help you do internal recruiting. Phone
companies, banks, major retailers, and major industries are good
places to ask about this. A few companies have even assigned
staff to work with non profits on a part time basis.
I: MATCHING EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS
J: COMPANY MEMBERSHIPS IN "FRIENDS OF FREE-NET"
SPECIAL ASPECTS OF FUNDING FREE-NETS
DON'T CREATE A SEPARATE CAMPAIGN FOR SUPPORTING BUSINESS SERVICES
Don't just raise money or assistance for the on-line business
center. Always get the business community to see that they are
supporting it and the other much needed community services that the
freenet provides.
SHARING THE EXCITEMENT
Freenets are an exciting concept. Most health care and
international aid organizations appeal to people's pity. We are
in the wonderful position of appealing to people's optimism. Make
sure that those representing you are visibly enthusiastic.
Enthusiasm is infectious. Choose well spoken and well informed
representatives. Make sure that they understand business
conventions and dress.
DIRECTLY SUPPORTING THE NEEDS OF THE BUSINESS
Every freenet will have a somewhat different policy on
business relations and commercial activities on the net. The more
you can demonstrate that your free-net meets the needs of the
business community, the easier it is to fundraise. I have written
a paper describing what I believe are the major advantages
businesses may get from the existence of freenets in their area.
Its written for business people who are not telecommunications
literate. If you would like a copy; contact me at:
samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
Sam Sternberg
Fell free to modify it in keeping with your policies and use it
as piece for distribution. Businesses, that understand the direct
benefits they will get from operating freenets, will have a much
higher propensity to support your efforts.
EVERY COMPANY HAS COMPUTER ENTHUSIASTS WORKING FOR THEM
Free-Nets are in an enviable position when it comes to
corporate funding. Every company of any size has a few computer
enthusiasts on staff. This means you should be able to find
support in every company you seek assistance from. While this is
easier said than done. It can be done. do it.
SENIOR COMPUTER PEOPLE ALWAYS KNOW THE TOP MANAGEMENT
And, the SECRET of successful fundraising is PERSONAL
CONTACT. Need we say more.
ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES
A: DO YOUR RESEARCH
Most cities have extensive business directories.
Most have companies ranked by size and activity.
Public companies have annual reports that may be
informative.
Check your supporters for contacts in companies of interest.
Interview your supporters in the company before making your
formal approach. The more you know the better.
Don't try to contact everyone. Target your efforts based on
an analysis of your ability to reach the company you
need to reach. Always assess each company on the
number and degree of impact the motivating factors
listed above will have on them. Think before you act.
B: MAKE CONTACT AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL
In private companies contribution decisions are made at the
top. Your initial contact may be the computer department or the
advertising staff. Those people, once interested, can assist you
in reaching the decision maker(s).
Consider recruiting an advisory board of company executives
to help you in your campaign. Also look at getting sponsored or
adopted by computer or communications related professional
associations.
C: KEEP GOOD RECORDS
Make a record for each company you research and contact.
list your contacts, dates, requests, and results.
Save it so that the next group of volunteers can look back
to see what's been done. You may be asked to come back next year.
if you don't have records, you can't follow up.
D: BE PERSISTENT BUT NOT OBNOXIOUS
An initial "no" can be the start of a very long and happy
relationship. Be prepared to ask again next year. As you grow you
will look better and better. You will also be able to show
increasing support from peer companies.
NEVER DO THE FOLLOWING
DON'T ACCUSE THE COMPANY OF SELFISH MOTIVES
Our motive are selfish too. We are all benefiting,or hoping
to, in various ways from the Free-net. If you run into offers
that are too self serving - JUST SAY NO - you don't have to
explain. I personally hope all of us will avoid participating in
the kind of "promotion" mentioned earlier.
DON'T ASK THEM TO SAVE THE PROJECT
Always accentuate the positive. No responsible staff person
wants to hear that you're in DESPERATE for there support or worse
yet in financial trouble. That will just convince
her/him that they may be wasting resources on a program that is
about to die.
DON'T THREATEN THE STAFF OR FIRM
Never tell staff that your prepared to go over their heads
if they don't co-operate. Or threaten the company with negative
publicity. That kind of reaction is just infantile.
When fundraising, you will be asked if company "x" has
contributed. Be absolutely honest. If you asked but didn't get
anything say so. And mention that you hope to improve your level
of volunteers from the company and ask again next year. Never
disparage a potential donor. The person your talking to may just
know and like people in the firm under discussion.
E: BE REASONABLE
Accept refusal graciously.
If your analysis of a company's motivation to support you
show that you aren't a primary candidate for them; start small
and build their involvement. Perhaps starting by making a request
for an IN-KIND gift. Or assistance in recruiting employee
volunteers.
F: BE PREPARED
Have a financial statement or business plan
Have proof of your not for profit status
Provide a list of Board of Directors and their background
List all your current donors and supporting Institutions
Produce an annual report or progress reports.
G: ACKNOWLEDGE EVERY CONTACT IN WRITING.
Its important to thank every company you made a request to,
especially when they REFUSE YOUR REQUEST. Nothing does more to
improve your chances on a second request than someone remembering
the Free-Net as that very professional group which said thanks
for taking the time and we understand the demands on you funds
didn't permit a gift this time around.
H: FUNDRAISING WILL BE A PERMANENT ACTIVITY OF THE FREE-NET
Do it right. Right from the start. Corporate funding can be
especially rewarding because companies often make gifts year
after year. No other source, except your members, can be so
reliable.
5. INFORMATION & SERVICES YOU CAN POINT TO
===========================================
Some of the business type resources that
can be found freenets & civic nets include:
Agriculture (Coin - Columbia)
Business & Industry Park (Youngstown Freenet)
Buyer's Rights (Denver Freenet)
Consumer Price Index (Buffalo Freenet)
Entrepreneurship (Heartland Freenet)
Foreign Missions (Singapore Citynet)
Jobs (Triangle Freenet)
Living & Working (Singapore Citynet)
Major Companies (Singapore Citynet)
Planning & Zoning (Blacksburg Village)
Professional Organizations (Triangle Freenet)
Rules & Regs (Triangle Freenet)
Small Business Development Forum (Buffalo Freenet)
Start-up Information (Buffalo Freenet)
Supreme Court Decisions (Buffalo Freenet)
Transit (Blacksburg Village)
Yellow Pages (Triangle Freenet)
You can visit all of these from one central launchpad.
Try using Uhura.neocom.edu port 1070
it points to all the existing civic nets and its full of
interesting information about our efforts.
Other sources of information for Small Business include:
Agricultural Business info (unlvm.unl.edu)
Census (gopher.census.gov - for US info)
(
Environmental protection for Industry (gopher.rtpnc.epa.gov)
Human resources info (vuinfo.vanderbilt.edu /library/guides)
National & International business (lambada.oit.unc.edu)
Small business (econ.tucson.az.us)
Worker Health & Safety resources (eshserver.pppl.gov)
Visit these sites and "Borrow" whatever makes sense for your local
use. And remember that each of these sites points to others with
additional useful information. This is the Internet after all!
6. A sample " BUSINESS SERVICE CENTRE " MENU
========================================
Mayor's Letter to the Business Community
1. Business Assistance Directories
INTERACTIVE business services
on-line referrals
self help conferences
on-line assistance programs
Introduction to the Financial Guide
The Business Plan
Business Education Services
Employment Services
Employee Safety
Business Security
Assistance Programs in the Community
Small Business Service groups
Community Loan Funds
Bank Loan Programs
Information for commercial visitors
Internet Commercial Access providers
Glossary
2. Elected Officials Directory
Municipal
Regional
State / Provincial
Federal
3. Starting a Business Checklist.
Initial Research Methods
Developing a Business Plan
Legal Issues
Accounting Issues
Tax Issues
Registration and Licensing
Employee Issues
Marketing & Sales Issues
4. Calendar of Events (What's happening)
Business Meetings
Special Events
Seminars & other Training events
5. Trade leads
Local Business Directories
Regional & National Directories
International and Foreign Directories
Marketing Services
6. Other business info sources
ON-LINE
Local Census Information
Local Trade and Employment Information
OFF-LINE
Local Library Business resources
Business Publications
Cd-roms with Business Information
On-line commercial search services
Business information special collections
8. Trade Missions - foreign trade assistance
p.s.
A - If you do create such a center - please let me know. I would
love to have a look.
B - I am working on an international information site for Business.
In the future I will be sending out an announcement about this
site. I will also be providing pointers to specific topic areas at
the site as these are set up.
Sam Sternberg
==============================================
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a result of the work of people located
throughout the global Internet community.
Net facilities for the preparation of this newsletter are provided
by the DISTRIBUTED KNOWLEDGE PROJECT - York University - Canada.
Editing is done anonymously by a UNB librarian.
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at
the WELL : gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic
nets... ---> networks & community; & the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CANADA
: gopher ----> gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
"subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the
listowner for the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE
reading "subscribe <firstname> <lastname>".
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter
contact Sam Sternberg <samsam@vm1.yorku.ca>
.
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NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : April 22, 1994
****************************************************************
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
The 16th report of 1994 is the 22nd weekly survey.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
Coverage in this issue includes:
>From the Top!!!
Joke of the Week
News From The World
Timely Thoughts
Help!!!
Classes & Meetings
################################################################
FROM THE TOP!!!
################################################################
Another week gone by and done with! Taxes are done and the good 'ol USA
has gotten its annual paycheck, courtesy of the fine folks of America.
I want to thank the many people that wrote to me after my first attempt
went out last week. Your support and constructive criticism are both
helpful to me in forging the path that I will follow with this news-
letter.
It was suggested by Putnam Barber that there be more discussion
of the "philosophical, political, and practical issues that
arise" building communities on line. Excellent point and one that
will be explored through this thread over many weeks. I DO enjoy
your comments and again encourage all to e-mail both + & - comments!
As this is a new direction for both myself and this column, it might
seem a little disjointed at first as I gain my wings. Hey, it might
still seem disjointed after a few months!
I plan on profiling local nets as often as I receive bio's from you
folks out there. I also will put out a list of interesting WWW sites
every once in a while. Also, I believe that the Internet has the
opportunity, if that's the right word, of becoming the future of commerce
for cottage industries. Already we see smaller businesses like bookstores
feeling out the Net for acceptance. Some of us feel that the AUP's must
remain in place, do or die. Others take the polar opposite and generate
about as many mentions in mailing lists and television shows, as did their
original "green" posts!
It is up to us as a "world community" to make these decisions through both
written and local in-person discussion. Judging from posts to the various
mailing lists to which I subscribe, I feel that we are up to it. It is
a major period of growth for the net and we are experiencing growing pains.
Well, enough of my verbosity, on with the show!!!
-steve covington
################################################################
Joke of the Week
################################################################
FROM: wb8foz@netcom.com (David Lesher)
Subject: Re: Green Card Posting
Hi,
My name is Dave Rhodes.
My friend Siegel Canter is dying of cancer and want to be in
Black's Law Dictionary for having the most complaints filed
against him. Please send a postcard to the Bar, and don't forget to
write my name on the card too......
################################################################
NEWS of the WIRED & WEIRD **** Received from various sources
################################################################
Internet facts
Connected networks worldwide - 21,000
Connected countries - 60
Connected computers - 2,000,000
Connected users - 15,000,000
Rate of monthly growth - 7% - 10%
Source of information is from Computerworld February 7, 1994
Contributed by:
Carl Fong
Systems Operations Analyst
Orange County Department of Education
Costa Mesa, California
e-mail: carl_fong@ocde.k12.ca.us
===================================================================
E-D-U-P-A-G-E 04/17/94
===================================================================
CONNECTICUT TESTS COMMUNICATIONS FUTURE New legislation in
Connecticut will open all types of telephone service to competition
beginning July 1, making the state a laboratory for innovation in
communications. Any enterprise could apply to offer residential or
commercial lines or wireless links. SNET (Southern New England
Telecommunications) will lose its monopoly on phone service but has plans
to completely rewire the state over the next decade with $4.5 billion of
fiber optic cable to allow comprehensive voice, video, and data services.
(New York Times 4/17/94 A1)
EMPLOYMENT-ON-DEMAND
Beepers not only communicate, they also control. Harvard economist
J.B.Schor says, "Now you may have to make yourself available on a 24-hour
basis to gain or keep employment, to be successful or get promoted. It's
not acceptable to say: 'I won't wear a beeper because my time is my own.'"
(New York Times 4/17/94 Sec.3, p.13)
====================================================================
This is an e-magazine that is available on the Web, by gopher, and
by e-mail. If you have access to www, the graphics/artwork is
great! Check it out. (.ed )
>From Ian,
After several sleepless nights on the part of the Editor, the April 1994
issue Teletimes is finally out on the Web! This month Teletimes features
articles on Travel, like Hawaii Pubcrawl by Ken Eisner and Impressions of
Thailand by Ken Ewing. Also, in the Departments section, there is an
interview with John Hiatt, musician/songwriter extraordinaire. This is
probably the best issue of Teletimes yet!
1994 Photography Contest
In our ftp site (ftp.wimsey.com) you can download the official rules and
info about the contest, including two postscript file which are the
official poster (front & back) You can download the ps files from the
/pub/photon_94 directory. What I'd like to see is: people in various
places around the world download and pass around the postscript files so
that they can be printed and handed around.
Regards,
Ian Wojtowicz
Editor/Publisher
**INTERNATIONAL TELETIMES****************************************
* Teletimes is a general interest electronic magazine. Get your *
* free subscription by sending your e-mail address, computer *
* type and country of residence to: editor@teletimes.com *
* Also take a look at our WWW server -> http://www.wimsey.com/ *
*************************************************ISSN 1198-3604**
=================================================================
==========================
E-D-U-P-A-G-E 19 Apr 94
==========================
SMALL CHANGE ON THE NET
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing NetBill, a
computerized system for tracking and billing users for small transactions,
such as a ten-cent charge per document. The developers hope NetBill will
evolve into a universal accounting system on the Internet. (Chronicle of
Higher Education 4/20/93 A31)
NTIA WILL FUND INFORMATION HIGHWAY
The head of the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration says its budget will go primarily toward jump-starting the
creation of an information highway. $100 million of a $134 budget request
will go to grant programs to "help state and local governments, schools,
libraries, and health care and public safety providers to undertake the
planning needed to ensure effective development of the telecommunications
infrastructure." (BNA Daily Report for Executives 4/15/94 A32)
ADS (AND FLAMES) ON THE NET
After sending an unsolicited ad for his legal services to more than
9,000 Internet Usenet groups, a Phoenix lawyer got 30,000 replies,
including thousands of "flames" [outraged messages] from persons who
objected to his use of the Internet for unsolicited direct mail. Internet
Direct, the lawyer's service provider, rescinded the lawyer's account. The
lawyer's threatening a $250,000 lawsuit against Internet Direct and is
planning to write a book about advertising on the Internet. (New York Times
4/19/94 C1)
E-MAIL EAVESDROPPING
One in five companies admits that it eavesdrops on its employees by
searching computer files, voice mail or e-mail, but a spate of lawsuits is
beginning to curb the habit. If a company plans on monitoring employees, it
should tell them in advance to avoid legal trouble later. (Investor's
Business Daily 4/19/94 A4)
E-MAIL BOTTLENECKS
Overstuffed mailboxes and oversized files are two of the biggest
offenders in slowing e-mail to a snail-mail pace, according to Ferris
Networks, a San Francisco-based e-mail research firm. Although the problem
will be somewhat alleviated when ATM technology is fully implemented, the
proliferation of more and bigger files will continue. Ferris's president
anticipates an average post-compression message to be 100 kilobytes in size
by 1998, up from 10K currently, with volume rising to 60 messages a day, up
from 20-40 now. (Investor's Business Daily 4/18/94 A4)
NETWORK BENEFITS, NETWORK RISKS
Increasingly sophisticated networks will eventually have the whole
country plugged into a single grid. Communications professor A.M.Noll at
the University of Southern California warns that with the benefits of such
a grid will come "a risk that some software glitch could transmit an
erroneous signal or traffic indication that would collapse the entire
network, bringing telecommunications to a total halt in this country."
(Forbes 4/25/94 p.142)
***********************************************************************
From: SAMSAM@VM1.YorkU.CA
.... COUNCIL ON INFO HIGHWAY ....
MANLEY ANNOUNCES ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
AND ISSUES INFORMATION HIGHWAY DISCUSSION PAPER
*(edited for space)*
OTTAWA, April 19, 1994 # "Together, as Canadians, we must decide how we
want to develop and use the information highway for the economic,
cultural and social advantage of all Canadians," said Industry Minister
John Manley. He made the comment today as he announced the membership
of the national information highway advisory council and issued a
discussion paper # The Canadian Information Highway: Building Canada's
Information and Communications Infrastructure.
"This document is intended to foster that dialogue between Canadians;
so is the advisory council," said the Minister. He added that these
discussions are essential to the implementation of a Canadian strategy
for the information highway.
On March 16, Minister Manley named McGill University Principal and
Vice-Chancellor David Johnston as Chair of the council. # It is
anticipated that the council might form five or six working groups to
address the specific issues. "Canadians can expect to have the
opportunity to work with council members on these matters," said the
Minister.
INFORMATION HIGHWAY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
__________
NEIL BAKER: is Chairman of the Telecommunications and Information
Technology Committee for the Regina Economic Development Authority.
____________
ANDRE BUREAU: is currently Vice-Chairman of Astral Communications Inc.,
& Vice-Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Astral
Broadcasting Group.
_____________
ANDRE CHAGNON: is Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer of Groupe Videotron Ltee.
____________
ROBERT DAVID: is the President and Chief Executive Officer of ED TEL
Inc. (Edmonton Telephones Corporation).
____________
MARY DYKSTRA: is a Professor and Director of the School of Library and
Information Studies in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie
University.
________________
BILL ETHERINGTON: is President and Chief Executive Officer, IBM Canada
Ltd.
__________________________
The HONOURABLE FRANCIS FOX: is former federal Minister of Communications
and has served in several other cabinet portfolios. He is Chairman of the
Board, Rogers Cantel Inc., Chairman, Fasken Martineau, and President,
CITEC's Committee to Implement the Recommendations of the Review on
Science and Technology in Montreal.
_____________
GEORGE HARVEY: is Chairman of the Board of Unitel Communications Inc.
______________
W. BRIAN HEWAT: is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bell-Northern
Research.
_________________
ELIZABETH HOFFMAN: is the Chair of the Coalition for Public Information
(CPI). She is the University Ombudsperson, University of Toronto.
_________________
DOUGLAS M. HOLTBY: is President and Chief Executive Officer of WIC Western
International Communications Ltd. He is Chairman of Canadian
Satellite Communications Inc. (Cancom) and serves as a Director on
the Boards of the CTV Network and Northwest Sports Enterprises Ltd.
________________
ROSEMARY KUPTANA: is President of the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada. She
co-chairs the International Arctic Council and is the author of No
More Secrets, a book about child sexual abuse in Inuit communities.
______________
VERONICA LACEY: is the Director of Education for the North York Board of
Education.
______________
JOHN MacDONALD: is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the New
Brunswick Telephone Company Limited (NBTel).
______________
TERRY MATTHEWS: founded Newbridge Networks Corporation in March 1986.
________________
JOHN T. McLENNAN: is President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell Canada.
____________
GERRY MILLER: is Chairman of CA*net Networking Incorporated, the non-
profit company that manages and operates the Canadian national Internet
backbone network which connects regional networks in all ten provinces.
He is also Chairman of MBnet Networking Inc., the non-profit company
that manages the Manitoba regional Internet.
___________________
REGINALD NOSEWORTHY: M. Eng., P. Eng., is President of Porak
Enterprises Ltd., a management consulting company primarily involved
with Information Technology and Strategic Management.
__________________
JEAN-CLAUDE PARROT: is Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour
Congress (CLC).
___________
ANNA PORTER: is the Publisher, President and Director of Key Porter
Books. She is an Officer of the Order of Canada.
____________
DERRICK ROWE: is President and Chief Executive Officer of NewEast
Wireless Technologies Inc.
__________
GUY SAVARD: is President and Chief of Operations, Caisse de depot et
placement du Quebec.
________________
IRENE SEIFERLING: is Vice-President, Issues and Policy, of the
Consumers' Association of Canada.
__________________
DR. GERRI SINCLAIR: is Director of ExCITE (Exemplary Center for Interactive
Technologies in Education) at Simon Fraser University. She is also the
President of GeoSync Interactive Corp.
______________
CHARLES SIROIS: is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
Teleglobe Inc. and National Telesystem Ltd.
________________
DAVID SUTHERLAND: headed the organizing committee for the National
Capital FreeNet and currently holds the positions of Chairman of the
Board of Directors and acting President. Mr. Sutherland is Director of
Computing and Communications Services at Carleton University in Ottawa.
_____________________
J.G. (GERRY) TURCOTTE: is President of the Ottawa-Carleton Research Institute
(OCRI). An electrical engineer, he is a department head at Algonquin
College.
___________________
DR. MAMORU WATANABE: is a Professor in Internal Medicine at the University of
Calgary and a former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine.
____________
COLIN WATSON: is President and Chief Executive Officer of Rogers
Cablesystems Limited.
****
People will be able to contact the council secretariat to put forward
views and suggestions, as well as to obtain information. The
secretariat can be reached in the following ways:
Internet: I.H..Council@Banyan.dgim.doc.ca
Telephone (fax): (613) 941-1164
Telephone (voice): (613) 990-4268
Mail: Room 640, 300 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C8.
Further information:
Bill Milliken or Eli Turk Susan Baldwin Elisabeth Richard
Minister's Office Industry Canada The Mandarin
(613) 995-9001 (613) 990-4262 (613) 990-6360
For copies of the discussion paper: (613) 954-5716
CONGRATULATIONS and GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!!! (ed)
================================================================
Subject: Information resource
We wanted to let you know about some great info we are making freely
available on the Internet.
My name is Michael Enlow. I am a retired private/legal investigator
and author of several books regarding private investigation/electronic
surveillance technology.
I wish to extend my services to the Internet to share and exchange
information on security and privacy protection issues. We are making
a lot of very informative info available FREE on the Internet. This
includes back issues of my newsletter "Inside Secrets", my
schematics and plans, resources, guides, and other information.
For details on accessing these FREE services, send an e-mail message
to INFO@ENLOW.COM you can also FTP to ENLOW.COM or FTP.ENLOW.COM, and
login as anonymous (put your email address as the password). There is
a listserver in place to send you files if you do not have access to
FTP. Your comments and suggestions are welcome.
Thanks for your time.
##################################################################
Timely Thoughts
##################################################################
From: jon <jkiparsk@reed.edu>
Subject: Ten Ways To Kill a Citizen's Movement
I found this in the old files at the Student Action Office at Reed, and
thought it worth passing along to various activists.
----------
Ten Ways To Kill A Citizen Movement
By Byron Kennard
As a veteran community organizer, I know alot about how to start
citizen movements, but only recently did it occur to me that I probably
know just as much about how to bump them off. All I have to do is count
my battle-scars and recall how I got most of them. If my experience is
any guide, far more people are driven out of citizen movements by their
own dear brothers and sistens in the cause than by all the shennanigans
of the enemy put together.
Friendly Fire on the Social Change Front
Here's how it works. Suppose you want to kill a citizen movement and you
come to me for expert advice. I would suggest first that you join it and
then procede to follow these ten basic, simple rules, any one of which
will drain the vitality out of a movement faster than you can say Ronald
Reagan.
1. Forget your origins
Citizen movements for social change nearly always originate in humble,
obscure, or disreputable circumstances. Think of the Wobbblies, the early
labor organizers, who were jailed, deported, or even massacred for their
opposition to industrial abuses. Think of Rosa Parks refusing to take a
seat in the back of the bus. Thgink of the bra-burners who endured
derision and scorn to help launch the feminist movement, or of the
housewives who chained themselves to trees rather than allow the trees to
be bulldozed. Later on, when the movement is off the ground and running,
these origins become embarrassing to the carreerists who have latched
onto it in search of gold and glory. At this point it becomes necessary
to rewrite history in order to drop the identity of the movement's
founders down the memory hole.
It is said that revolutions eat their fathers. Citizen movements do
something rather worse: they forget their mothers. The revolutionary who
gets beheaded is at least memorialized by history, but you can plow
through most history books without finding a clue to the identity of the
small bands of volunteer activists- usually women, in my experience- who
initiate needed social change.
2. Put experts in the driver's seat
Volunteers and generalists may have been good enough to organize the
movement, but they aren't good enough to run it. So when the money starts
to come in, it's time to kick the volunteers and generalists out and to
hire "qualified" persons, preferably someone with a Ph.D in physics,
economics, or an Ivy League law degree. (Please note: It is extremely
important that such persons be untainted by any direct experience in
community organizing. If you have a plethora of applicants, it may be
necessary to employ this test. Put each of the applicants into a paper
sack. Only those who cannot organize their way out of it will be eligible
for employment.)
3. Get serious about your work
I mean, real serious. Work too hard. Put in extremely long hours. Practice
looking grim and depressed. If possible, grow morbid. When you have
mastered all this, persist in calling your colleagues' attention to the
fact of your martyrdom. Broadly hint that if they were as serious as you,
they would emulate your example. If this doesn't make them feel
sufficiently bad, you might want to go a step further and physically maim
yourself. For example, you might shoot yourself in the foot. Screaming in
pain, you then demand that your colleagues drop whatever they are doing
and rush to aid and comfort you as you suffer from this needless and
self-inflicted wound.
4. Motivate others by applying guilt
If a group is working to save endangered species, attack it for its
insensitivity to the poor. If they are working to help the poor, attack
them for their insensitivity to endangered species. Whatever you do,
stick them in a no-win situation. Once they perceive that their work is
futile, they will, of course, redouble their efforts.
5. Adopt impossibly high and rigid standards of personal conduct, not
only for yourself, but for others, too.
Human frailty has no place in a citizen movement. Whenever it rears its
ugly head, you must be prepared to smash it to smithereens. Even slight
deviations from your standards must not escape punishment. If, for
example, you catch a nutrition activist eating a hot-dog in a fast-food
resaurant, condemn him on the spot for the Judas he is (neglecting, of
course, to mention that you popped in to buy a pack of cigarettes).
6.Talk a lot about the need to cooperate and to share, but for heaven's
sake, don't actually do it.
What you should actually do is attempt to dominate all proceedings
through the force of your intellect and personality. However, should you
encounter other persons who are foolish enough really to cooperate and
share, by all means, take them for everything they're worth.
7. Get yourself into a dither and stay there
Become over-excited. Remember, the end of the world is coming and we
haven't got much time. Thus, to demonstrate dedication, everybody should
run about like a chicken with its head cut off. If some people in the
movement are striving to work calmly and deliberately, making them
agitated and anxious should become your priority task.
8. Whatever you do, never share any credit.
Look, it's perfectly clear that the whole thing was your idea in the
first place. And nobody, living or dead, contributed anything to you. So
why should you share the credit? If, through some miscarriage of justice,
other people in the movement begin receiving credit, try to grab it from
them. Or try spreading the word that they don't really deserve it. If
these techniques don't work, fly into a sick rage and kick nearby objects
or people. (Please note: Regrettably, there's no guarantee that these
techniques will actually divert recognition away from others and toward
yourself. However, such techniques are almost certain to detract from
what pride an joy the recognition might give those receiving it. This is
a small pleasure to be sure, but by this time you will have learned not
to sneeze at small things.
9. Remember that intensity of commitment is best measured by the amount of
incivility you display.
Here again, little things mean a lot. For example, you should never be on
time to meetings. But when you do arrive, be sure to get interrupted by
telephone calls at least once every five minutes. The rest of the time
should be consumed by your talking as loudly as possible in accusatory
tones. The thrust of your comments should never vary. Again and again you
must make clear that both the truth and the democratic process will be
endangered unless you get your way. Throw a wild card into each agenda
and insist that old questions which have previously been resolved be
re-opened. Having made these comments, leave the meeting early without
helping to clean up the coffee cups or put the room in order. Now these
are fine points, I know, but if you are going to kill off a social
movement, you might as well do it in style.
10. Lastly, you must avoid doing any real work for the movement, while
creating the widespread impression that you are giving your all.
Scrupulous fulfillment of these ten rules will demand all your time and
energy, so none will be left to fulfill any duties to the movement. But
don't let this stop you from assuming as much responsibility as you can
get. Insist on being part of everything. If possible, try to be put in
charge. Then take care not to deliver on any of your commitments. Should
others have the gall to point out the discrepency between your
responsibility and your performance, observe inhushed and sorrowful tones
how painful and demoralizing this is to you, especially after all you've
done. Then nail them to the wall by asking the key question: Don't they
realize that we've all got to stick together?
####################################################################
HELP!!!
####################################################################
From: CCIC Technology Project Member <KHSIEH@PITZER.EDU> Subject:
wanted: K12 schools on the Internet
I'm looking for all of the k12 schools on the net with world wide web
and/or gopher servers. I'm trying to compile a list for the home page
at Ayala High School. My current list can be found at
http://big-bird.pomona.claremont.edu/schools.html
Any information that you have, including places to look and people to
contact is greatly appreciated. If you can, please send the name of
the school including the state, and the appropriate URL's/gopher
addresses.
Kevin Hsieh |
e-mail:khsieh@pomona.claremont.edu Claremont Colleges
Interdisciplinary Clinic| voice:909-621-8555 x1328
=================================================================
Date: Fri, 15 Apr 1994
From: CPOTVIN@cs7.conestogac.on.ca
Subject: MANDARIN - REMOTE ACCESS
I'm new to the list and I would like to know if anyone has
successfully implemented remote access to the Mandarin system
(distributed by Bibliofiche in Canada and Media Flex in the U.S.)
Our resource centre has a Novell server and we want to make the
Mandarin OPAC available across campus and to remote users. I would
like to know specifically about hardware set ups for remote access -
have you used dedicated workstations, remote access server, etc.?
What software have you used - has anyone used Netware Connect for
example? How have you handled Mandarin maintenance (since the
system must be shut down for some routines). Is there any other
advice you could give us? I am also going to talk to the vendor
about this, but I don't think that anything compares with actual
experience -).
Please reply to me at the address below. I'd be happy to share any
info. with interested parties. Thanks for any help you can give us.
Catherine A. Potvin CPOTVIN@CS7.CONESTOGAC.ON.CA
Learning Resource Centre, Conestoga College
299 Doon Valley Dr., Kitchener, ON, CANADA N2G 4M4
Tel. 519-748-5220 Fax. 519-748-5971
From: rmclark@whale.st.usm.edu (Robert Mitchell Clark)
Subject: GEACILS questions
I am currently a MLS student at the University of Southern Mississippi
and for my library automation class I was assigned an evaluation of the
GEAC systems. If anyone an the list is familiar with this system and
can help me identify it's strengths and weaknesses, your help would be
much appreciated.
Thank you for lending me the bandwidth,
Robert M. Clark
=================================================================
Subject: Re: Networks & Communities
I am working at putting together the necessary documents to get a
non-profit organized so we can start a civic network in South
Dakota. I have found plenty of good examples of bylaws and articles
of incorporation around the net but haven't found any examples of
business plans - in particular as they relate to setting up freenets
etc. Anyone have any pointers or actual business plans they would
like to share with the rest of us?
Thanks,
Pat McClanahan Internet:mcclanah@dlgeo.cr.usgs.gov
EROS Data Center mcclanah@edcserver1.cr.usgs.gov
Sioux Falls, SD
605-361-4607
=================================================================
Auburn University is about to take down their Bitnet node. How do I
tell whether I signed to (any) list originally? I signed on to some
lists using the Bitnet address and still others using the Internet
address (but didn't keep track of which was which). It is probably
easier to just sign off and resubscribe but if there's another way,
I'd appreciate knowing about it.
I'm also going to be responsible for assisting about 25 or so other
library personnel in determining the above, so any information
will be greatly appreciated. Please respond to me personally and not
to the list. Thanks!
Donna McCurley
Catalog Librarian
R.B. Draughon Library, Auburn University
Internet: mccurds@auducadm.auburn.edu
or dmccurle@lib.auburn.edu
################################################################
CLASSES & MEETINGS OF INTEREST
################################################################
OF SPECIAL INTEREST TO CPSR MEMBERS:
USENIX SUMMER 1994 TECHNICAL CONFERENCE
June 6-10,1994
Boston Marriott Copley Place, Boston Massachusetts
A FULL-DAY TUTORIAL: THE LAW AND THE INTERNET
Intended Audience: Anyone interested in the legal issues which arise
out of the increasing use and popularity of the Internet.
FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION: Contact: USENIX Conference Office:
E-mail:conference@usenix.org, 1-714-588-8649, FAX: 1-714-588-9706 OR
send e-mail to
info@usenix.org
In the body of your mail message, send the line:
send conferences catalog
The catalog of available conference information automatically will be
returned to you.
****************************************************************
Forwarded by Gleason Sackman - InterNIC net-happenings moderator
****************************************************************
It's about changing history.
And creating a new market.
Digital World Conference & Exposition
June 6-8, 1994
Los Angeles Convention Center
See the Advance Program Guide. Use World Wide Web
http://programs.digitalworld.com/digitalworld/
Registration for the Exposition is free until May 20, 1994.
Internet Distribution Services
665 Wellsbury Way, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Voice: 415-856-8265 Internet: marcf@netcom.com
**********************************************************************
The Federation of Government Information Processing Councils
8th Annual
High Performance Computing and Communications Conference
June 20-23, 1994.
Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Conference Center
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
The theme of this year's conference is "Applications of High Performance
Computing and Communications - the Future is Now."
Featured speakers include Vice President Al Gore (unconfirmed) and the
Honorable James B. Hunt, Governor of North Carolina. They will address the
National Information Infrastructure from a national and state perspective.
For registration and further information, contact Dr. John Miguel, FGIPC
Conference Chair, P.O. Box 313, Tiverton, RI 02878-0313. Conference
Hotline: Telephone/FAX (401) 624-1723.
*********************************************************************
Building Community Computing Networks
Date: Wednesday, May 4 to Friday, May 6, 1994
Apple Computer Conference Center, 4 Infinite Loop, Cupertino,
California 95014
Sponsors: Apple Library of Tomorrow, Cupertino, California
The Morino Foundation, Great Falls, Virginia
REGISTRATION CLOSED - FULL
*********************************************************************
InterNIC Seminar: Using Network Tools Effectively
Chicago, Illinois
April 29, 1994
Cost: $195 Research and Education Community
$395 Commercial Community
InterNIC Information Services
General Atomics
P.O. Box 85608
San Diego, CA 92186-9784
Fax: 619-455-4640
seminars@internic.net
*******************************************************************
Computer Professionals For Social Responsibility
San Diego Chapter
THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF GLOBAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE
Bill Drake
[wdrake@weber.ucsd.edu]
Department of Communication
University of California, San Diego
Tuesday, April 26th
University of California, San Diego
Applied Physics & Mathematics Building, Room 4301
Please contact David Noelle [(619) 272-7719 (home)
dnoelle@cs.ucsd.edu
##################################################################
##################################################################
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a result of the work of people located
throughout the global Internet community. Net facilities for the
preparation of this newsletter are provided by NETCOM On-line
Communications Services. Editing is done by myself.
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at
the WELL : gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic
nets... ---> networks & community; & the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CANADA
: gopher ----> gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
"subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the
Listowner for the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE
reading "subscribe <firstname> <lastname>".
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs.
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter
Contact Stephen Covington <cvington@netcom.com>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.023
+566
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,566 @@
****************************************************************
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : May 9, 1994
****************************************************************
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
The 17th report of 1994 is the 23rd weekly survey.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
Coverage in this issue includes:
Global Community
Joke of the Week
News From The World
Timely Thoughts
Profile: The Learning Link
Help!!!
Classes & Meetings
################################################################
Global Community
################################################################
I've changed the name of this column "From the Top" because a
wonderfully magic thing took place this week! Steve Cisler from
Apple Computer Library and Mario Morino of the Morino Foundation,
put together the "Ties That Bind" Conference on "Building
Community Networks". We have all been to seminars, conferences,
meetings, etc., but this gathering was much different from any
that I have ever attended. The energy that emanated from Cupertino
this past week can only be described as being like cellular data
transfer at 100 trillion bps.
The energy started building Wednesday afternoon as the registration
began. Old friends greeted each other warmly and newcomers were
accepted as peers. Faces of folks that up to this point I have
only known in the digital sense, took on a human persona. I had
to laugh when someone came up to me and said that they had
envisioned me as a short, older man! Hey, 44 isn't *THAT* old!
We listened to speakers from around the world sharing their
experiences. We got together in "Birds of a Feather" breakout
sessions to "solve" the world's problems. (And believe or not, might
actually have made a start at it!) We listened to Mario Morino
"Call" us "To Action", a VERY stirring speech BTW.
We decided at a BOF to continue and to grow the energy built up at
the conference by meeting online in the Communet listserv. If you
are not a subscriber to this list, think about subscribing. The
future of Global Community Networking has begun in earnest.
For those of you that recieve this newsletter through "can-freenet"
or "net-happenings" that do not want to subscribe to Communet, I
am archiving all "Ties that Bind" postings and will upload to those
lists, an edited synopsis of these postings as "Global Communities"
every once in a while.
-steve covington
################################################################
REQUEST FOR COMMENT
################################################################
From: Clark Rogers <SNARF@VMS.CIS.PITT.EDU>
Subject: Possibility of Community Information Network Conference in
Pittsburgh-94
To All:
A firm that I've done some consulting for here in Pittsburgh -- The infoWorks
Partnership -- is very seriously considering sponsoring and holding a national
conference on Community Information Networks here in Pittsburgh or in Baltimore
sometime during the last quarter of 1994.
I am considering retiring from my position at the University of Pittsburgh's
Graduate School of Public and International Affairs in the near future and
joining the infoWorks folks full-time. What they (i.e., we) need to know
is what interest is out there for this type of conference.
Based on the incredible response to Apple Library of Tomorrow's conference
in Cupertino, we feel there is a need for this type of conference.
Who would we want to see there?......
- Reps from C.I.N.s across the country and world
- Librarians
- Planners
- Government officials
- Private industry interested in community networks
- Information scientists
- Software reps who can contribute to the increased efficiency of these nets
- Reps from communities large and small interested in establishing a CIN
- Foundations
- Economic development officials
- Students
The list can go on and on and at the risk of offending audiences we didn't list
,
we know there are hundreds more that are interested.
The basic theme of the conference would be somewhat similar to what Apple is
in the process of successfully presenting now in Cupertino. (We were not able
to secure a space in time.) It would also have another important facet --
we would present speakers and officials from community information networks
who would provide a "How-to" for all present and interested in establishing
a community information network.
The infoWorks Partnership has found that most of the clients they've worked
with don't have the deep pockets or ample financial resources to bring in
a bevy of consultants to set up a network. This conference will provide
the networking (used as a verb here) opportunity for those folks, as well
as the information they need to start down that road independent of the
consultant for a time until they've arived at the point financially
and developmentally they are comfortable with the consultant putting on
the finishing touches.
It's awfully sketchy right now, but a very real possibility. infoWorks
needs to know, however, what interest would be out there for this. It
would likely be a 3 (maybe 4) day conference in Pittsburgh or Baltimore,
and registration fees would run appx. $85 - $100 (max) and would include
breakfast and lunch each day of the conference.
They have a good idea on the speakers they'll be bringing in, and they
will be both important and relevant to the community information network
field.
Let them know what you think (YES / NO). Thanks for the assistance, folks.
CD Rogers
Univ. of Pittsburgh
################################################################
Joke of the Week
################################################################
From: Barney Wolff
To: com-priv@psi.com
Subject: Re: 'Tis Futile to Petition the King
> Date: Sat, 07 May 1994 08:23:49 PDT
> From: Bill Frezza
> Has anyone thought about the means by which civil disobedience
might be > used to defeat Clipper?
Well, if you really, really want to, how about sending lots of messages
which truly are random gibberish? It will drive the decoders out of their
gourds, trying to break the code you're using underneath Clipper. Com-priv
archives should do nicely ...
Barney Wolff
################################################################
NEWS of the WIRED & WEIRD **** Received from various sources
################################################################
Forwarded by Gleason Sackman - InterNIC net-happenings moderator
****************************************************************
Subject: E-d-u-p-a-g-e 05/01/94 & 05/03/94 EDITED BY MYSELF
************************************************************************
COMMODORE CALLS IT QUITS
Commodore, a PC industry pioneer, is going out of business and
liquidating its assets for the benefit of its creditors. (Atlanta
Journal-Constitution 4/30/94 B3)
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGY
The Clinton Administration says it wants eventually to divert to
commercial technologies as much as 20% of the $25 billion now spent by
federal labs on military ventures; that would be up from about 5% under the
Bush Administration, which believed that if a technology has real
commercial promise it should be able to attract private investment.
Evidence of this shift was this week's announcement by the Defense
Department of a $1 billion 10-year program to underwrite the commercial
development of flat panel displays. (New York Times 5/1/94 Sec.3, p.3)
INTERACTIVE ADVERTISING'S NOT FOR EVERYONE
While companies are gearing up for a future of advertising via
digital glitz, one industry observer suggests that the most successful
efforts to sell interactively won't be all "full-motion video and
razzle-dazzle." Instead, the emphasis will be on providing information to
make an intelligent choice about big-ticket items, rather than everyday
consumer products. "There's a relatively small number of products and
services that people really want to have a relationship with," says a
professor of integrated marketing at Northwestern U. "I don't particularly
want to have a relationship with a plastic-garbage-bag manufacturer."
(Business Week 5/2/94 p.103)
WHO WILL CONTROL THE INFO HIGHWAY IN CANADA?
Telecom giant Bell Canada Enterprises urged the federal government
to end discussions and consultations and decide who gets to own and control
what -- particularly in the area of convergence. (Ottawa Citizen 4/28/94
C12)
WIRELESS E-MAIL
Bell Atlantic unveiled a system that can send digital information
such as electronic mail and computer files over cellular phone systems, for
as low as 16 cents a message. The services is available in Washington,
Baltimore and Pittsburgh; other cellular companies plan to roll out similar
services soon. (USA Today 4/29/94 1B)
CANADIAN PROVINCES HAVE NO TELECOM JURISDICTION
The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled unanimously that the federal
government has exclusive jurisdiction over telecommunications -- a decision
that effectively strips the provinces of any regulatory say over the info
highway. Separatist forces in Quebec are expected to use the ruling as an
example of centralizing power by the federal government. (Toronto Globe &
Mail 4/27/94 B3) The leader of Quebec's separatist party proclaimed the
ruling a threat to Quebec's cultural sovereignty (Le Droit 4/28/94 p.16),
but Quebec's Premier says the decision will have no adverse effects on
Quebec's participation in global telecommunications (La Presse 4/28/94
B1).
ON-LINE MEDIA LIST
To get a list of the on-line addresses of newspapers, TV/radio
stations, and magazines that accept electronic submissions, send e-mail to:
majordomo@world.std.com with the message "subscribe medialist". (Tampa
Tribune 5/1/94 B&F1)
EMF ALERT
Consumer Reports warns that the electromagnetic field emanating
from a VDT is significantly stronger at the back and sides than at the
front. It suggests designing offices so that workers' exposure to the back
and sides of their neighbors' monitors is minimized. (Consumer Reports 5/94
p.359)
NO MORE FUTZING AROUND ... SOFTWARE TO BLOCK GAME-PLAYING
After learning that the average office worker spends five hours a
week "futzing" with computers, including trying to make them work properly
and playing games, bosses may be interested in a product by SBT Accounting
Systems that blocks such activity. (Telecommunications Policy Review
4/24/94 p.13)
UNIVERSITIES SHARE LIBRARY RESOURCES
Twelve universities have joined to form the Center for Library
Initiatives, whose objective is to create "a seamless whole" of on-line
information resources, to be "equally accessible to all students and
faculty." The libraries will continue to collect many of the same
materials, but also will have the option of sharing some. (Chronicle of
Higher Education 5/4/94 A25)
INTEL PREDICTS PRICE CUTS
Intel is leaking word to its customers regarding further price cuts
in the second half of this year. It's anticipated that the cost of an
entry-level Pentium chip will drop from $675 currently to $370 next fall.
(Wall Street Journal 5/3/94 B5)
TAKING A BYTE OUT OF RSI
Repetitive stress injuries are on the rise, and are estimated to
cost U.S. businesses as much as $20 billion a year. More than 60% of all
workplace illnesses are attributable to RSI, and some of the most serious
injuries come from using a mouse, says an expert on the subject. (Miami
Herald 5/2/94 C1) Meanwhile, the computer industry is beginning to respond
with a variety of "ergonomic" keyboards, designed to reduce RSI. The
keyboards go for anywhere from $179 to $1,200. (Investor's Business Daily
5/3/94 A4)
INTEL WANTS TO BE THE PC-EVERYTHING
Intel is betting its future on consumer electronics. "What I'm
after," says CEO Andy Grove, "is televisions and telephones and every
single-purpose appliance. The best way for us to go for the
250-million-unit market is to move video telephony and conferencing and
entertainment and information on to the PC and render those other things
less and less relevant." (Fortune 5/16/94 p.62)
CLIPPER CHIP DEBATE CONTINUES
A Palo Alto-based organization of Internet users, cryptographers
and leading companies delivered to the White House a petition with 47,000
signatures of individuals opposed to the Clipper Chip, which would give the
government keys to decode private electronic messages and make it easier
for law enforcement agencies to conduct legal wiretaps on digital devices,
including wireless phones, computers and facsimile machines. (San Francisco
Chronicle 4/30/94)
TECHNOLOGY AND JOURNALISM ARE LIKE A SANDWICH
"Baloney," said newspaper publisher Charles T. Brumback, CEO of the
Tribune Company of Chicago, when asked whether "technology-obsessed"
newspaper executives have forgotten about old-fashioned good journalism.
(New York Times 5/2/94 C7)
TO GET A BBS RUNNING, GET RUNNING KIDS
Four print services that have their own online BBSs are Oil & Gas
Journal's Electronic Transfer; Teleconnect's Teleconnect BBS; New York
Magazine Online; and Lexis Counsel Connect. An executive of one of these
proprietary services says the only problem is that "you need to have young
kids running around with the machinery all the time, answering it, checking
it." (Folio 5/1/94 p.50)
##################################################################
Timely Thoughts
##################################################################
Sender: can-freenet@cunews.carleton.ca
From: SAMSAM@VM1.YorkU.CA
Subject: PGP. legal too.
Sender: ccc-owner@ufl.edu
Forwarded from the Cypherpunks:
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology announces that it will
shortly distribute PGP version 2.5, incorporating the RSAREF 2.0
cryptographic toolkit under license from RSA Data Security, Inc.,
dated March 16, 1994. In accordance with the terms and limitations of
the RSAREF 2.0 license of March 16, 1994, this version of PGP may be
used for non-commercial purposes only.
PGP 2.5 strictly conforms to the conditions of the RSAREF 2.0 license
of March 16, 1994. As permitted under its RSAREF license, MIT's
distribution of PGP 2.5 includes an accompanying distribution of the
March 16, 1994 release of RSAREF 2.0. Users of PGP 2.5 are directed
to consult the RSAREF 2.0 license included with the distribution to
understand their obligations under that license.
This distribution of PGP 2.5, available in source code form, will be
available only to users within the United States of America. Use of
PGP 2.5 (and the included RSAREF 2.0) may be subject to export
control. Questions concerning possible export restrictions on PGP 2.5
(and RSAREF 2.0) should be directed to the U.S. State Department's
Office of Defense Trade Controls.
===============================================================================
=
John Paul O'Brien, Network Analyst
Cisco Systems, Inc., 1525 O'Brien Drive
Menlo Park, California 94026
Vox: 415.688.8219;Fax: 415.688.4575;Page: 415.428.6398 mail: jpobrien@cisco.com
(end of forwarded message)
####################################################################
PROFILES by Kathy Berglund
####################################################################
Subject: Learning Link in Idaho
The dedication of one man, Mr. Robert Pyle, and the sponsorship of Idaho
Public Television (IPTV), have allowed the children and the teachers in
this very rural state to reach out to each other as a community and into the
wider world via the internet. IPTV provides high quality educational
television broadcasts and services to the people of the state of Idaho. Bob
Pyle, with support from the staff of IPTV, is responsible for the entire
operation of Learning Link in Idaho.
Learning Link is an online service provided free of charge to every public
school teacher in the state. Without even the expense of a long distance
call, teachers have access to teaching materials and lesson plans which are
coordinated with public television broadcasts. Also included in the Learning
Link services are internet e-mail, statewide discussion areas for
teachers, students and the general public, education-related national
newsgroups and forums, and many other features designed to move the people
of Idaho off the dead-end of the "Information Superhighway."
All of this is provided largely through the foresight of Jerold Garber, the
General Manager of Idaho Public Television who brought Learning Link to
Idaho and the endless work of Bob Pyle. Bob is the system operator and he
also provides most of the training needed for the full use of Learning Link
to teachers and whole school systems in this state. He maintains and
repairs the system, installs and modifies the system software and hardware,
and answers technical questions (even FAQs!) with great patience and
respect.
Bob has described some of the history of Learning Link in the United States,
and its adoption by IPTV and also other states, institutions and countries.
The public broadcasting station WNET in New York City was attempting to
create a system by which educators could interact directly and easily with
those who were running the television station. A man named Bob Spielvogel
developed the original Learning Link system. In 1987 IPTV became the sixth
site in the country to adopt the Learning Link concept. All the sites were
joined by a system called Linknet, Inc. which eventually included
twenty-five sites. In 1993 Linknet, Inc. sold Learning Link the Public
Broadcasting System (PBS) which has plans to expand it to one hundred
ninety-six sites.
Each Learning Link site is an independent organization. This independence
is the source of many of the advantages as well as many of the persistent
challenges. Learning Link can be very responsive to the needs and to the
customs of those who use it. Information and services provided can be
introduced and/or discontinued as the abilities and the demands of those
users change. It is still possible to make a direct call to "the top" to
ask questions or offer suggestions. Idaho is still a very conservative
state and this responsiveness and independence has made it possible to
introduce new ideas and methods at a rate at which they can be accepted
easily.
The challenges facing Learning Link in Idaho are often formidable. This is
a shoestring operation and finding funding to keep the system operating is
often a daunting task. One month this year the long distance bills for the
toll-free telephone numbers (which allow rural public school teachers to
have access to the system) ran to over four thousand five hundred dollars
alone. The system requires constant attention and maintenance and the
hardware is often outdated. Much of the content of the system has to be
created locally and this, plus all of the training of new users and the
creation of support materials for this training is done by basically one
person.
Like anyone who is responsible for more than one full-time job, Bob often
has to deal with the discouraging feeling that more work could have been
done or that it could have been done better. He says that if he could, he
would just concentrate on his real area of expertise: the technological
aspect of the system. In the future he would like to see Learning Link in
Idaho expanded into a freenet which would connect schools, libraries, public
and government agencies, and the general public to each other and to the
whole Internet. This ideal state of affairs does not seem to be coming any
time soon. While he is very grateful to accept volunteer labor (and
donations!) it appears that if the Learning Link system is to continue in
Idaho, Bob Pyle will have to continue working his four full-time jobs alone.
-- Kathy Berglund
<z0110709@idptv.idbsu.edu>
Garfield School
Boise,ID
####################################################################
HELP!!!
####################################################################
From: Lori Atwater <latwater@CALLAMER.COM>
Subject: Request for Information
SLONET, the public information access system for San Luis Obispo County,
is seeking the following information:
1. Draft job description for an execitive director position. Could be
modeled after the NPTN executive director position.
2. Conferencing software to substitute for "moo".
3. A database which works well with gopher menus. Oracle may be too
cumbersome to implement.
Thank you for your suggestion.
Lori Atwater
Information Systems Coordinator
City of San Luis Obispo
Member, SLONET Steering Committee
latwater@callamer.com
**********************************************************
Subject: DOS WWW Software
From: Peter Webster - Library <PWEBSTER@admin.stmarys.ca>
Our University is in the annoying position of not having the network
capacity to run Windows on our DOS based LAN system. This problem
will be fixed in a year or so, but in the mean time one of our
problems is that we have no internet access to World Wide Web
resources.
Does anyone know of an shareware or otherwise DOS World Wide Web
software? If so where can I get it?
Or, alternately has anyone hear of any work on producing a DOS
version of Lynx
Thanks for any assistance
Respond to me directly at PWEBSTER@ADMIN.starys.ca
Peter Webster, Coordinator, Special Services, Patrick Power Library,
Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 3C3
Phone 902 420 5507 Fax 902 420 5561
e-mail: Pwebster@Admin.stmarys.ca
********************************************************
From: "LANNING, ROBERT" <LANNING@AFSVA5.AFSV.AF.MIL>
Subject:Information delivery via kiosks
Has anyone successfully implemented (or at least studied)
information delivery to customers via kiosks? Specifically, I'm
looking for kiosks placed AWAY from the library in various locations
such as town square, shopping center/mall, or campus hangouts. An
FAQ would be extremely helpful.
Many thanks,
Robert Lanning
Air Force Library and Information System
10100 Reunion Place, Suite 401
San Antonio TX 78216-4138
(210)652-3037
Internet: lanning@afsva5.afsv.af.mil
################################################################
CLASSES & MEETINGS OF INTEREST
################################################################
Forwarded by Gleason Sackman - InterNIC net-happenings moderator
****************************************************************
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: karen@baku.eece.unm.edu
(Karen Haines)
National Information Infrastructure (NII) Summer Institute:
Technology, Applications, and Policy
University of New Mexico,
Albuquerque, New Mexico
August 6-10, 1994
General Chair: Gregory E. Shannon, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Program Chair: Thomas P. Caudell, ICS Group, University of New Mexico
Institute Director: Karen Haines, ICS Group, University of New Mexico
This summer institute will provide:
* Interaction with national experts in NII research, technologies,
applications, policy, and culture.
* Broad knowledge in NII issues as preparation for for NII-related work.
* A common experience with other students and a network of aquaintances.
* Exposure to NII-related research opportunities
at Los Alamos National Laboratory and the University of New Mexico.
There are no tuition fees associated with the workshop or the workshop
facilities. As a part of completing the application below, each
applicant is requested to include a short statement of her/his research
interests. Approximately 50 student slots are available for attendance.
Students fellowships are also available for travel and local expenses.
For more information, send e-mail to nii@eece.unm.edu.
***** REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JUNE 1, 1994 *****
##################################################################
##################################################################
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a result of the work of people located
throughout the global Internet community. Net facilities for the
preparation of this newsletter are provided by NETCOM On-line
Communications Service, Inc. Editing is done by myself.
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at
the WELL : gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic
nets... ---> networks & community; & the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CANADA
: gopher ----> gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
"subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the
Listowner for the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE
reading "subscribe <firstname> <lastname>".
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs.
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN and may be used as you
see fit. To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter
Contact Stephen Covington <cvington@netcom.com>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.024
+734
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,734 @@
****************************************************************
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : May 14, 1994
****************************************************************
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
The 18th report of 1994 is the 24th weekly survey.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
Coverage in this issue includes:
Global Community
News From The World
Timely Thoughts: A Call to Community, by Kevin Thomas Sullivan
Profile: Media Planet (a professional film industry destination)
Services: ThisIsCrazy List from Sylvia Caras
Help!!!
Classes & Meetings
################################################################
Global Community
################################################################
Slowly making headway through the huge pile of handouts
from the "Ties That Bind" Conference in Cupertino! As I read
through the well presented, thought provoking, informative
brochures, two things are happening to me. First, I am brought
back to the most energetic gathering of diverse folks that I
personally have attended (sheltered life, huh!) and second, I am
motivated by the energy of the participants (both at the conference
& online) to become more active in what I see as the most
important tool for effecting and affecting community available.
We are preaching to the already converted here on the net.
We need to bring in the melting pot to these discussions. Each
question that we ask begets more questions. We must start to
organize these thoughts and take action. Only then will we have an
effective tool to use to change the world. If you think about it,
we have at our potential disposal, in our homes and businesses, the
text capabilities to reach as many folks as CNN does with
television. One that, if used properly and distributed widely,
truly globalize our local communities.
*WE* must take the initiative to link our diverse systems
together, and righteously fight any loss of bandwidth taken from
us by commercial providers, the government and others that would
choke off this resource before it reaches its potential. We must
make access to the Internet by all a priority, equal in importance
to free speech! If we cede the ownership of the Internet to
private enterprise, they will control it, just as was done with
that OTHER medium, television. We let others dictate content that
appeals to the lowest common denominator.
We must bring our communities online, all of them. We must
form state and national organizations to assist in funding and
information gathering. If we fight to maintain ownership of this
medium, we will finally have the power to *REALLY* effect change.
To accomplish this, we must share our knowledge of and
excitement with the rest of our communities. Offer to teach a
class at your house or community center on how to use this tool.
Preach the gospel, follow it up with your actions, and show others
that the "INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY" can be just as simple to use as
the "INTERSTATE HIGHWAY".
-steve covington
################################################################
NEWS of the WIRED & WEIRD **** Received from various sources
################################################################
Forwarded by Gleason Sackman - InterNIC net-happenings moderator
****************************************************************
Subject: E-d-u-p-a-g-e 05/10/94 & 05/12/94 EDITED BY MYSELF
************************************************************************
SAN DIEGO TAKES THE INITIATIVE IN TELECOM
San Diego wants a broadband fiber network and it isn't waiting for
state and federal governments or "convergence" to make it happen. The city
is soliciting bids from telephone and cable companies, the local electrical
utility, universities and even the U.S. Navy. "We want to conjure up ways
in which we can use this technology in a way that makes sense in a business
context," says a city management assistant. (Multichannel News 5/9/94)
LAWYERS CAPITALIZE ON INTERNET FLAMING
Canter & Siegel, a husband-and-wife law firm that found itself
scorched by flame mail last month for advertising on the Internet, has
decided to launch a new service, Cybersell, to help other businesses do the
same thing. Cybersell will charge $500 for access to 6,000 news groups.
"People like Canter & Siegel are taking grotesque advantage of liberating
technology that supports the free and open exchange of ideas," says the
president of the Internet Company. Retorts Siegel, "Our fate has been that
we're making a lot of money. If a bunch of hysterics want to scream and
yell and make fools of themselves, then I don't feel they warrant respect."
(Wall Street Journal 5/9/94 B2)
THE SENSE OF A WOMAN
Women love the geometric video game Tetris, and game-makers are
dying to find out why. While 99% of the buyers for most other games are
male, 40% of Tetris buyers are female. One theory is the appeal of the
game's goal, which is to bring order to chaos, resulting in neat little
rows of geometric shapes. Women crave order, hypothesizes a sociologist
hired by Nintendo to unravel the riddle, and by beating the clock on the
game, a woman experiences a rush of endorphins -- "feel good" chemicals
produced by the body under stress. (Wall Street Journal 5/10/94 B1)
COMPUTER TV SHOWS
Ziff-Davis Publishing plans a series of four 30-minute television
programs about computers, to be aired in conjunction with 30-minute
high-tech shopping shows. The Personal Computing Show and Tech TV's
Computer Outlet will be produced by the Technology Information Network, a
joint venture of Ziff-Davis and Missing Link Communications. (Wall Street
Journal 5/10/94 B9)
WOMEN FAVOR E-MAIL OVER E-MALL
A survey conducted by an online publication reveals that more than
66% of the women surveyed log on to an electronic service at least once a
day and the same number spends at least $20 a month on online fees. Top on
their list is interacting with editors, writers and other readers, with
Internet access ranking second. Only 6% considered shopping, banking or
travel services a priority. (Tampa Tribune 5/9/94 B&F3)
INFO HIGHWAYS FOR THE FUTURE, POLICY FOR NOW
"Ten years from now you're still going to be looking at Dan Rather
and his successors," predicts Andrew Schwartzman of the Media Access
Project, who insists that policy makers should concentrate on traditional
reforms (e.g., the Fairness Doctrine and rules barring phone companies from
controlling information content on its wires), rather than be distracted by
future hype that will allow the information highway to be controlled by
three or four companies. (Common Cause Magazine Spring 94 p.17)
BATTLE WAGED OVER NSFNET CONTRACT
The National Science Foundation will spend $50 million on an
upgraded NSFNet backbone, and has selected MCI for the vBNS (very
high-speed backbone network services) portion of the project. Sprint is
raising objections, and the lawyers are preparing to do battle. Sprint
claims that NSFNet management had a too-cozy relationship with MCI during
the evaluation process, and that a National Science Board member also has a
possible conflict of interest with MCI. (Telecommunications 5/94 p.15)
POSSIBLE SHARED JURISDICTION OVER TELECOMMUNICATION
The Canadian federal government may delegate some of its power over
communications to the provinces following protests by Quebec over a recent
Supreme Court ruling that confirmed exclusive federal jurisdiction in this
area. (Toronto Star 5/12/94 A15)
ISDN COMING INTO ITS OWN
After many years of false starts, Integrated Services Digital
Network is developing into a viable choice for communications users. There
were more than 125,000 ISDN lines in service at the end of 1993, and the
number's expected to grow to 1 million by the end of 1997. "Pricing is
breeding ISDN," says the president of a telecommunications firm.
(Telecommunications 5/94 p.18)
FULL-MOTION VIDEO CHIPS
Texas-based Linden Technology has a new take on running full-motion
video over your PC. It's combined the memory and logic circuits on one
chip, enabling PCs to be built with the graphics capability of a fancy
workstation at one-third the cost, according to the company's president.
"The big chipmakers think we're crazy, but we see a $30 chip that can push
1,000 MIPS (millions of instructions per second)." (Business Week 5/16/94
p.91)
MASCULINE/FEMININE
Men typically imagine computer devices that can help them "conquer
the universe," says Jan Hawkins, director of the Center for Children &
Technology, whereas women want machines that meet people's needs, "the
perfect mother." The center's associate director, Cornelia Bruner, says if
everyone approached technology the way women do, "we wouldn't be pushing
envelopes... Most women, even those who are technologically sophisticated,
think of machines as a means to an end." (Newsweek 5/16/94 p.48)
****** From Niiregional Mailing list ******
Thought Internet readers would be interested in this News Release. A
full copy of Cullen's testimony from today's (May 12th) hearing is
available by Gopher and anonymous ftp at ba.com.
Eric Rabe
Bell Atlantic | Internet: rabe@ba.com
For Immediate Release May 12, 1994
Contacts: Eric Rabe 703-974-3036, <rabe@ba.com>
Shannon Fioravanti 703-974-5455
BELL ATLANTIC TELLS CONGRESS: IGNORE THE LONG DISTANCE MYTHS, LET ALL
TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDERS COMPETE
Washington, D.C. , May, 12 -- Bell Atlantic President James G. Cullen
today called on the United States Senate to look beyond the myths
perpetuated by the long distance telephone industry and craft
telecommunications reform legislation that "allows consumers to reap the
full benefits of competition."
Cullen, testifying on behalf of the seven Regional Bell Operating
Companies, pledged to the Senate Commerce Committee his willingness to
work out a compromise on S. 1822, The Communications Act of 1994. Cullen
asserted that simultaneously opening long distance markets as local
markets are opened to additional competition will lower telephone rates
and could create as many as 3.6 million new jobs over the next 10 years.
"To do anything less than opening both markets at the same time will
virtually preordain the winners and losers in this competitive
industry," Cullen said. "To do anything less will limit choices for
consumers."
Cullen added that if the local telephone companies like Bell Atlantic were
able to provide long distance service, consumers would have as many as
seven new choices for these long distance services. "The long distance
cartel remains closed," he said, "closed as the companies spread myths and
misinformation to keep competitors out of their markets."
Cullen suggested that telecommunications providers begin to talk seriously
about how they can work together in the best interest of the consumer. He
urged policy makers to focus on the realities of the marketplace and
create a compromise which opens all markets to competition.
##################################################################
Profile
##################################################################
This is a FirstClass system aimed at the professional film & video
industry. Feel free to contact me directly at
wes_dorman@mediaplanet.com
Welcome to Media Planet*
Providing a place to discuss and share information about creating and producing
films, video and computer media. Covering but not limited to features,
commercials, broadcast TV, corporate video, CD-ROMs, interactive programs and
multimedia.
Meet new friends and keep in touch with professionals like yourself who are
responsible for creating, producing and publishing information and
entertainment. Questions, answers, demo software, utilities and information fo
r
people in the business of communicating.
Membership information
RNon-memberS access
-- 30 minutes daily access
-- Limited browse mode in Forums
-- Limited File Access
RDirectorsS access $75 year
-- 180 minutes daily access
-- Full access to all Forums
-- Full access to all Files and Demo software
-- Internet mail account allowing global e-mail sending and receiving
##################################################################
Services: ThisIsCrazy-List
##################################################################
ThisIsCrazy-l@netcom.com
This is the information page for ThisIsCrazy. It is
automatically sent to all new subscribers, and to anyone who
asks for details.
ThisIsCrazy is an electronic action and information letter
for people who experience moods swings, fright, voices, and
visions (People Who). ThisIsCrazy creates an electronic
forum and distribution device for exchanging ways to change
political systems that touch People Who, and for
distributing any information and resources that might be
useful. A basic premise of science and research is also a
value of ThisIsCrazy: to share your findings with others.
To communicate with other People Who, mail messages to
ThisIsCrazy-l@netcom.com. (Netcom will translate the name
ThisIsCrazy-l, know from -l that the message goes to a list,
majordomo will receive the message, understand the name of
the list, and automatically send a copy of your message to
each subscriber.)
There are several other electronic information resources and
other more support oriented resources for People Who. An
updated resource list is posted regularly to ThisIsCrazy.
If you'd like to have the other subscribers meet you, you
may send a message to the list, Subject: Introduction.
ThisIsCrazy is managed by a computer program named
majordomo. To command the program, send an email message to
majordomo@netcom.com with a command in the body of the
message:
help gets a list of majordomo commands
info ThisIsCrazy-l gets this page
who gets a list of subscribers
subscribe ThisIsCrazy-l
unsubscribe ThisIsCrazy-l <Your-first-name Your-last-name>
Majordomo is configured so that anyone may subscribe just by
requesting, and any subscriber, but only subscribers, may
get the list of all subscriber electronic addresses.
If you have any questions or problems, please contact
sylviac@netcom.com about ThisIsCrazy or
netmail@netcom.com about majordomo.
key words: mind mad crazy moods voices visions fear consumer
survivor ex-patient rights advocacy
Copyright 1994 by Sylvia Caras
last revised 18 April 1994
ThisIsCrazy-l@netcom.com
An electronic mail address list
for people who experience
moods swings, fright, voices, and visions
sylviac@netcom.com
I have created an Internet electronic mail address list for
people who experience moods swings, fright, voices, and
visions ("people who"). The list is used to further low
cost exchange of information to serve cohesion and
mutuality, and support increased power for "people who."
Almost all current activity and advocacy of "people who" is
supported by local and national mental health systems and
associations, and by grants. Some "people who" believe that
this kind of funding dulls the philosophic edge of the grass
roots user movement and uses up too much administrative
energy. Current newsletters and mailings are distributed
by post and the copying, collating, and mail costs have
become prohibitive. This leads to restricted information
distribution just when the global trends are for wider
information exchange, even information overload. Electronic
mail (e-mail) is created once and sent to one or many with a
few computer commands. There is no postage, no envelopes,
no address labels, no folding. The receiver can read the
mail on the computer screen or print out a paper version.
E-mail saves money, saves time, and gets distributed faster.
A low (or no) cost Internet system will enable any user who
can access a computer network system for a few minutes to be
informed and to contribute. Dial-up Internet access is
readily available with a free local telephone call.
Internet can connect different brands of hardware and
different operating systems, and can interconnect with
Compuserve, America On Line, and other commercial systems.
There is an intention to involve users of mental health
services in their services and to have users directing their
own care. Access to the computer tools of mental health
systems is part of this involvement. Almost all local
mental health systems and mental health associations
now have computers. Connecting to the Internet and sharing
equipment usage for the few minutes that e-mail requires is
a way for local services to act on the theme of inclusion.
Internet would cost nothing beyond the already existing
fixed costs. A service of local mental health centers is
electronic access to information and to each other. If this
low level of cooperation is not achievable, other sources of
Internet access might be local junior colleges,
universities, libraries (via Freenet), independent living
centers and disability rights groups, human service
organizations, computer clubs, technology manufacturers,
local businesses, friends, neighbors. Internet access is
easily achievable. Even unsophisticated, low end,
grandfather generation technology will work - a modem, some
memory, and maybe a printer are all that are needed.
For those who would like to learn to use computers, e-mail
is a good entry level project. There is a difference
between using electronic mail and using computer bulletin
boards. E-mail requires less knowledge of computer
workings and less computer time. Specific training could be
available from local rehabilitation services, mental health
departments, schools, computer clubs.
For those who do not use radio and television because the
technology is invasive, because it sends targeted messages,
because it speaks directly to them, computers are
interactive and once learned, at the control of the
operator. This medium may be acceptable.
The e-mail address list gathered will be kept private for
use by other "people who" but is not confidential.
To subscribe, send an email message to majordomo@netcom.com
with this command in the body of the message:
subscribe ThisIsCrazy-l
If you have questions, write me at sylviac@netcom.com
##################################################################
Timely Thoughts
##################################################################
I met with Kevin at the "Ties That Bind" conference in Cupertino.
He is an Internet consultant and another great example of the type
of person that is selflessly working to "humanize" the Internet.
-steve covington
A CALL TO COMMUNITY
A Paper presented at the "Ties That Bind" Conference
by Kevin Thomas Sullivan
Are community networks going to become the "information
utilities" of our age? Maybe, though they will have to overcome
great hurdles to achieve that status. I see community networkers
not as aspiring utility operators, but as visionaries who can
provide leadership in helping us to rediscover intimate community,
which I believe to be a healthy condition. I see then, community
networks transending the utility paradigm, leaving it to other
organizations to provide "utility level" service to the community.
What is intimate community and why is it important?
Intimate community is about the process of building close, deep
and lasting relationships with other men and women. This is
something that we don't do very well in our fast paced, high
achieving culture. In fact, the way we use things like computers,
televisions, cars, even phones, isolates us from one another.
Should we just chuck technology and go back to an old nostalgic
way of being? I believe not. Forces often act in two balancing
directions even though we can see only one side at any given
time. Technology is certainly a power and we certainly have seen
one of its sides in a big way. Perhaps technology can be used to
help facilitate the building of intimate community.
How can community networks help in this process? I believe
that intimate community is best facilitated through personal
contact with other individuals who have a shared passion for
something, be it baseball, stamp collecting or even community
building. I want to see how community networks can be used to
help facilitate the process of bringing people together in ways
that enrich our relationships.
This way of thinking results in a subtle shift in point-of
-view. Community networks become community communications tools
instead of information providers.
Access to personal information becomes more important than
access to impersonal information.
Access to personal information of those within our
geographic community becomes more important than access to
personal information of those outside our geographic
community.
The concept of Personal Information Empowerment (PIE)
becomes important. That you control what, when, where
and with whom you share your personal information.
Providing simple, low cost access to local, personal
information becomes more important than providing complex
and expensive access to global impersonal information.
(This will be the job of the commercial information
providers.)
Finding ways to maximize access to local personal
information while minimizing the amount of time and
effort that people spend on the system, becomes important.
How do we put these ideas into practice? We have already
begun. We need to continue to accept the premise that we do not
have the answers, that we are unlikely to think of the answers in
the abstract, that the answers will come only through thought
combined with simple trial and error. We need to stay open and
flexible, encouraging multiple approaches, and avoiding approaches
that will require us think and act alike. We need to make our
platforms less stable, more flexible and smaller, so that many
different people in different communities can begin to experiment
with their own models. Taking more risks, but each risk smaller
and more manageable, and above all, listening to the results of our
experiments, honestly evaluating them and making changes.
As the community networking movement shifts to this
ground, we will find that many of our current obstacles will begin
to disappear. We will begin to appear less threatening to the
commercial information providers because we will be taking a
different, though hopefully complimentary, path. The vital energy
that we spend on our current technical and political struggles
will become less, because the scale of our projects, and their
information requirements, will remain small. We will be able to
focus our energies on the creative part of this process, generating
a series of experiments that begin to enrich our everyday life.
This is not an easy road. We will need support. We need
to continue making the community building community stronger, so
that these experiments can be shared and supported in gentle and
accepting ways. We must pay attention to the community that we
are creating today, and nourish its growth to sustain us in our
efforts.
I am convinced that out of these experiments will come a
powerful community building force that will have the potential to
transform community in our age.
** Copyright * May 3, 1994 * Kevin Thomas Sullivan
####################################################################
HELP!!!
####################################################################
I am interested in communities that have been involved
in the Healthy Community Movement and how telecommunications
has played a role in the development of those communities
and whether it has been used to exchange information
between communities.
John Godfreyson jgodfreyson@sd68.nanaimo.bc.ca
****************************
Dear Net Citizen:
How do you put a price on free and open dialogue on the Net?
How much are you willing to spend to preserve the concept of roboust
and open debate that have become a part of the Internet's culture?
$100? $50? $20?
What if the cost of helping to preserve an open and robust Net was
no more than $1.29? That's right, less than the cost of a fast
food hamburger. Freedom on the Internet for only $1.29... cheap
at twice the price.
A joke? Hardly. The free and open speech, indeed the First Amendment
rights of the Internet -- rights we've all enjoyed for decades -- are now
being challenged in court.
CyberWire Dispatch, the well-respected online newswire written and
developed for the Internet community by journalist Brock Meeks, is
the subject of a libel suit. CyberWire Dispatch has been at the
forefront of bringing the Net community timely and insightful
articles.
This suit was highlighted in a _Wall St. Journal_ article (April
22, page B1). The subject of a Dispatch investigation is suing
Meeks for simply doing what journalists in the traditional print
medium have done since the founding of newspapers: Print the
facts and let the public decide the outcome.
Brock and the Cyperwire Dispatch are examples of the "bottom up"
journalism that charachterizes the Net, where anyone with a modem can
compete with the traditional press. Of course, most of us don't come
to the Net with a lawyer in tow, or the resources to defend a legal
action taken against us in courts located hundreds of miles from our
homes.
This libel action is one of the earliest cases of libel involving
alleged defamatory statements published over a computer network.
It raises the extremely important legal and policy issues. It's impact
may well determine how and to what extent anyone feels free to express
strong opinions on the Net, wihtout being put at risk of legal action.
It is crucial that Brock have a strong defense and that the principles
that come out of this case provide the maximum protection to the
exercise of free and open speech as possible.
CyberWire Dispatch is unique because it's distributed solely in
electronic form. A service for the Net community at large. And
all CyberWire Dispatch articles are free. Meeks neither charges
anyone for receiving them; he gets paid nothing to write them.
For all these efforts, he's being sued. And being sued by a
company with a large financial backing. Meeks, on the other hand,
has no such resources. His attorney, Bruce Sanford of Baker &
Hostetler is arguably the finest First Amendment lawyer in the
U.S.
And although he has agreed to represent Meeks at a reduced rate,
the cost of defending against this unmerited suit will not be
cheap.
We have formed this committee to lend our support in helping him
raise money for his legal defense. And all we're asking you to
send is $1.29. That's it. Why that price? The math is easy: $1
in an envelope with a 29 cent stamp applied.
Who can't afford $1.29 to help save the great freedoms we all
enjoy here today?
Can you send more? Of course. Any contributions will be
welcomed and accepted. Tax deductible donations also are
possible by following the instructions below.
All money sent for Meeks' legal defense fund will be go to that
purpose. All the administrative services for administering the
fund are being donated; 100% of your money goes to defer the
legal costs of this case.
You are encouraged to repost this message. But please, we urge
you to keep proper Net protocol in mind when reposting or cross
posting this message.
Thanks for your time. On behalf of Brock and for future
generations of electronic journalists, we appreciate your
contributions and support.
For Tax Deductible Donations:
Make Checks out to "Point Foundation" and clearly annotate on the check:
"For Legal Defense Fund."
Send those checks to:
Meeks Defense Fund
c/o Point Foundation
27 Gate Five Road
Sausalito, CA 94965
For those who don't care about the tax deductible status, send
contributions to:
Meeks Defense Fund
c/o IDI
901 15th St. NW
Suite 230
Washington, DC 20005
################################################################
CLASSES & MEETINGS OF INTEREST
################################################################
Sender: Ed Bidinotto <Ed.Bidinotto@netstrategies.com> Subject:
CONFNA>New User Internet Seminar, 6/11/94, Denver
On Saturday June 11th, Internet Strategies will host a seminar in Denver
called The Internet Getting Started Seminar. This seminar is targeted to
the beginner who would like to get up to speed on using the Internet.
This seminar will cover the following topics:
- What the Internet is and how you can connect.
- Why you need access to this powerful global network.
- What tools are available to get worldwide information from the Net.
- How your business can benefit from this technology.
- What type of Internet connection is best for you.
- Where to get help with training and where to find additional resources.
Various Internet Experts: Live Internet Demonstrations
Saturday June 11th, Denver Marriott SE (I-25/Hampden), 9 am. - 4 pm.
Register by May 27. For information/registration, call (303) 863-9561
Cost: $89 includes lunch. Register by May 27th.
**********
Sender: OGUJGRA@DPC01.DPC.UMASSP.EDU Subject: Doing business on the
Net conference
How to do business on the Internet and other interactive media
Six practitioners tell how it really works, what it really costs
Montague, MA. This June, speakers from MONSANTO, SCHLUMBERGER, The
HARTFORD COURANT, and The MONTAGUE INSTITUTE will tell how they use the
Internet and other interactive information technologies in R&D,
marketing, and customer service. In addition, representatives from NEW
MEXICO TECHNET and the VERMONT HEALTH INFORMATION CONSORTIUM will
provide insights on how regional information networks are formed,
funded, and used by both private and public sector organizations.
Designed to address the practical issues of using the "information
superhighway" as it exists today, the program will appeal to business
executives and professionals, administrators of nonprofit agencies,
entrepreneurs, and economic development staff. Topics covered will
include interactive advertising, workgroup computing, use of information
networks to achieve competitive advantage, Internet resources for
business intelligence, and strategies for promoting Internet usage
within an organization.
The conference, "Gateways to Productivity," will held on the Amherst
campus of the University of Massachusetts from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm on
June 23, 1994. The event is a collaborative effort with support from
Western Massachusetts Electric Company, University Information Systems
(The President's Office, University of Massachusetts) and Continental
Cablevision. Cost is $65 person. Meals and lodging are available at
reasonable rates at the university Conference Center.
For more information, call Jean Graef at The Montague Institute
(413-367-0245) or send E-mail to OGUJGRA@dpc01.dpc.umassp.edu.
##################################################################
##################################################################
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a result of the work of people located
throughout the global Internet community. Net facilities for the
preparation of this newsletter are provided by NETCOM On-line
Communications Service, Inc. Editing is done by myself.
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at
the WELL : gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic
nets... ---> networks & community; & the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CANADA
: gopher ----> gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
"subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the
Listowner for the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE
reading "subscribe <firstname> <lastname>", OR by e-mail to
myself, cvington@netcom.com requesting to be put on my mailing
list for the newsletter.
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs.
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN, except where noted, and may
be used as you see fit. To contribute items or enquire about this
newsletter Contact Stephen Covington <cvington@netcom.com>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.025
+808
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,808 @@
**************************************************************************
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : May 21, 1994
**************************************************************************
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging LOCAL resource creation &
GLOBAL resource sharing.
**************************************************************************
The 19th report of 1994 is the 25th weekly survey.
**************************************************************************
**************************************************************************
Coverage in this issue includes:
Global Community
News From The World
Internet Tools: Internet Computer Index (ICI)
Services: Governing in the Information Age
Timely Thoughts: Essay from a com-priv list discussion
Help!!!
##########################################################################
Global Community
##########################################################################
This past week, a few of us became embroiled in a discussion of
"politics" in the Communet discussion list. The topic was brought up as
a result of a post by Ed Schwartz, commented on by Mr.Todd, and
"critiqued" by yours truly! It was then shot down by others on the list
pointing out correctly that the list topic is "Community Networking".
The thread then metamorphosed to "can we get back to..." and may still be
there wandering in cyberspace. Well, little did I realize how quickly
that discussion would impact me in my own life.
I am in the planning stages of setting up a community network in
Gilroy California. Gilroy is a small city about 25 miles south of San
Jose, Ca. Our population is 34000, with an ethnic blend of about 50/50
"hispanic" to "anglo". Gilroy is most known for our annual "Garlic
Festival" held the last full weekend in July.
Up until about two years ago, ours was the prototypical "quiet,
little town". The peaceful nature of Gilroy changed when for the first
time, our police department was involved in a deadly shoot-out with a
despondent local citizen.
Two officers were seriously wounded and the young man that began
the shoot out was killed. Since that time, we have had other purported
"gang" related activities and another police shoot out. As in other
towns, this has caused tensions to increase between ethnic groups.
Also, as with everywhere else, the gap between haves and have nots has
widened considerably. Graffiti abounds and the kids complain of nothing
to do and nowhere to go. All of the involved blame this on the others,
so that nothing gets done and no-one is responsible. Fairly typical
worldwide, I'd say.
Getting back to the topic of Community computing, I have been
approaching local businesses, community groups, school groups, library
groups and the like to gather input on what they would like to see if a
system was set up. As you that have gone before me have found out,
very few folks even know what the heck you're talking about. They think
that it's a great idea though, and "come back when you have the cost
breakdowns, we'll help you then" is a common reply. Not a problem... I
was a firefighters union president for many years and I'm used to that.
Problems are like ice cream cones, they're there to be licked!
When I spoke with the CEO of our local Chamber of Commerce, the
discussion of "community" quickly enlarged from computing to using the
system for bringing people together. At Cupertino, we discussed adding
value to our systems after they come online so that initial logons grow
from the curious to include others in the community that have never used
the modems in their computers. Obviously, to draw in those that don't
even HAVE computers, many choices must be made, funding arranged, and a
REASON for joining the digital generation made irresistable.
We are bringing together a diverse, activist, group of folks that
are motivated to develop a model program to use computers to access each
other, city government, labor groups, church groups, etc. We feel that
the initial step of bringing these folks together to discuss community,
then community networks, will give us a solid basis to begin this
endeavor. The fact that the Chamber wants to assist in the organization
for reasons other than the benefits possibly available to business,
surprised me and hopefully bodes well for this project.
If this does not become a "political" community network, I will
be quite amazed.
-steve covington
##########################################################################
NEWS of the WIRED & WEIRD **** Received from various sources
##########################################################################
Forwarded by Gleason Sackman - InterNIC net-happenings moderator
*************************************************************************
Subject: E-d-u-p-a-g-e 05/15/94 through 05/21/94 EDITED BY MYSELF
*************************************************************************
THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD TO HAVE 2.5 COMPUTERS
Dallas market research firm Channel Marketing projects that 109.1
million computers will be sold in the U.S. in 1999, and that by that time
American houeholds will on average have 2.5 PCs. (Atlanta
Journal-Constitution 5/15/94)
HIGH-TECH COURT
In a move to save lawyers time and money, the Quebec Court of
Appeal announced it will become the first judicial body in Canada to allow
lawyers to argue motions and plead cases using video-conferencing
technology. (Toronto Globe & Mail 5/14/94 A5)
SMALL BUSINESS COMPUTER EXPORT HOTLINE
The Canadian government will set up a nationwide computer hotline
to provide small businesses with a "how to" for cashing in on export
opportunities. (Ottawa Citizen 5/13/94 F3)
BARBARIANS AT THE CYBERGATE
The New York Times reports hostility and aggression are spreading
in cyberspace, and network experts are worried about the future of the
electronic community. A rash of newcomers in the last year or two has
undermined the tradition of rational self-government and the democratic
exchange of ideas. Commenting on the recent incident where two lawyers
advertised their services to Usenet groups and were subsequently vilified,
a University of California at San Diego professor observes, "If such events
become routine -- and there's very little technical or legal reason why
they won't -- then the whole net will basically collapse through
flame-wars, the closing of e-mail discussion groups to outsiders and
whatever." (Tampa Tribune 5/15/94 B2)
A CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS?
A Corporation for Public Telecommunications, patterned on the CPB
model, could do the same thing for the information superhighway that public
broadcasting did for television many years ago, by sponsoring high-quality
educational and cultural digital information services for
computer,telephone and cable television networks. (The American School
Board Journal 5/94 p.40)
POSSIBLE SHARED JURISDICTION OVER TELECOMMUNICATION
The Canadian federal government may delegate some of its power over
communications to the provinces following protests by Quebec over a recent
Supreme Court ruling that confirmed exclusive federal jurisdiction in this
area. (Toronto Star 5/12/94 A15)
ISDN COMING INTO ITS OWN
After many years of false starts, Integrated Services Digital
Network is developing into a viable choice for communications users. There
were more than 125,000 ISDN lines in service at the end of 1993, and the
number's expected to grow to 1 million by the end of 1997. "Pricing is
breeding ISDN," says the president of a telecommunications firm.
(Telecommunications 5/94 p.18)
MASCULINE/FEMININE
Men typically imagine computer devices that can help them "conquer
the universe," says Jan Hawkins, director of the Center for Children &
Technology, whereas women want machines that meet people's needs, "the
perfect mother." The center's associate director, Cornelia Bruner, says if
everyone approached technology the way women do, "we wouldn't be pushing
envelopes... Most women, even those who are technologically sophisticated,
think of machines as a means to an end." (Newsweek 5/16/94 p.48)
SAN DIEGO TAKES THE INITIATIVE IN TELECOM
San Diego wants a broadband fiber network and it isn't waiting for
state and federal governments or "convergence" to make it happen. The city
is soliciting bids from telephone and cable companies, the local electrical
utility, universities and even the U.S. Navy. "We want to conjure up ways
in which we can use this technology in a way that makes sense in a business
context," says a city management assistant. (Multichannel News 5/9/94)
NETWORKING CHIP STATS
The market for transmission and networking chips is expected to
reach $1 billion by 1997, up from $346 million in 1992. These chips are
integral to many leading edge communications applications. (Investor's
Business Daily 5/10/94 A6)
WOMEN FAVOR E-MAIL OVER E-MALL
A survey conducted by an online publication reveals that more than
66% of the women surveyed log on to an electronic service at least once a
day and the same number spends at least $20 a month on online fees. Top on
their list is interacting with editors, writers and other readers, with
Internet access ranking second. Only 6% considered shopping, banking or
travel services a priority. (Tampa Tribune 5/9/94 B&F3)
GETTING RUSSIA ON THE TELEPHONE
Modernizing the telecommunications system is a high priority within
Russia, a country that spans 11 time zones, and which has only 11 to 15
lines for every 100 people, compared to 70 lines for 100 people in the U.S.
American and other telecom companies see Russia as a potential $120 billion
market. (New York Times 5/10/94 C2)
NO SUCH THING AS PERFECT SECURITY
"No security measure is 100% effective," says Ed Krol, author of
The Whole Internet User's Guide. "Any precaution that allows some people
access and excludes others can be attacked. The goal is not guaranteed
security, because guaranteed security leads to a system that is unusable by
its legitimate users. The goal is to make things so difficult as to
discourage hackers and send them looking for easier pickings." (The
Sciences May/June 94 p.44)
SURGE OF ELECTRONIC NEWSPAPERS
More than 2,700 newspapers are now experimenting with one or
another kind of electronic venture, says The Kelsey Group, compared to only
42 in 1989; part of the urgency for the experiment is that almost half of
young people 18 to 24 years old don't read newspapers at all. The Palo Alto
Weekly (http://www.service.com/PAW/home.html) is the only
general-circulation newspaper now on the Internet. (U.S.News & World Report
5/16/94 p.60)
INTERNET TOP TEN BEST-SELLING BOOKS
CPU Publishing Update says the top ten best-selling books on the
Internet are: 1. Whole Internet User's Guide (Krol); 2. The Internet
Complete Reference (Hahn & Stout); 3. Internet for Dummies (Levine); 4. Mac
Internet Tour Guide (Ventana); 5. Complete Internet Directory (Braun); 6.
The Internet Companion Plus (LaQuey); 7. Internet Starter Kit for the Mac
(Hayden); 8. The Internet Navigator (Glister); 9. Connecting to the
Internet (Estrada); 10 Zen and the Art of the Internet (Kehoe). (Internet
Business Report May 94 p.5)
INFO HIGHWAYS FOR THE FUTURE, POLICY FOR NOW
"Ten years from now you're still going to be looking at Dan Rather
and his successors," predicts Andrew Schwartzman of the Media Access
Project, who insists that policy makers should concentrate on traditional
reforms (e.g., the Fairness Doctrine and rules barring phone companies from
controlling information content on its wires), rather than be distracted by
future hype that will allow the information highway to be controlled by
three or four companies. (Common Cause Magazine Spring 94 p.17)
THE INFORMATION ECONOMY
New York Times writer John Markoff says in a recent Educom Review
that "traditional market behavior may not be suited for an information
economy in which things of great value can be endlessly replicated."
(Washington Technology 5/5/94)
DEVELOPING NATIONS LEAPFROG WITH CELLULAR
Cellular networks in Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines are
expanding so rapidly that they may leapfrog traditional networks to become
the most common form of telephone service. In South America, so many
Venezuelans are carrying C-phones that some restaurants require customers
to check them at the door to control the noise level. (St. Petersburg Times
5/16/94 Business p.2)
CANADIANS TO DRIVE CYBER-NETWORK, MINISTER PLEDGES
Handing out $12.5-million in grants to builders of the info
highway, the Canadian government wants to put private companies in the
driver's seat of the coming cyber-network of interactive education,
medicine and entertainment. (Ottawa Citizen 5/17/94 D8)
CABLE BLASTS TELCO TACTICS
Canadian cable company Rogers Communications says telephone
companies will use "bookkeeping misappropriations" to juggle numbers in
their drive to destroy the cable industry if federal regulators allow them
to deliver video services. (Toronto Financial Post 5/17/94 p. 9)
POLL SAYS INFO HIGHWAY'S GREAT, BUT WHAT IS IT?
Thirty-four percent of adults polled by Louis Harris and Associates
have seen, heard or read something about the information superhighway.
Sixty percent of those think it sounds like an excellent or pretty good
idea -- but admit that they have little understanding of what it actually
is. (St. Petersburg Times 5/16/94 Business p.10)
CABLE JOINS TELCO IN VENTURE
Two fierce rivals -- Rogers Communications and BCE Inc. (Bell
Canada Enterprises) -- are planning to work together to build at least one
portion of the info-highway roadbed just a week after each announced
competing plans to offer the same service. The cable company is joining
the telco in a consortium that will deliver hundreds of TV channels
directly to consumers' homes via pizza-sized satellite dishes. (Toronto
Star 5/17/94 C1)
*************************************************************************
Edupage. To add your name to the Edupage distribution list, send e-mail to:
listproc@educom.edu. In the body of the message type: sub edupage <your
name>. To unsubscribe send the message: unsub edupage. Edupage is also
available in Portuguese and Spanish: edunews@nc-rj.rnp.br.
*************************************************************************
Sender: "Communet: Community and Civic Network Discussion List" <C
OMMUNET@uvmvm.uvm.edu>
From: "Arthur R. McGee"
Subject: Highway Robbery
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 16 May 1994 11:12:19 -0400
From: William Graves
Subject: Highway Robbery
Just forwarded to me...
> Subject: Highway Robbery: The Selling of the Internet
> SUPERHIGHWAY REPORT HPCwire
> =============================================================================
>
> San Francisco, Calif. -- A special report in the May issue of "PC World"
> says that lavish spending and carefully targeted lobbying of key members of
> Congress by corporate special interest groups threatens to stifle competition
> in the restructuring of the nation's communications infrastructure.
>
> According to the report, tens of millions of dollars are being funnelled by
> political action committees (PACs) and lobbyists of the communications
> industry to congressmen and congressional committees who are helping to speed
> the passage of legislation through Congress. The report, "Highway Robbery;
> Selling the Net" is the result of an in-depth investigation by "PC World"
> Senior News Editor Joe Abernathy.
>
> Highlights of the report include:
>
> Encouraged by Vice President Gore's vision of ubiquitous network of
> computer and communications networks, Washington lawmakers are engaging in
> the most comprehensive revision of American communications policy since the
> Communications Act of 1934. More than 30 bills affecting various parts of the
> emerging information infrastructure are currently under consideration in
> Washington.
>
> Local telephone companies, cable television providers, long distance
> telephone companies, entertainment companies and communications equipment
> manufacturers, each of whom wants to enter the other's markets are leading th
e
> lobbying and special-interest spending. Communications sector PACs spent
> roughly $9.6 million on direct campaign contributions alone during the 1992
> election cycle. Of this, telephone company contributions exceeded $5.1
> million and cable company contributions exceeded $2.1 million.
>
> Lobbying and campaign contributions are carefully targeted at certain
> congressional committees and committee members. According to "PC World":
>
> Members of the Senate Commerce Committee which has jurisdiction over
> Ernest Hollings bill to rewrite the Communications Act of 1934, accepted
> $2,046,886 from the communications industry during the last election cycle.
>
> In the 1992 election cycle, members of the House Energy and Commerce
> Committees, which have jurisdiction over one of two House bills affecting
> deregulation, accepted $1,298,000 from the communications industry.
>
> Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee which recently conducted
> anti-trust hearings on the proposed TCI-Bell Atlantic merger, received
> $943,000 from the communications industry during the 1992 election cycle and
> all told, received a whopping $14,148,700 from the industries they are
> supposed to oversee.
>
> Even with a much shorter election cycle, members of the House Judiciary
> Committee accepted $718,000 from the communications industry in 1992 and
> $6,680,00 from the industries it is charged with regulating.
>
> Members of the important House Science, Space and Technology Committee
> accepted $679,000 from communications industry PACs during 1992.
>
> In total, "PC World" found that members of the above-named five committees
> received a breathtaking $69,538,609 during 1992 from industries that had
> business before them.
>
> AT&T supports the nation's largest corporate-sponsored PAC, with 1992
> election year spending of $1,297,525. Of the communications industry PACs,
> Bell South is second in spending with over $835,000, followed by National
> Cable TV Association with $631,000.
>
> The special report contrasts the current investment by large industrial
> concerns with Vice President Gore's 1992 campaign promise to act as a
> catalyst for developing a widely accessible network capable of supporting
> both community and commercial activities. The report contains extensive
> commentary from the leaders of several public interest groups and prominent
> private-sector business leaders who have a vested interest in the emerging
> information superhighway.
> ****************************************************************************
*
> H P C W I R E S P O N S O R S
> Product specifications and company information in this section
> are available to both subscribers and non-subscribers.
>
> 901) ANS 902) IBM Corp. 904) Intel SSD
> 905) Maximum Strategy 906) nCUBE 907) Digital Equipment
> 909) Fujitsu America 912) Avalon Computer 914) Applied Parallel Res.
> 915) Genias Software 916) MasPar Computer 919) Transtech Parallel
> 921) Cray Research Inc. 927) ISR Corp.
> *****************************************************************************
> Copyright 1994 HPCwire.
> To receive the weekly HPCwire at no charge, send e-mail without text to
> "trial@hpcwire.ans.net".
>
----- End Included Message -----
******
From: Sally Hambridge
Subject: Gov't Info online
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L
Hello all.
The question about the SBA leads me to remind you all of the
very fine resources available on government information through
is.internic.net. (They have a gopher, but I never use it - being
old guard and prefering native ftp.)
URL: ftp://is.internic.net/infoguide/resources/government/govinfo
URL: ftp://is.internic.net/infoguide/resources/government/us-fedgov-info
URL: ftp://is.internic.net/infoguide/resources/overviews/government-
business-sources
Each of these are excellent sources for government information
available online, and is.internic.net has many other fine resources
in the infoguide.
Sally
##########################################################################
Internet Tools
##########################################################################
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 17 May 94 13:30:29 CDT
From: ICI info <info@proper.com>
Subject:Internet Computer Index
The Internet Computer Index (ICI) is an easy-to-use, free service that
leads Internet users to all of the information available on the Internet
relating to PCs, Macintoshes, and Unix computers. ICI is the Internet's
only one-stop, resource-locating service, helping users locate any
information related to computers that is available on the Internet more
easily and efficiently that ever before possible. ICI users can find out
answers to their hardware and software questions, solve networking
problems, research buying decisions, and keep up-to-date with their
systems. Using Gopher or World Wide Web client software, any user on the
Internet, anywhere in the world, can get the most up-to-date information
including pointers to all Usenet news groups, mailing lists, Gopher and
World Wide Web servers, anonymous FTP sites, and other Internet-specific
resources.
Users can search through Internet resources including:
- Usenet news groups
- mailing lists
- Gopher servers
- World Wide Web servers
- anonymous FTP sites
- frequently asked question files (FAQs)
- online publications
- commonly-downloaded files
In addition, ICI freely provides information that is not available anywhere
else on the Internet. For example, the Macintosh and PC sections allow
users to search through indexes of reviews from popular magazines since
January 1993. Further, ICI also lets users search through the messages from
relevant Usenet news groups for topics of interest. In the future, Proper
Publishing will add more original content to ICI as a service to the
Internet community.
To reach ICI using a Gopher program, enter "ici.proper.com" as the host name.
Type=1
Name=Internet Computer Index by Proper Publishing
Path=
Host=proper.com
Port=70
URL: gopher://proper.com:70/
To reach ICI using a World Wide Web program such as Mosaic, enter
"http://ici.proper.com" as the Universal Resource Locator (URL).
Followups by email to info@proper.com please.
Proper Publishing
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
##########################################################################
Services: Net Results * Governing In the Information Age
##########################################################################
Forwarded by Gleason Sackman - InterNIC net-happenings moderator
**************************************************************************
Date: Thu, 19 May 94
From:reed.overfelt@npr.gsa.gov
Subject: NetResults Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Author: Netresults Staff
Date: June 1994
**************************************************************************
NETRESULTS
VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE
NATIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW
GOVERNING IN THE INFORMATION AGE
**************************************************************************
WHAT IS IT ?
NetResults is your opportunity to participate directly in reinventing
government. And we invite you to join us -- to create a government that
"Works Better and Costs Less!"
NetResults is a growing network of people and teams working together to
reinvent government. It was created in the fall of 1993 to explore a
team-based, open-network approach to implementing the recommendations of
the National Performance Review.
As an umbrella network of networks, NetResults fosters the development of
teams which span agencies and departments, cross public-private sector
boundaries, and link federal, state, and local governments.
Because change leaders and teams require good information to make good
decisions, NetResults is committed to providing useful information to
anyone, anywhere, who wants to help reinvent government. So we have
established an information system on the Internet to bring you news about
what is happening elsewhere--innovations, reinvention labs, NPR reports
on specific areas, executive orders, and other items of interest.
We created this pamphlet as our way of introducing ourselves and the
people networks to you. We also created this document to serve as your
"Road Map" to using the NetResults information system. We hope that you
will find it helpful and, more importantly, that you will join us.
***************
People NetWorks
***************
Network
Network Coordinator............. Contact #
BudgetNet
Budget Reform
Brad Leonard (NPR)................. 202/632-0150
Comnet
Communications and Outreach
Roddy Moscoso (NPR).................202/632-0150
FEBNet
Network for the Federal Executive Boards
Paula Bridgham (OPM)................202/606-1000
Lisa Randall (NPR)..................202/632-0150
FinanceNet
Financial Management Innovations
Linda Hoogeveen (OMB)...............202/395-3812
The Grants Network
Grants Management
Don Bard (NEA)......................202/682-5469
GrantsNet
Reenginering the Grants Process
Bob Maslyn (HHS)....................202/690-5931
IGNet
Linking IG's for Innovation
Jerry Bullock (Justice).............202/616-4774
Intergovernmental Community and Family Services
Network
Web of Existing Social Services Delivery/Integration
Networks
Bev Godwin (NPR)....................202/632-0150
Kristen Kracke (NPR)................202/632-0150
MeasureNet
Measurement of Employee Performance
Marilyn Gowing (OPM)................202/606-0820
Craig Pettibone (OPM)...............202/606-0860
Customer Service Stds& Benchmarking
Stuart Haggard (VA).................202/273-5053
Joel Parfitt (IRS)..................202/622-5710
PeopleNet
Human Resources Reform
Judith Anderson (NPR)...............202-632-0150
RegNet
Linking Technology to Regulatory Reform Initiatives
Neil Thompson (NRC).................301/492-4773
*********************************************
Interested in forming other networks?
Contact NetResults @ 202-632-0150
*********************************************
*******************
Information System
*******************
ELECTRONIC MAIL
If you have an Internet accessible e-mail address - - X.400, Delphi,
CapAccess, CompuServe, Prodigy, America Online, etc.- - obtaining
NPR/NetResults materials is as simple as sending an e-mail message.
What Is Available?
To obtain a list of materials available via Internet e-mail, send a one
line mail message to almanac@ace.esusda.gov with the following text:
send netresults catalog
You will automatically receive a return message containing a catalog of
reinvention documents and instructions for obtaining any of the documents
via electronic mail.
INTERNET "GOPHER"
If you currently have access to the Internet, NPR and NetResults materials
can be found at many "gopher" locations. One of the best is at:
Americans Communicating Electronically (ACE)
To get this gopher, type:
gopher ace.esusda.gov
>From the Americans Communicating Electronically (ACE) Main Menu, choose:
Americans Communicating Electronically/
National Performance Review Information/
Or look for the information in:
"Other Gopher Information Servers/ North America/ USA/ washington DC/
Americans Communicating Electronically/ National Performance Review
Information/
*************************************************************************
For Additional Information Contact:
NetResults
National Performance Review
Office of the Vice President
750 17th Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-632-0150
Fax: 202-632-0390
e-mail: netresults@npr.gsa.gov
##########################################################################
Timely Thoughts
##########################################################################
I thought that this post to com-priv was an interesting point for
discussion!
-steve
Date: Fri, 20 May 1994
From: Gary A Bolles
Subject: Ruining the Internet
To: com-priv@psi.com
No wide spread access to the nuts of the world is not a good idea. We
need more lawyers sending ads like we need a larger backbone. What I am
saying is that the network as it was has changed. CB radio changed as
well. When cheap acces to CB was avail. alot of low life get on an
trashed the band. The internet has enough low life now. Mass access will
cause mass problems. I for one don't care because, I can always go back
to a bbs system. Or a second network for those that are not satisfied
with the way the Internet is going. Just thoughts...
Joseph Stroup
//Sure, it's everyone's prerogative to go somewhere else. That's the nice thing
about cyberspace, it's a quasi-infinite resource, unlike national parks and
coral reefs. Create a new world, then crawl inside and close the door behind.
However. I'm not trying to single out M. Stroup. But my concern is that there's
an undercurrent in some of the perspectives I hear, a deep belief that the
great unwashed will ruin this really neat playground we're all running around
in. That's the kind of dangerous elitism I've mentioned before, that somehow
others aren't worthy. Anyone venturing outside of alt.scum should be metashot
on sight.
And how exactly are we going to identify them? "Unsubscribe" messages sent to
the main listserv? Reverse-order smilies? Poor spelling? Anyone who logged onto
the Internet after its first mention in the Wall Street Journal? It seems that
the definition of "community" has limits after all.
Sure, some people are going to tromp all over the virgin cyberscape - a honking
big lot of them. They're going to broadcast junk email and ask stupid questions
and not learn the rules and scour the net for Playboy scans. They're going to
flood news groups with perspectives that will make Roseanne Barr look like Bill
Buckley. They're going to do business over the 'net, gawd forbid. These things
are absolutely inevitable.
But c'mon, these are also people with ideas and perspectives that are in short
supply on the 'net, people not so steeped in the computer culture that they can
bring views from the real world to a world that's not completely real. These
are people we trust enough to vote, for chrissake. How is their interaction in
cyberspace *not* worthwhile? To me, wanting to shut out the impending waves of
the common horde is the worst of a creeping academic mindset; slap enough ivy
on the walls, maybe the outside world won't intrude. Or of the mainframe
environment; all those messy users think they know what they want, but we
control the technology so we'll give them what we know they need.
I think of the time spent so far in crafting the 'net as a time of preparation,
of exploring in fits and starts the ways that electronic interaction affects
the building of information resources and metaculture. The masses are now at
the door; if we've laid the groundwork right, and we patiently educate (and get
educated), lots of exciting things can happen. And they can happen for lots of
people, maybe enough to have some echo effects back into the real world.
Or we can each retreat. But we can't stop it.//
Gary A. Bolles
##########################################################################
HELP!!!
##########################################################################
From: Clark Rogers <SNARF@VMS.CIS.PITT.EDU>
Subject: More Details on 1994 Communty Information Networks
Conference....
To All:
The planning and brainstorming goes on for the proposed Fall/Winter 1994
"Community Information Networks Conference: Ties That Bind II". (With
your blessings on the name, Steve Cisler.!!)
Before I go on with that, though, let me make a brief clarification. The
infoWorks Partnership (the folks I'm presently working with, and the folks
who are going to run the conference) is a consulting firm based here in
Pittsburgh; infoWorks has been in business for 2 1/2 years now, and they
do nothing but Community Information Networks--planning, design, development,
implementation and maintenance.....that's all. This proposed conference
isn't any kind of "trade show" for iW to show off its wares.
The infoWorks Partnership ismade up of people who come from the nonprofit
community and have each been involved in community information networks for
some years. They want to see what happened in Cupertino to be the keystone
for the advancement of this field and its professionals--to galvanize us all
while we still are all hungry for more information, more contacts and more
ideas. No...back to the Conference.
One of the most inspiring thoughts from the iW Staff was to have all of you
folks out here on COMMUNET sound off and give your ideas on what YOU'D like
to see. That is.....
* How can we follow on the path that Cupertino has made?
* What can we improve on from Cupertino?
* How can we make this a conference important to us as well as
mainstream media?
* What are the best ways to illustrate the regional differences/
problems/benefits, etc. to operating and maintaining CINs?
* Who would YOU most like to see as a principal speaker at the
conference that would be of interest to all?
* How can this "galvanization" of the CIN community make us all
more attractive to potential funders and...*gulp*, yes, I'll
say it, politically "meaningful" (sorry Dan T.) to the policy-
makers in Wash., DC?
* Other ideas........
We think that if we were to design a conference and get a fair representation
on what we'd all like to see, it will make for a more enjoyable, interesting,
informative, and beneficial conference--similar to Cupertino. We also want
to attract the wide range of audiences that were attracted to Cupertino.
A couple of other notes:
> We're thinking of limiting the size to between 400-700. We don't
want to get too big, but we also don't weant to exclude anyone.
Can we get some feedbackon how we might find a middle road
here?
> We're thinking of a date no earlier than October 5, 1994.
> The fees for the conference will likely be between $80-$100, with
a student fee of possibly between $40-$55.
I hope all we've presented here makes sense. And I hope you all take the time
to sound off. The response to the first post was fantastic. Now we need to ge
t
a true idea on how you'd like to see this conference designed. We all have a
hand in our collective futures...let's make it the brightest and most successfu
l
we can!
Kindest Regards,
Clark D. Rogers
Information Consultant to The infoWorks Partnership
Professor, Urban and Regional Planning Program
University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
##########################################################################
##########################################################################
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a result of the work of people located
throughout the global Internet community. Net facilities for the
preparation of this newsletter are provided by NETCOM On-line
Communications Service, Inc. Editing is done by myself.
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at
the WELL : gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic
nets... ---> networks & community; & the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CANADA
: gopher ----> gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
"Subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the Listowner for
the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to:
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE reading
"subscribe <firstname> <lastname>", OR by e-mail to myself,
cvington@netcom.com requesting to be put on my mailing list for the
newsletter.
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs.
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN, with the exception of
Global Community or where noted, and may be used as you see fit.
To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter, contact
Stephen Covington <cvington@netcom.com>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.026
+671
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,671 @@
**************************************************************************
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER : May 31, 1994
**************************************************************************
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging LOCAL resource creation &
GLOBAL resource sharing.
**************************************************************************
The 20th report of 1994 is the 26th weekly survey.
**************************************************************************
**************************************************************************
Coverage in this issue includes:
Global Community
News From The World
New Freenet - Seattle Community Network
Internet Services - D.I.I.G. - Giftednet - I.C.I
Internet Tools - HTMLASST for Windows (tm)
Meeting - World Conference of Jewish Communal Service - Global Networking
##########################################################################
Global Community
##########################################################################
THE ONLINE "TIES THAT BIND" COMMUNITY NETWORKING CONFERENCE on COMMUNET
On May 23,1994, Patrick Finn <patfinn@UNM.EDU> asked,
The question of "who WE are" is still an important one. I would
like to suggest that WE find out who WE are before we go too far down the
path. A starting point might be people who are building communtiy
networks or thinking about building networks, that would include
independent projects and freenets and whatever else is out there We all
need the same info and will be dealing with the same issues as we move
toward meeting our goals.
The question is "What is the common ground?"
I don't think WE need to be afraid of an experiment, let's try something
and see what emerges. Nothing ventured..
Partick J Finn
La Plaza TeleCommiunity Foundation
Taos, NM
*************************************************************************
In the days since the conference, these & other folks have tried to answer
that question:
(all responses excerpted from Communet posts to "re: Ties etc")
********
Joan C. Durrance, Assoc. Prof, University of Michigan, School of Info. &
Library Studies.
"The flavor of the conference began to unfold at the airport. I shared a
limo to the hotel with a freenet organizer from Texas (who I found out
later was one of the CPB award winners), a Colorado sysop of a
marketing bulletin board, the manager of a BBS for science teachers in
the state of New Mexico who seeks to develop a multicultural approach,
and an advocate of citizen democracy from a non-profit in Washington,
DC. We bonded on the 15 minute trip to Cupertino. Five people with
diverse backgrounds and experience who looked forward to sharing and
learning about community network ties over the next several days. "
********
From: Ken Loss-Cutler <kenlc@TENET.EDU>
" INTENSE!
The other highpoint, for me, was the ad hoc breakout session that evolved
in the cafe Friday afternoon. Nancy Willard, from Eugene Oregon,
facilitated a discussion that lasted over two hours. Steve C. had to
virtually beg us to adjourn for the final session in another room <grin>
(he finally resorted to wheeling in an iced-down keg/carrot-on-a-stick).
It worked. But not before the group of 32 people (by my count) had
discussed essential elements of a plan for action for the community
networking movement. We'll have to wait for Nancy's posting of the notes
she took on our discussions, but I felt like we made strong progress in
defining and, in some cases, taking on essential goals. More important,
I believe we bonded in a way that we would not have without that session.
(Thanks, Nancy) "
********
"The work of creating equality lies in our hands, we already "have", let's
give it to those who don't. Even down the road there will always be those
who don't have this tool. So the job is to create the interface that will
reach those people. We must use our imagination and creativity to build
the ties that bind, the link, to those who will never use a mouse, a
keyboard or a touch screen. "
Patrick J. Finn
La Plaza TeleCommunity Foundation
********
From: "Kari Peterson (kapeterson@ucdavis.edu)
"awesomely complicated (this is a global phenomenon, it involves a
coalition of interests, sectors and needs that is larger than life and
too hard to bring under a single umbrella.)"
********
"Community is what we are building in each
of our own ways, but isn't community really a collection of individual
relationships? Community encompasses more than that. It encompasses an
overall atmosphere as well, but what is the basis of community? I think
the basis for community is strong personal relationships between members of
the community. I can't think of anything else that could be the key
component of what we call "community."
-- -- Grant Bowman Planning Director,
SV-PAL -- grantbow@svpal.org Silicon Valley Public Access Link
********
"A community is a group of people united by the common
objects of their love." That incorporates three critical elements:
shared values, unity, and intimacy...
Ed Schwartz, Institute for the Study of Civic Values, Edcivic@delphic.com
********
********
Who are "we"?
What is the common ground?
"WE" are librarians, teachers, doctors, programmers, students,
scientists, consultants, lawyers, firefighters, police officers, nurses;
actually, we represent just about every profession known. "WE" are
idealistic, pragmatic, energetic folks with a strong sense of "global
community". "WE" are probably the last remnants of a society that
"really" believes "all are created equal". At the risk of sounding
melodramatic, maybe we are! "WE" worry about connectivity for the
"have nots". "WE" are the folks that are accused of being "Socialists"
when we post to the Comm-Priv list!
The "Ties That Bind" conference was possibly the "Woodstock"
of the Community Computing movement. We must re-harness the momentum
that was so prevalent at Cupertino. We need to link our systems together
both by wire and organizationally. There are many established groups
already in existence. Could they be informally linked together (with
other interested parties) to form an International Community Computing
Alliance? Or do we want to form a separate coalition of systems to
co-ordinate legislative action while the "window" is open as Mario Marino
so aptly stated?
My feeling is that a *NEW* organization should be set up to take
advantage of the loose unification that was shared by the participants of
the Conference. As we have seen "post" conference, many of those that
could not attend share our enthusiasm but feel a loss at having missed
such a "watershed" event.
To become a viable, cohesive organization, we would have to
*focus* on as Patrick Finn put it, a "Common Ground". We need to distill
this discussion down to three or four issues to accomplish a our goals.
After having audited this discussion since the conference, I have noticed
that the topics of cost, universal access to both the tools and the
Internet, political-social-economic effect on society, and on-going
lobbying are most often discussed. Of course there are others, but
these offer a platform from which to start.
In any case, something should be started soon. This is an
election year. We should be approaching Congress with a unified,
energetic, logical, attainable vision. If we do not do it, a void will
be created allowing commercial interests to determine community for us.
Think about this, discuss the heck out of it, but let's get
moving on something! It's too important to let pass by.
-steve covington
##########################################################################
NEWS of the WIRED & WEIRD **** Received from various sources
##########################################################################
Forwarded by Gleason Sackman - InterNIC net-happenings moderator
*************************************************************************
Subject: E-d-u-p-a-g-e 05/21/94 through 05/28/94 EDITED BY MYSELF
*************************************************************************
DOES INFO HIGHWAY SHUN THE POOR?
A study backed by groups including the Consumer Federation of
America and the NAACP charges that the advanced communications now being
planned and built are shunning poorer neighborhoods and minority
populations, in what amounts to "electronic redlining" -- designating
neighborhoods as bad for business. One industry spokesman, US West's Jerry
Brown, counters: "To say that we're going to stay out of areas permanently
is dishonest and ridiculous. But we had to start building our network
someplace. And it is being built in areas where there are customers we
believe will use and buy the service. This is a business." (New York Times
5/24/94 C5)
AMERICANS LIKE TECHNOLOGY
Almost one of every three households has a personal computer, and
65% of computer users say they would miss their machine "a lot" if they no
longer had it. The study, which was done by Times Mirror Center for the
People & the Press, also found that people with computers spend less time
watching TV entertainment. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution 5/24/94 A1)
CAMPUSES WRESTLE WITH COMPUTER CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Campuses are increasingly dealing with computer-originated crime
and mischief -- everything from bomb and death threats, to racist and
sexual harassment, to forged messages such as one at Dartmouth that caused
students to believe an important exam was canceled. While some students
have called for a detailed list of computer commandments, campus officials
are wary of limiting their disciplinary discretion. "If you make a long
list of dos and don'ts, you are cajoling students into thinking, `How can I
squeeze through that?' You should be making them think, `Should I be doing
that?'" says a computer science professor at Kansas State. (Chronicle of
Higher Education 5/25/94 A19)
CYBERNOUGHTS ARE IN MINORITY
Reporting on intense criticism on the net about a May 16th Newsweek
article that had "sweeping generalizations" about the differences between
the way men and women think and feel about computers, New York Magazine
columnist Jon Katz decides that "the larger truth is harassers, pedophiles,
and macho men constitute a fraction of the millions of ordinary people who
use the more than 33,000 computer bulletin boards for work, news, research,
shopping, business, marketing, and personal communications..." (New York
Magazine 5/30/94 p.16)
MFS OFFERS TRANSATLANTIC SERVICE
MFS Communications will offer trans-Atlantic advanced
telecommunications services via its private fiber optic network and
asynchronous transfer mode switching equipment. The company is targeting
multinational banks and investment firms in the U.S. and the U.K. that need
high-speed voice, video and data communications capability. (Wall Street
Journal 5/25/94 B3)
INFO SUPERHIGHWAY WILL SPARK COMPETITION
American Banker's Management Strategies (May 23) predicts a surge
in competition among banks, mutual funds companies, insurance companies and
other financial services firms, once the information superhighway becomes a
reality and customers can track investment activities on their TV (or PC)
screens. (Investor's Business Daily 5/25/94 A4)
BOOKS ARE FOREVER, SAYS AUTHOR
Fiction Pulitzer Prize winner E. Annie Prouix says that the
information highway is "for bulletin boards on esoteric subjects, reference
works, lists and news -- timely, utilitarian information, efficiently
pulled through the wires. Nobody is going to sit down and read a novel on a
twitchy little screen. Ever." (New York Times 5/26/94 A13)
* E D U C O M * U P D A T E * 05/23/94
EVENTS
*Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory, 11th Annual Symposium and Open
House. University of Maryland at College Park, MD, June 13-14. This
conference will highlight such topics as laying the foundation for the
information superhighway, and concepts, design and evaluation of
superteaching in the electronic classroom. Contact: Teresa Casey, e-mail
tcasey@cs.umd.edu.
*National Education Supercomputer Program (NESP). Roseville, MN, June
15-18. An institute intended for those teachers currently participating
in the NESP and would like to expand knowledge of the resource. To
receive an application form, call 612-638-8780 or send an e-mail request
to: halvor@TIES.K12.MN.US.
*Gateways and Productivity: How to Do Business on the Internet and Other
Interactive Media. University of Massachusetts, Amherst campus,
Montague, MA, June 23. Six Practitioners address the political issues of
using the "information superhighway" as it exists today. Topics covered
include interactive advertising, workgroup computing, use of information
networks to achieve competitive advantage, and strategies for promoting
Internet usage within an organization. Contact: Jean Graef at Montague
Institute, 413-367-0245 or e-mail OGUJGRA@dpc01.dpc.umassp.edu.
*National Information Infrastructure: Corporate Planning and Government
Policy. Cambridge, MA, June 27-29. Business leaders, technology managers
and public sector, non-profit, and academic leaders are invited to
attend this M.I.T.-sponsored conference, which will survey the
realignment of industry, business, and government, due to the
convergence of communications and computer technologies. Contact: Trish
Ezekiel at 617-253-1703 or e-mail trishs@.mit.edu.
*1994 International Symposium on Mathematics/Science Education and
Technology. Theme: "Emerging Issues and Trends." San Diego, CA, July 21-
23. Contact: 1994 Symposium, AACE at 804-973-3987 or e-mail
AACE@Virginia.Edu.
*The World Future Society presents, "Toward a New Millennium: Living,
Learning, and Working." Boston, MA, July 24-26. The conference is
expected to address the implications of current and future trends in
society, technology, and values. Contact: The World Future Society at
800-989-8274.
************************************************************************
Educom -- Transforming Education Through Information Technology
************************************************************************
##########################################################################
New Freenet
##########################################################################
This message was posted to Communet recently. Welcome (almost) online!
*************************
Community Focus on "Information Superhighway"
Community Introduction to SCN, a New FREE Public-Access Computer System
After 2 1/2 years of effort we are happy to announce the unveiling of the
Seattle Community Network, a public-access computer network system that
is FREE to use. SCN is the local affiliate of the National Public
Telecomputing Network or NPTN, the network of community computer systems
across the US and the world.
We will be giving a "Community Introduction" at the Seattle Public
Library on June 7th and will be giving a live demo. Of course you're
all invited - but some of you probably won't be able to attend. If you'd
like help us christen the system from long-distance we'd love to hear
from you. To contribute a welcome message just send us a note at
welcome@scn.org.
Good luck to us all!
##########################################################################
Internet Services: D. I. I. G. *** Giftednet List *** I C I
##########################################################################
From: SAMSAM@VM1.YorkU.CA
=========================================================================
Folks - register your free-nets and civic nets. Lets make sure that the
"heart" of the Global Information Infrastructure is documented too!
=========================================================================
Digital Information Infrastructure Guide (DIIG)
DIIG@farnsworth.mit.edu
------------------------
Included Message:
The MIT Research Program on Communications Policy at the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology is proud to announce the release of the
Digital Information Infrastructure Guide (DIIG).
What is DIIG?
---------------
The Digital Information Infrastructure Guide (DIIG) is an online resource to
facilitate the development of the National Information Infrastructure (NII).
DIIG is intended to provide government, business and academic leaders
with easy access to information about current research project(s) and
critical public and private initiatives being developed for tomorrow's
information infrastructure. Specifically, DIIG documents research conducted
by NII stakeholders and models the interaction between NII stakeholders and
their interests. DIIG will provide an invaluable impartial data resource for
coordinating and guiding the development of the National Information
Infrastructure.
How do I access DIIG?
-----------------------
DIIG is available in "gopherspace" and in World Wide Web "hypertextspace".
If you have a WWW client (e.g. Mosaic), open URL
http://farnsworth.mit.edu/
If you are using a gopher client (e.g. Turbogopher), point it at
farnsworth.mit.edu (Port 70)
Highlights of DIIG:
---------------------
o A collection of profiles of 37 NII-related projects and
institutions.
o A collection of information from over 30 other NII-related projects.
o Links to NII information at 25 other gopher servers, including
ACE, CPSR, CCN, EFF, HPCC, IITF, ISOC, NSF, NIST, NASA and InterNIC.
o A collection of Bills, Public Laws and Regulations dealing with
communications.
My project is helping to build the NII, but it is not in DIIG.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Send an email to diig@farnsworth.mit.edu
You will be sent a survey that will be included in DIIG. You are also
welcome to submit any other relevant material to be included in DIIG.
Whom do I contact for more information about DIIG?
---------------------------------------------------
Russell Rothstein
MIT Research Program on Communications Policy
One Amherst Street
MIT, E40 - 218
Cambridge, MA 02139
+1-617-253-6828
+1-617-253-7326 (Fax)
diig@farnsworth.mit.edu
**************************************************************************
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Project for High Ability Learners. Information exchange pertaining
to gifted learners such as research, curriculum, intellectual,
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To subscribe to giftednet-l, send the following command to
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For example:
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NOTE: The listserver is NOT the common VM/CMS LISTSERV. Some of its
commands differ from those of LISTSERV. You can mail the command
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Owner: Linda Neal Boyce lnboyc@mail.wm.edu
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Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone: (804) 221-2588
FAX: (804) 221-2184
**************************************************************************
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fabio Metitieri <METITIER@ITOCSIVM.CSI.IT>
Subject: Internet Computer Index announcement
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Attached is the highlights of the press release we just issued. I think
that people on the NEWNIR mailing list will be particularly interested in
this service, given its bredth. Please feel free to tell others about it!
Internet Computer Index Centralizes Information about Computers
-- Free service gives easy access to widely-dispersed Internet resources --
Santa Cruz, California -- May 16, 1994 -- For the first time, Internet
users can find anything available on the Internet about computers in one
central location. The Internet Computer Index (ICI), created by Proper
Publishing, tells users them everything that is known on the Internet about
PCs, Macintoshes, and Unix systems. Additional information is also
available on ICI that isn't available anywhere else on the Internet.
Further, ICI is supported by commercial sponsors who add up-to-date
information about their products to the ICI service.
ICI uses the popular World Wide Web and Gopher systems to distribute its
information. Using attractive, informative menus and hypertext, ICI gives
up-to-date connections and pointers to the other freely-available
information on the Internet. Anyone on the Internet, anywhere in the
world, can access ICI 24 hours a day at no charge.
Description of ICI
The Internet Computer Index (ICI) is an easy-to-use, free service that
leads Internet users to all of the information available on the Internet
relating to PCs, Macintoshes, and Unix computers. ICI is the Internet's
only one-stop, resource-locating service, helping users locate any
information related to computers that is available on the Internet more
easily and efficiently that ever before possible. ICI users can find out
answers to their hardware and software questions, solve networking
problems, research buying decisions, and keep up-to-date with their
systems. Using Gopher or World Wide Web client software, any user on the
Internet, anywhere in the world, can get the most up-to-date information
including pointers to all Usenet news groups, mailing lists, Gopher and
World Wide Web servers, anonymous FTP sites, and other Internet-specific
resources.
In order to make searching easy, ICI is organized as hierarchical menus of
information. For each type of computer system (PC, Macintosh, or Unix),
there is a menu that lists the type of Internet resources that describe
that system. Most people will be only interested in one of the three main
areas, but other can easily traverse between the three through cross-links.
Users can search through Internet resources including:
* Usenet news groups
* mailing lists
* Gopher servers
* World Wide Web servers
* anonymous FTP sites
* frequently asked question files (FAQs)
* online publications
* commonly-downloaded files
In addition, ICI freely provides information that is not available anywhere
else on the Internet. For example, the Macintosh and PC sections allow
users to search through indexes of reviews from popular magazines since
January 1993. Further, ICI also lets users search through the messages from
relevant Usenet news groups for topics of interest. In the future, Proper
Publishing will add more original content to ICI as a service to the
Internet community.
Accessing ICI
To reach ICI using a Gopher program, enter "ici.proper.com" as the host name.
To reach ICI using a World Wide Web program such as Mosaic, enter
"http://ici.proper.com" as the Universal Resource Locator (URL).
Public contact: Send email to info@proper.com
##########################################################################
Internet Tools - HTMLASST for Windows - WWW Hypertext Editor
##########################################################################
This was forwarded by : owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net, I downloaded
it, and set it up to use with Mosaic. I've had only about an hour with it
so far, no problems yet, seems pretty stable. As that guy on the cable
channel says, check it out! (sc)
From: harawitz@fox.nstn.ns.ca (Howard Harawitz)
Subject: HTML Assistant FAQ is available
A preliminary FAQ for the MS Windows based hypertext editor
"HTML Assistant" has been posted and is available on the Web.
The URL is: "file://ftp.cs.dal.ca/htmlasst/htmlafaq.htm".
It also contains links for downloading the editor software.
The FAQ can also be obtained as plain text via FTP at:
ftp.cs.dal.ca /htmlasst/htmlafaq.txt
Howard Harawitz
harawitz@fox.nstn.ns.ca
##########################################################################
MEETING of INTEREST
##########################################################################
From: Dov Winer <viener@bgumail.bgu.ac.il>
Subject: World Conference of Jewish Communal Service - Global Networking
World Conference of Jewish Communal Service
Conseil Mondial des Services Communautaires Juifs
Conferencia Mondial del Servicio Comunitario Judio
==================================================
Jerusalem, Israel, July 4-7 1994
Shalom,
The World Conference of Jewish Communal Service will take
place from Monday to Thursday, 4-7 July 1994, in the Ramada
Renaissance Hotel in Jerusalem following the tradition of
convening it in Israel every four years (W.C.J.C.S.).
This conference gathers from all parts of the world
professionals in the areas of education and community:
educators from the Diaspora and non-formal education
specialists, family counsellors, community workers, social
workers, consultants in the area of public health, geriatric
workers and more.
The participation of representatives from the Jewish
communities from East Europe and South America will be
emphasized this year in addition to the usual presence
of involved representatives and leadership of Communities
from North America, Europe and Israel.
During the Conference four days several activities like
conferences, workshops and visits witll take place.
The present period of changes in the Jewish community in
particular and in the world gives a particular importance to
the meeting of professionals from Israel and the world, for
mutual listening and fertilization not only concerning the
professional areas but as a mean of strenghtening relations
within the Jewish Diaspora.
Your participation at the Conference will contribute to the
advancement of the Jewish professional community.
For further information you can either use reply to this email
message or contact:
Secretariat: P.O.B. 50006 Tel Aviv 61500 Israel
Tel: (972-3) 5174571 TLX: 341171 KENS IL
Fax: (972-3) 5175674 660326
===============================================================================
Global Jewish Networking in the
World Conference of the Jewish Communal Service
==============================================
A session dedicated to the Global Jewish Information Network
has been included in the program of the Congress.
Current projects being carried in the framework of the
network and relevant to community work will be presented.
We expect to be able to furnish all interested participants
with direct experiences of the potential of networking for
community integration and professional development. Pointers
will be given to all Jewish information available and to
professional forums relevant to the participants needs.
Information and materials necessary for getting a connection
back when returning home will be distributed.
Prof. Armand Lauffer, head of the Projec STAR at the
University of Michigan School of Social Work has already
volunteered his help and his students assistance for
participants willing to get connected to the network after the
conference.
The program for Global Jewish Networking at the Conference is
being established by a committee leaded by Prof. Daniel
Elazar, chairman of the Steering Committee of the Global
Jewish Information Network Project.
You are invited to participate and to call the attention of
participants coming from your community to this session.
We expect the Conference and the networking session to become
a landmark in the evolution of Global Jewish Networking.
Best regards,
Dov Winer
Ben Gurion University
viener@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
==========================================================================
Global Jewish Information Network
telnet www.huji.ac.il login: JEWISHNET
To subscribe to - JEWISHNT
send to LISTSERV@BGUVM.BGU.AC.IL the message:
SUBscribe JEWISHNT <full name of subscriber>
##########################################################################
##########################################################################
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a result of the work of people located
throughout the global Internet community. Net facilities for the
preparation of this newsletter are provided by NETCOM On-line
Communications Service, Inc. Editing is done by myself.
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at the WELL :
gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic nets... --->
networks & community; & the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CANADA : gopher ---->
gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
"Subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the Listowner for
the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to:
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE reading "subscribe
<firstname> <lastname>", OR by e-mail to myself, cvington@netcom.com
requesting to be put on my mailing list for the newsletter.
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs.
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN, with the exception of
Global Community or where noted, and may be used as you see fit.
To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter, contact
Stephen Covington <cvington@netcom.com>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.027
+604
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,604 @@
**************************************************************************
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : June 5, 1994
**************************************************************************
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging LOCAL resource creation &
GLOBAL resource sharing.
**************************************************************************
The 21st Report of 1994 is the 27th Weekly Survey.
**************************************************************************
**************************************************************************
Coverage in this issue includes:
Global Community
News From The World
On-Line Grief Resource
Italy FidoNet Raid Update
E-Cafe
Meeting - Go-pher It Workshop
##########################################################################
Global Community
##########################################################################
Went to Internet World at the San Jose Convention Center this
week. First one that I've gone to. Looks like a lot of new toys on the
horizon. Netcom was showing a beta version of their soon-to-be-released
NetCruiser Windows dial-up access software, and O'Reilly had thier beta of
Internet-in-a-Box. CommerceNet, Meckler, and the Internet Shopping
Network were there. Lots of commercial booths. Almost everything
"Internet" that you could think of! Big business deals in the corridors,
"net" t-shirts, wow, it was almost like an Internet theme park.
I arrived at the Convention center about 2 hours after the exhibit
hall opened. There were about 200 people in line. This is 2 hours AFTER
the hall was opened! It was that way ALL afternoon! Folks that have
seen, heard, or read about the Internet, prospective newbies if you will,
were attending this show to see what the Net is all about. They got to
play with the new software, try AOL, buy books, and listen to all sorts of
COMMERCIAL presentations
You know what was missing? COMMUNITY NETWORKING! I saw no booth
set up by any of the community networking organizations. It struck me that
the community networking movement that we spend hours writing about, days
working on, and years setting up, should have had some sort of
representation at this show. These shows are not just attended by engineers
and business folks anymore, Joe and Joanne from the 'burbs are coming in
droves to see what this "Information SuperHighway" stuff is about. I think
that we may be missing the boat by not having a presence at these shows.
The people that we have been attempting to reach are there.
Do we want them to think that the most interesting thing
happening on the highway is shopping???
-steve covington
##########################################################################
NEWS of the WIRED & WEIRD **** Received from various sources
##########################################################################
Forwarded by Gleason Sackman - InterNIC net-happenings moderator
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message----------
From: bk@Hopper.itc.Virginia.EDU (Brian Knatz)
Subject: New web-based features magazine seeks contributors.
Webster's Weekly, a new, free, web-based features magazine, is
looking for contributors. If you are interested in distributing your
columns, photos, poems, cartoons, graphic art, recipes, song lyrics,
small music samples, small animation samples, jokes, brain-teasers,
serialized manifestos, periodic rantings, or any other web-based weekly
features, send inquiries to: w2info@casagato.org.
_OR_ point your web browser at "http://www.awa.com/w2/".
**************************************************************************
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: John December <decemj@RPI.EDU>
Subject: June issue of Computer-Mediated Communication Magazine
The June issue of _Computer-Mediated Communication Magazine_
has hit the Web:
http://www.rpi.edu/~decemj/cmc/mag/current/toc.html
This issue includes articles by Brock N. Meeks, Bruce Hahne, John
December, Rob Kling, and Gary Ritzenthaler.
_Computer-Mediated Communication Magazine_ (ISSN 1076-027X):
* Covers: people, events, applications, and research related to
computer-mediated communication (CMC).
* Status: 1st issue May 1994; non-profit, privately published,
no advertisements, does not pay writers or editors
* Distribution: via WWW server:
http://www.rpi.edu/~decemj/cmc/mag/current/toc.html
as part of CMC Studies Center:
http://www.rpi.edu/~decemj/cmc/center.html
* Index: lists other information and pointer to archive (back issues)
http://www.rpi.edu/~decemj/cmc/mag/index.html
Submissions are now being accepted for the July issue (deadline
is June 25th).
John December/decemj@rpi.edu/Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute/Troy NY
PhD Candidate/Department of Language, Literature, and Communication
<a href="http://www.rpi.edu/~decemj/index.html">John December</a>
*************************************************************************
*************************************************************************
Subject: E-d-u-p-a-g-e 05/29/94 through 06/05/94 EDITED BY MYSELF
*************************************************************************
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
************************************************************************
Edupage, a summary of news items on information technology, is provided
three times each week as a service by Educom -- a consortium of leading
colleges and universities seeking to transform education through the use of
information technology.
************************************************************************
BIG SAVINGS ON TELECOMMUTERS
The director of marketing for AT&T Virtual Office Solutions says,
"For every dollar spent, we saved $2," on their telecommuting project. With
approximately 8.000 employees functioning in the virtual world, managers
report productivity up 45% and office space savings up 50%. (San Francisco
Examiner 5/29/94 C5)
JUSTICE EXPECTED TO OKAY BT/MCI DEAL
The Justice Department is in the final stages of negotiation with
British Telecom over its planned acquisition of a 20% stake in MCI
Communications, and could give the union its official blessing as early as
this week, according to people familiar with the deal. (Wall Street Journal
5/31/94 B6)
HOW TO MAKE VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES WORK
Mike Godwin of the Electronic Frontier Foundation offers nine
principles for making virtual communities work. Use software that
promotes good discussions; don't impose a length limitations on postings;
front-load your systems with talkative, diverse people; let the users
resolve their own disputes; provide institutional memory; promote
continuity; be host to a particular interest group; provide places for
children; most important: confront the users with a crisis (events like the
Oakland fire or LambdaMOO's cyberspace rape crystallize users' sense of
belonging to a place they care about). (Wired June 94 p.92)
ONLINE OVERLOAD
Online services are adding high-speed lines as fast as they can to
accommodate the growing number of subscribers with 9600-baud-and-up modems.
"Considering most local bulletin boards are (running) at 14,400 or higher
it's almost like the (national services) are in the Stone Age when it comes
to connect speeds," notes one frustrated customer. (San Francisco Examiner
5/29/94 C5)
GNN'S "BEST OF THE NET" AWARDS
Edupage was among the recipients of the Global Network Navigator's
"Best Of The Net" awards recognizing some of "the best destinations on the
Internet." For URL's of the other award winners: ron@nrh.com. (San Jose
Mercury News 6/1/94 10D)
ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT BENEFITS
The federal government will start delivering public assistance
benefits electronically over the next five years, and a nationwide system
will replace welfare checks and food stamps by 1999. Following a pilot
program in Maryland that reduced welfare fraud by 47% in the first year,
it's expected that the new system will net $195 million a year in savings.
(Wall Street Journal 6/1/94 A8)
FIBER NETWORK IN JAPAN
An advisory board to the Japanese government has recommended
building a multibillion dollar fiber optic network, connecting every home
and business in Japan by the year 2010. Total cost of the network will run
$700 to $900 billion. The Telecommunications Council's recommendation comes
in response to fears that Japan is falling behind the U.S. in advanced
telecommunications and multimedia. (New York Times 6/1/94 C1)
CRIME-FIGHTING ON THE NET
Alert subscribers to online services geared toward collectibles --
rare books, baseball cards, stamps and coins -- have foiled a number of
attempts to sell stolen items, and services specifically designed for
fighting crime are forming. The Jewelers' Security Alliance will begin
transmitting digital "wanted" posters of known jewel thieves through a
privately run computer network. (Wall Street Journal 6/2/94 B2)
WIRING AFRICA
The head of a UNESCO effort to revive the Pan African News Agency
says, "For years, the main obstacle to real development has been the
statement, `We have to feed the people first.' After all, who can withhold
food? But if you want the people to feed themselves, you have to have a
different view. Say you go to a small village. People are hungry. Is the
priority an electronic mailbox...or 1000 kilograms of corn? What we've
learned, over the past 20 years, is that the mailbox may well be the
priority." (Wired June 94 p.60)
***********************************************************************
Edupage. To add your name to the Edupage distribution list, send e-mail to:
listproc@educom.edu. In the body of the message type: sub edupage <your
name>. To unsubscribe send the message: unsub edupage. Edupage is also
available in Portuguese and Spanish: edunews@nc-rj.rnp.br.
************************************************************************
Educom -- Transforming Education Through Information Technology
************************************************************************
From: Gleason Sackman <sackman@plains.nodak.edu> Subject: FEDGOVT> Postal
Service and Information Superhighway Sender:
owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Will Stuivenga <wstuiven@sun.cis.smu.edu>
Usenet Philatelic New Service Release 94-44
Runyon Sees Role for the USPS on Information Highway
Once a national electronic communications infrastructure is fully defined,
Postmaster General and CEO Marvin Runyon sees an opportunity for the Postal
Service to help the American public gain access.
"The Postal Service is America's first 'information superhighway' with 123
million information channels as close as the mailbox," Runyon said in his
annual report to the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee. "None of us
should lose sight of the fact that the residents and businesses of our
nation depend on us to communicate and do business."
Change is having a dramatic effect on the Postal Service and on the
communications industry as a whole. The PMG said the USPS needs to remain
competitive in a communications market that continues to evolve. "The mail
remains the most pervasive means of communication and commerce available to
our nation, but technology and other companies continue to challenge us
with new alternatives," he noted. "As far as I am concern, the competition
is good. It is pushing us to improve, and to look ahead to the next
century and the next generation of communications products our customers
will need."
As technology evolves and an electronic infrastructure provides greater
access for interaction among individuals, business, and government the
Postal Service is particularly well placed to participate, he noted.
"We can and should make a contribution to this effort," Runyon said.
"After more than two centuries of service to the American people, we are a
trusted third party for millions of businesses and residents. We have a
strong technological base, with expertise in high-speed electronic
recognition, message interchange, material handling, and infrastructure
maintenance."
The National Performance Review team established by President Clinton and
overseen by Vice President Al Gore has asked the Postal Service to deliver
electronic information available from the federal agencies to the public
using interactive kiosks in post office lobbies.
"There may be other ways we can contribute," Runyon said. "Perhaps post
office lobbies could serve as on-ramps providing access to anyone who wants
to be on the electronic highway.
"Or, maybe we can help certify electronic messages and safeguard their
privacy, securing one company's market-sensitive information from the
intruding eyes of its competitors," he said.
Runyon told the senators he looks forward to returning to the committee
with ideas approved by its Board of Governors.
"In the meantime, we will be working to improve the information
superhighway that we have, by focusing on listening to and satisfying the
needs of our customers, improving our finances, and demonstrating our
commitment to employees," he said. "We see a continuing need for a
nationwide hard-copy mail system well into the future. The better the job
we do, the more value the mail will represent, and the more likely people
will continue to use the trusted, reliable, and economical mail."
(This article appeared in the may 1994 issue of "memo to mailers," a
non-copyrighted monthly publication of the U.S. Postal Service distributed
to mail center managers. For more information on UPNS, contact Ed Jackson
at <jackson@igs.cviog.uga.edu>.)
##########################################################################
On-line Death and Grief Resource
##########################################################################
From: Gleason Sackman <sackman@plains.NoDak.edu>
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Cendra Lynn <cendra@rivendell.org>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
There is now an on-line information and communications system that
deals with death and dying, bereavement, and major losses: both
physical and emotional. In response to overwhelming need, this
system was built to give physicians, hospitals, hospices, mental
health professionals, funeral homes, churches, educators, and the
bereaved access to this critical information.
This system is designed to have informational directories and user-
driven communications facilities. Rivendell Resources gathers and
disseminates information about resources about death, dying, grief,
bereavement, and major loss, both emotional and physical. This
includes information useful to persons dealing with such loss, and
to family, friends, and professionals helping them.
Right now our services include:
(1) an on-line resource directory of support groups, agencies,
organizations, and educational activities in the U.S. and
Canada
(2) a general interest discussion group
(3) information on the Association for Death Education &
Counseling
Soon to appear are:
(4) an annotated bibliography of media materials,
(5) special-interest highly-focused mailing lists,
(6) a directory of professionals working in these fields.
In the future we expect to add professional articles, research
findings, and specialized discussion groups.
This system is at gopher.msen.com --> Good Works --> Rivendell
Resources. The gopher server contains information on how to sub-
scribe to this service.
We mail update information about this system regularly as new fea-
tures appear. This is a low-volume mailing list--less than once
per week, probably once per month.
TO SUBSCRIBE, send an email message to
rivendell@rivendell.org
with the first line reading:
subscribe rivendell your.email.address
TO UNSUBSCRIBE, send an email message to
rivendell@rivendell.org
with the first line reading:
UNSUBSCRIBE rivendell your.email.address
##########################################################################
HungerNet
##########################################################################
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:david.riggins@tpoint.com
I found this pointer on the Univ of Montana Gopher.
HungerNet
--> 1. Finding Hunger Resources -- People and Information/
2. Hunger Organizations and Information About Them/
3. Hunger articles and speeches/
4. Information about Hunger/
5. What you can do about hunger.
Type=1
Name=HungerNet
Path=1/brown/departs/worldhun/hungerne
Host=gopher.brown.edu
Port=70
URL: gopher://gopher.brown.edu:70/11/brown/departs/worldhun/hungerne
##########################################################################
Italy FidoNet Raid Update
##########################################################################
Sender: "Communet: Community and Civic Network Discussion List" <C
OMMUNET@uvmvm.uvm.edu>
From: Bernardo Parrella <berny@WELL.SF.CA.US>
Subject: Crackdown on Italian BBSes Continues
Date: June 4, 1994
Twenty-four days after the first major crackdown on Fidonet Italia BBSes, on
Friday June 3, the Taranto Finance Police visited Taras Communications BBS,
the main National Peacelink node and data-bank. Acting after a warrant
issued by the Prosecutor of the same city, Giovanni Pugliese and his wife
were charged for the possession of "illegally copied software and electronic
equipment suitable to falsification." After searching their apartment for
more than 5 hours (from 5 pm to 10.30 pm), Finance officials sealed off the
PC on which the BBS run and seized 174 floppy disks - leaving behind the
monitor and the only available modem. Because the Taranto node hosts most of
the network archives and all the email traffic, at the moment the entire
national Peacelink net is down. Giovanni Pugliese is currently working to
start again his system as soon as possible - probably in the next 48 hours.
"Taras Communications BBS has never had anything to do with software piracy
and is well know for its activities related to humanitarian, peace, social
and community issues," Giovanni Pugliese said. "Peacelink and its sister
Fidonet Italia network had always pursued a very restrictive policy against
any illegally copied software on their systems. Because Taras Communications
BBS is the main National node of Peacelink network, its forced closure,
hopefully very short, will result in a great damage for those hundreds of
people - including journalists, activists, volunteers - that were widely
relying upon its everyday services."
With more than 30 nodes throughout the country, several Fidonet gateways,
and a project currently underway to connect directly to Comlink and the
other APC Networks, Peacelink is completely dedicated to peace, human
rights and ecology issues. Founded in1992 as a specialized conference of
Fidonet Italia network, Peacelink became quickly independent and well known
even outside Italy. Recently the network hosted a national conference on
peace-related matters, becoming also the only communication link for people
in the former-Yugoslavia and the outside world.
The first phase of the crackdown (May 11-13) targeted Fidonet Italia network
in several cities in the northern and cental regions of the country. While a
still inaccurate number of BBSes (probably from 30 to 60) were searched and
dozens were closed down, on May 25 an official press-release of the Finance
Police in Torino claimed a seizure "for a value of more than 4 billion of
Italian lire (about US $2,5 million), including 17 personal computers;
13,690 floppy disks of illegally copied software," dozens of modems and
electronic devices. Fourteen people were charged with "conspiracy with
unknown for the crime of software piracy" - but no arrests were made.
The new raid hit the online community at the exact moment when sysops,
users, media and citizens were waiting for a relaxing and clarifier signal
from investigators, including the first decisions about the seized hardware
scheduled in these days.
Right now, activists are coordinating a series of quick answers, including
the probable foundation of a National association dedicated to the
protection of civil rights for Electronic Citizens.
- Bernardo Parrella
<berny@well.sf.ca.us>
<b.parrella@agora.stm.it>
< - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - >
electronic distribution of this posting is greatly encouraged,
preserving its original version, including the header and this notice
< - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - >
##########################################################################
The E-Cafe -
##########################################################################
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: mac18@cus.cam.ac.uk (Sparky)
Subject: Announcing: The Electronic Cafe
Announcing: The Electronic Cafe
Imagine a place where access to the Internet is as easy as buying
a paper; where you can exchange knowledge and ideas with millions of
people worldwide. Imagine a focus for the interface between your local
community and the global community of the Internet.
You are thinking about the Ecafe - a community comining music,
art and imagination with the resources of a global network, a centre of
activity where ordinary people can use the facilities of the Internet
within their everyday lives.
Bringing together a music venue, a cafe and a connection to the
Internet, the Ecafe will give people access in a social setting. It will
provide local community information, educational resources, electronic
publishing, graphic design and an audience which spans the globe.
It will be a place for people to gather, a place of education and
creativity, a place where everyone is equal, providing a link to 15
million minds at the speed of light. The Ecafe will be this and more,
evolving via the imagination of its users into a local meeting place
in the global community.
The Electronic Cafe is simple in its goal; to provide Internet
access to the general public, but the Ecafe will be more than just another
connection onto the Internet. It will provide access for the public to the
vast array of information sources available and help people to add to that
resource, giving them the equipment to explore the creativity waiting to
be discovered within this new medium.
If you would like to find out more about the Ecafe then point
your web browser to:
http://www.cyberspace.org/u/ecafe/www/index.html
or Email ecafe@cyberspace.org
The Ecafe is scheduled to open by the end of this year in London.
We are currently looking for backers and sponsors to support the project,
if you would like to discuss the Ecafe in more detail, or perhaps even write
an article, I would be only to happy to meet you. I am available in the UK
over the next month and in America during July.
Mark Cheverton (ecafe@cyberspace.org)
363 King's College, Cambridge, England. CB2 1ST.
##########################################################################
Classes - Go-pher-It
##########################################################################
Sender: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum
From: Zach Copley <gorgon@crl.com>
Subject: Summer Go-pher-it Workshops
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
GO-PHER-IT: YOUR PASSPORT TO THE INTERNET
Due to popular demand, the Go-pher-it Workshop is back with a special
summer schedule ideal for educators, librarians, and others who work
with information.
Go-pher-it: Your Passport to the Internet is a three week
distance-learning workshop conducted entirely through e-mail. It is
designed to introduce the beginner to the worldwide gopher
information distribution system, as well as to enhance the skills of
the somewhat more experienced user.
WORKSHOP INFORMATION
During the workshop, you will learn:
* How to make the basic connection to gopher.
* How to use gopher to connect with some representative gopher sites.
* How to query gopherspace with the powerful Veronica program.
* How to setup gopher "bookmarks" and make changes in them in order
to personalize your gopher sessions.
* How to use gopher's bookmark facility to create your own customized
online service.
* The intimate relationship between gopher and other key Internet
retrieval tools, such as FTP, WAIS, and WWW while learning something
about them in the process.
Dates: In order to accomodate summer vacation schedules, three
workshops are planned:
Session I.........June 13 - July 3
Session II........July 11 - July 31
Session III.......August 8 - August 28
Cost: $20 per participant, per Workshop.
Sign up for ONE session only unless you plan to take the Workshop more
than once. To sign up for one of the Go-pher-it Workshop sessions,
please send an e-mail message to the listserv:
listserv@netcom.com
and in the body of the message, include:
subscribe go_pher_it
to subscibe to Session I, or
subscribe go_pher_it2
to subscibe to Session II, or
subscribe go_pher_it3
to subscribe to Session III.
This will automatically put you on the mailing list for more
information about the workshop, and you will receive an
acknowledgment with the particulars about signing up.
In order to get the most from this workshop it is helpful to have
access to a gopher client program, either by remote access, or by
actually running one on your own computer directly connected to the
Internet. To participate in the workshop you only need access to
e-mail; however, it is very desirable to be able to actually use a
gopher client while you are doing so.
The workshop leader, Thomas P. Copley, Ph.D., is one of the founders
of The Electronic University in San Francisco, and is an experienced
instructor of distance-learning courses via networks. In addition to
consulting for Apple Computer, Inc. on hyper-textual
distance-learning software, Dr. Copley has served on the faculties of
Washington State University, Antioch College, and Armstrong
University. He is also the Editor of the electronic newsletter the
TELELEARNING NETWORK SYNTHESIZER.
##########################################################################
##########################################################################
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a result of the work of people located
throughout the global Internet community. Net facilities for the
preparation of this newsletter are provided by NETCOM On-line
Communications Service, Inc. Editing is done by myself.
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at the WELL :
gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic nets... --->
networks & community; & the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CANADA : gopher ---->
gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
"Subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the Listowner for
the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to:
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE reading "subscribe
<firstname> <lastname>", OR by e-mail to myself, cvington@netcom.com
requesting to be put on my mailing list for the newsletter.
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs.
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN, with the exception of
Global Community or where noted, and may be used as you see fit.
To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter, contact
Stephen Covington <cvington@netcom.com>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.028
+504
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,504 @@
**************************************************************************
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : June 12, 1994
**************************************************************************
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging LOCAL resource creation &
GLOBAL resource sharing.
**************************************************************************
The 22nd Report of 1994 is the 28th Weekly Survey.
**************************************************************************
**************************************************************************
Coverage in this issue includes:
Global Community
News From The World
Community Networking Overview - Nancy Willard, ESD
Tools
Interesting New Mailing List
Classes & Meetings
##########################################################################
Global Community Part 1 & 2
##########################################################################
*PART 1*
Greetings!
Recently, in print media columns written by well known writers,
the topic of the Internet has been discussed, specifically the issue
of "flaming". Most of us have had contact with the phenomena, whether
directed at us as an individual or as lurker's in a news group or mailing
list. Quite a few of these attacks are vicious. Once in a while though,
the flame takes the form of a flashlight beacon, guiding the *offender*
of the net toward a better life in the Internet Community.
An article sent this past week to the owner of the Internet
Company received a very warm reception from the recipient and many others.
The article had to do with an individual sending a commercial message
regarding memory training via e-mail. Rob was not too happy with it and
forwarded it to the list along with his pointed reply. The whole thing
escalated as usual, with invoices flying back and forth! The original
sender was from a commercial online service and, (giving him the benefit
of the doubt) stated that an Internet book had said to place symbols in
the header to signify a commercial message.
Rather than light this fellow up any further, the gentleman whose
article I have included, used that "flashlight" concept to guide the
offender (hopefully) toward the right path. This article impressed me as
an excellent example of "community" behaviour.
***
To: (Dave Crocker),
(MR RICHARD B RUBIN JR)
From: rothman@clark.net (David H. Rothman)
Subject: Re: A copy of my response to Mr. Raisch
Cc: com-priv@psi.com
In case Richard Rubin is still curious about Rob Raisch's record as a
businessman, he might visit a 'Net-literate friend and gopher into The
Electronic Newsstand--one of the services that Rob helped create. There
Richard will find hundreds and hundreds, in fact probably *thousands*, of
magazine articles that anyone can dial up for free. Many are from famous
magazines such as the New Republic and the Atlantic. Rob isn't publishing
material online as a charity; instead he's paving the way for the time when
ad- and subscription-supported publications will be on the 'Net in a big
way. But in acting as he has, Rob has provided a valuable service to the
rest of us. No one forced me to spend time today reading the articles in
Rob's section of the 'Net; I did it because I wanted--in fact, because I saw
useful material relating to my work. If I'd seen ads there, I would have
been more receptive to the advertisers because they were supporting a useful
service. Unsolicited hard-sell in my mailbox will have the opposite effect.
As I've written Richard, he would do well to start a mailing list on a topic
related to his services as Mr. Memory or whatever he calls himself. That
way, like Rob Raisch, he would be simultaneously helping himself and the
'Net. Mr. Memory's customers could swap memory tips and, meanwhile, snap up
whatever publications and tape Richard pushed. Richard could even promote
his 'Net list in his paper mailings and ads in paper magazines, saying he
would employ high-tech to stay in touch with customers. He could use the
'Net, as well, to offer individual advice, charging by the hour. At some
point he might even start a newsgroup that focused on memory tips and
potentially reached thousands of people. *That's* how entrepreneurs like
Richard can simultaneously do well and good. If, on the other hand, ads are
all over the Internet, helter-skelter, without targeting, or if people are
distracted by ad-stuffed mailboxes, the 'Net will be suffer as an
advertising medium for small and big business alike.
You don't have to be a millonaire to start a mailing list, Richard;
cash-strapped activist groups do it all the time. Are you ready to play by
the rules?
David Rothman
rothman@clark.net
P.S. Yes, this will come across as an ad for Rob Raisch, but I haven't
received a penny from him. It's just one example of the goodwill awaiting
business people who use the 'Net responsibly.
***
Rothman explained to the man, firmly, that this "community" has a
way of doing things and provided us all with an example of how we should
react to "educating" the millions of new Internet explorers.
If we as Community Networkers act as flashlight beacons as we go
about evangelizing the uses of electronic messaging and communication, we
will become the international information infrastructure, continuing the
growth and expansion of the Internet on a human level, while the
politicians attempt to transform into something else. If we can do that,
the "clueless" will become the "Net Good Citizens" of the future.
-steve covington
##########################################################################
NEWS of the WIRED & WEIRD **** Received from various sources
##########################################################################
*************************************************************************
*************************************************************************
Subject: E-d-u-p-a-g-e 06/05/94 through 06/11/94 EDITED BY MYSELF
*************************************************************************
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
************************************************************************
Edupage, a summary of news items on information technology, is provided
three times each week as a service by Educom -- a consortium of leading
colleges and universities seeking to transform education through the use of
information technology.
************************************************************************
NEW USES FOR HIGH-TECH TRAINING
The Clinton administration plans to use expensive computer
simulators developed for the Pentagon to train tomorrow's workers in
subjects ranging from physics to manufacturing. (Business Week 6/6/94 p.44)
SNAIL MAIL AN ENDANGERED SPECIES?
Canada's postal corporation is making preparations to join the
info-highway. Its chair predicts that stamped mail likely will become
extinct as electronic information replaces regular mail, delivering
services by TV, telephone and computer. (Toronto Globe & Mail 6/03/94 B3)
HIGH-TECH ADVERTISING
Advertising agencies are pouring large amounts of cash into
information technology, for such things as in-house ad creation and
computer-based media planning. (Investor's Business Daily 6/3/94 A3)
POLITICAL DISSENT ON GOPHER
The Digital Freedom Net has a number of documents written by
Chinese political dissidents, and can be found at gopher.iia.org. (New York
Times 6/5/94 Sec.4 p.18).
E-MAIL AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Both the Bush and Clinton administrations have tried to restrict
public access to White House e-mail, but later this year the National
Security Agency will publish "White House E-Mail," a book-length collection
of e-mail messages. The book includes Iran-Contra affair communications to
and from Oliver North, who used e-mail because he thought it could be
easily deleted. One message from him reads: "Oh lord. I lost the slip and
broke one of the high heels. Forgive please. Will return the wig on
Monday." (So who needs the Clipper Chip?) (New York Magazine, 6/6/94 p.20)
PIONEERS PREFERENCE WINNERS PROTESTED
The winners of four licenses to offer wireless personal
communications services under the FCC's Pioneers Preference program are
under attack from rivals. Among other complaints is the fact that FCC
officials did not visit the companies' test sites to verify trial results,
although such visits are not mandated. The uproar is causing the FCC to
consider scrapping the program, which bestows free licenses in exchange for
developing cutting-edge technology. (Wall Street Journal 6/6/94 B2)
MCI COLLECTS ON 1-800-COLLECT
After MCI decided not to mention its name in connection with its
service, researchers found 50% of those using MCI's 1-800-COLLECT number
assumed it was run by AT&T. When AT&T attempted to retaliate with its own
1-800-OPERATOR number, it found that many callers dialed 1-800-OPERATER
instead, which is an MCI-toll-free number. (Business Week 6/13/94 p.78)
GETTING ORGANIZED
The next generation of pocket organizers by Voice Powered
Technology will include an expense-account system that understands verbal
memos like, "Taxi, $9; lunch with Joe, $38.50," and will organize them by
category. (Wall Street Journal 6/6/94 B1)
LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD
Information technology has changed the way businesses compete, and
equal access to market data and business opportunities gives small
companies a leg up in capitalizing on rapidly changing market conditions.
In addition, cheap computer-aided design and manufacturing software allows
small companies to crank out multiple prototypes without having to invest
in large product development labs. (Business Week/The Information
Revolution 1994, p.108)
VIRTUAL TOURING
Apple Computer unveiled new technology based on virtual reality
that enables users to take realistic "tours" of buildings and places.
QuickTime VR fits on a compact disk and requires a companion program called
QuickTime 2.0, which will be available this summer. (Wall Street Journal
6/8/94 B6)
CYBERCOP
A former New Jersey police officer now spends his time cruising for
suspects in cyberspace and has been involved in dozens of criminal
investigations, including a sting operation that nabbed a pedophile who
lured young rape victims via a bulletin board service. (Tampa Tribune
6/8/94 BayLife 5)
POPULATION BOOM IN CYBERSPACE
By the end of this year, nearly four million U.S. households will
have signed on with one of the Big Three online services -- American
Online, CompuServe or Prodigy. (Investor's Business Daily 6/9/94 A4)
E-MAIL PRIVACY
A survey of 301 companies by Macworld Magazine showed that 78.4% of
the firms do not spy on employee e-mail or search their electronic files.
Sen. Paul Simon (D-Ill.) has drafted legislation requiring that companies
tell their workers that their e-mail might be monitored. (Tampa Tribune
6/8/94 BayLife 5)
ONLINE IN ITALY
Olivetti will establish a joint online service company, Italia
On-line, similar to America Online and will use an interface based on
Microsoft Windows. (Investor's Business Daily 6/8/94 A9)
************************************************************************
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name>. To unsubscribe send the message: unsub edupage. Edupage is also
available in Portuguese and Spanish: edunews@nc-rj.rnp.br.
************************************************************************
Educom -- Transforming Education Through Information Technology
************************************************************************
##########################################################################
Community Networking- An Overview by Nancy Willard, ESD
##########################################################################
From: Nancy Willard ESD <WILLARD@EDLANE.LANE.EDU>
Subject: Description of community networks
I was asked to provide a brief description of community networks and thought
that my description might be helpful for others so it is being posted here.
Community Networks Overview
Community networks utilize advanced computer and telecommunications
technologies, the "information highway", for local public interest
information sharing and communication. Community networks will provide
all people with the ability to independently access a wide range of
information, gain a greater understanding of the issues facing society,
communicate more fully with other people and with the institutions that
serve them, and participate more fully in the democratic process.
Community networks are not just "on-ramps to the information highway";
they are the local "commons". They provide an electronic location for
community access to the vast amount of public interest information
available within the community through various agencies, organizations,
and individuals, as well as the opportunity to discuss community affairs
online. Community networks are also not just a service that is provided
"for" a community, they are a service created "by" a community
Community networks hold the promise of improving the quality of life for
all Americans. Community networks will help to insure that we do not
become a society of information "haves" and "have-nots". Those who are
in danger of becoming the information "have-nots" include those who are
poor, uneducated, live in rural communities or depressed urban areas, or
are fearful of technology and change. Community networks will provide
access to those without computers through public access terminals and
also provide training and support to their users.
Community networking is a grassroots movement fueled by visionary people
in communities throughout the U.S. and the world. Many of these local
programs are being developed through partnerships of libraries, education
institutions, public broadcasting, cable access television, local
governments, social service and health organizations, and community
members. Most of these programs are seeking to establish both local
information and communication services and public access to the Internet,
however, it is recognized that the most important role community networks
will play in the future is in providing local information and opportunity for
local dialogue, not the technical means of access.
Community networks are established as non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporations
and seek funding through a variety of sources, including user
contributions, fees, corporate sponsorships, government, foundation
grants and in-kind support from community collaborators.
*************************************************************************
Nancy Willard Whatever you can do,
Information Technology Consultant or dream you can do,
788 W 23rd Avenue begin it.
Eugene, Oregon 97405 Boldness has genius,
(503) 344-9125 power, and magic in it.
<willard@edlane.lane.edu> - Goethe
*************************************************************************
##########################################################################
Tools
##########################################################################
From: pcrawshaw@mta.ca (Peter Crawshaw)
Subject: Announcing HTMLed - An HTMLeditor for MS-Windows
Features:
Reads, writes UNIX files
Foreign character tags support
Implements the full set of HTML markup tags
Floating toolbars
Multiple Document Interface
Doesn't need any DLLs - fast!
Much more!
More features will be added in later versions.
Where to get it:
Anonymous FTP:
file://pringle.mta.ca/pub/HTMLed/htmed09a.zip
WWW:
http://pringle.mta.ca/~peterc/htmed09a.zip
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message
From: Ari Luotonen <luotonen@ptsun00.cern.ch>
Subject: WIT - W3 Interactive Talk
As brainstormed at WWW'94, I've now written a set of CGI scripts that make
it possible to have interactive discussions in the Web. It's called WIT,
W3 Interactive Talk. The pre-alpha version of the prototype (got it? :-))
is running on info.cern.ch:
http://info.cern.ch/wit
Read more about it in the WIT; and USE THE WIT to discuss it, don't
flood my mailbox with feature requests. :-)
Bare in mind that this was put together in a big hurry in a few days
so forgive me if it doesn't do yet all the things that it could do.
Have fun WIT'ting around!
-- Cheers, Ari --
##########################################################################
Interesting New Mailing List - Civic Values
##########################################################################
From: Ed Schwartz <EDCIVIC@DELPHI.COM>
Subject: Civic-Values Mailing List
The Institute for the Study of Civic Values and the Center for
Civic Networking have joined forces to create a new mailing list
called "Civic-Values."
This list is open to democratic activists and theorists whereever
they may be. Where Communet focuses on how new technologies can
strengthen democracy, here we will promote discussion of citizen
efforts to build strong neighborhoods and communities throughout
the country and to promote citizen participation in government
generally
To subscribe to this list, send a message to majordomo@civic.net
containing the single line: subscribe civic-values.
To receive further information about the list send a message to
majordomo@civic.net containing the single line: info civic-
values.
Join us.
Ed Schwartz, Institute for the Study of Civic Values
Miles R. Fidelman, Center for Civic Networking
##########################################################################
Classes & Meetings
##########################################################################
FIRST INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON COMMUNITY NETWORKING
INTEGRATED MULTIMEDIA SERVICES TO THE HOME
July 13-14, 1994
Westin Hotel, San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA
The registration fee is $350
for ACM and IEEE members; $450 for nonmembers.
cn@opera.hpl.hp.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CANADIAN COMMUNITY NETWORKS CONFERENCE
and founding meeting of
TELECOMMUNITIES CANADA
August 15-17, 1994
Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario
Sponsored by: Industry Canada
Morino Institute
Ontario, Culture, Tourism and Recreation; Libraries
and Community Information Branch
Hosted by: National Capital FreeNet
Conference contacts: Program coordination
Garth Graham, aa127@freenet.carleton.ca
Site administration:
Miranda Gray, ak717@freenet.carleton.ca
Registration:
Tom Riley, 76470.336@compuserve.com
National Capital FreeNet,Ottawa, hosted the first international conference
on community networking, Carleton University, August 17 to 19, 1993. That
conference brought people interested in community networking face-to-face
for the first time. This second conference builds on the previous
experience, but more closely focuses on the purposes, potentials, and needs
for developing community networks within Canada.
The 1993 conference participants recommended the establishment of a
national organization; to support the growth of electronic community
networks in Canada, and to share the experience of bringing communities
on-line. They wanted the new organization to be true to the spirit of the
Internet as a sociological experiment, and to mirror the grassroots spirit
of the freenets it supports. Following from their recommendations,
articles of incorporation for an association of community network
associations, called "Telecommunities Canada," are proceeding to
registration.
Organizing freenets as a means of community development has become a social
movement in Canada. The members of that movement are characterized by high
levels of energy and commitment to civic responsibility. If you want to
find out what Canadians who have the choice actually do on the Information
Highway, come to this conference and join in the discussions:
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?...ARE YOU:
* Active or interested in organizing freenets?
* Operating a freenet or other electronic community network?
* Interested in the social, economic, physical, and philosophical
impacts of community networking?
* Already a computer network user or planning to be?
* Involved in community, government or public interest groups
that want access to computer mediated communications and
networks?
* A content provider or service agent?
* A private industry executive or professional from the
Information Sector with an interest in broadening the base
of information technology use?
Garth Graham aa127@freenet.carleton.ca
Coordinator, Canadian Community Networks Conference, and
founding meeting, Telecommunities Canada, Aug. 15-17, 1994
Box 86, Ashton, Ont., K0A 1B0, 613-253-3497
##########################################################################
##########################################################################
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a result of the work of people located
throughout the global Internet community. Net facilities for the
preparation of this newsletter are provided by NETCOM On-line
Communications Service, Inc. Editing is done by myself.
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at the WELL :
gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic nets... --->
networks & community; & the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CANADA : gopher ---->
gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
"Subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the Listowner for
the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to:
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE reading "subscribe
<firstname> <lastname>", OR by e-mail to myself, cvington@netcom.com
requesting to be put on my mailing list for the newsletter.
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs.
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN, with the exception of
Global Community or where noted, and may be used as you see fit.
To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter, contact
Stephen Covington <cvington@netcom.com>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.029
+658
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,658 @@
**************************************************************************
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : June 22, 1994
**************************************************************************
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging LOCAL resource creation &
GLOBAL resource sharing.
**************************************************************************
The 23rd Report of 1994 is the 29th Weekly Survey.
**************************************************************************
**************************************************************************
Coverage in this issue includes:
Global Community
News From The World
Community Viability Fund Information
Institute for Global Communications
Announcement- Scholastic Network
Classes & Meetings
##########################################################################
Global Community
##########################################################################
Sorry for the lateness of the newsletter this week, I've been back
and forth to San Francisco to see my niece through open heart surgery.
This peppy little three year old pulled through with no problems and
should be coming home this Friday or Saturday. Amazing how quickly they
kick you out of the hospital these days!
As the newsletter is late, and I'm a bit preoccupied with her,
I'm going to spare you all my weekly diatribe! This week only!!!
-steve covington
##########################################################################
NEWS of the WIRED & WEIRD **** Culled from various sources
##########################################################################
*************************************************************************
*************************************************************************
Subject: E-d-u-p-a-g-e 06/12/94 through 06/18/94 EDITED BY MYSELF
*************************************************************************
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
************************************************************************
Edupage, a summary of news items on information technology, is provided
three times each week as a service by Educom -- a consortium of leading
colleges and universities seeking to transform education through the use of
information technology.
************************************************************************
DISKETTE DUMPING
The Washington Post reports that thousands of computer diskettes
are being dumped on the U.S. market by China. (Telecommunications Policy
Review 6/5/94 p.1)
CLIPPER CHIP DEBATE CONTINUES
Clipper Chip opponent Whitfield Duffie, a security specialist for
Sun Microsystems, says that "the virtue of cryptography should be that you
don't have to trust anybody not directly involved with your communication."
Clipper Chip supporter Dorthy E. Denny, head of Georgetown Universitiy's
computer science program, says: "It was an accumulation of factors that led
me to agree with Clipper, and the two most important areas, to me, are
organized crime and terrorism." (New York Times Magazine 6/12/94 p.44)
CANADIAN INTERNET HANDBOOK
"The Canadian Internet Handbook" is published by Prentice Hall
Canada and provides an extensive province-by-province compendium of
Internet access providers north of the border. Send e-mail to:
handbook@vm1.yorku.ca.
(Internet World July/August 1994 p.12)
DATA SECURITY MEETING SLATED
The Clinton administration will hold a public meeting July 15 on
security issues in the National Information Infrastructure. The public is
invited to attend the meeting, which will be held at the Commerce
Department auditorium, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call
Marty Ferris (202) 622-1110. Inquiries about the NII can be made by
anonymous ftp to iitf.doc.gov. Access is also available over the World Wide
Web. Questions can be addressed to nii@ntia.doc.gov. (BNA Daily Report for
Executives 6/6/94 A12
MOBILE MARKET GROWTH
The mobile messaging market will grow slowly and steadily over the
next few years, according to a recent survey of more than 200 Fortune 1000
companies. Only 20% of the companies currently use remote messaging, but a
growing number of out-of-office employees is driving the market.
(Telecommunications June 1994 p.22)
ISDN MIGRATES TO DESKTOP
A Frost & Sullivan report forecasts that by 1997, workstations,
multimedia terminals, fax machines and video-based products will account
for the majority of ISDN equipment revenues in the U.S. ISDN revenue is
expected to rise 28% from current levels by that time. (Data Communications
June 1994 p.16)
COMMERCIAL MOSAIC VERSIONS
Commercial versions of Mosaic will be launched this summer for
large technology companies by Spyglass and for consumers by Quarterdeck.
The Spyglass version of Mosaic will also be bundled into most major systems
from Digital Equipment Corporation. Meanwhile, Marc Andreeson, the
principal creator of NCSA Mosaic and now the co-principal of Mosaic
Communications, Inc., says his company is working on a "next generation
version, from the ground up, that will be commercially compelling."
(Internet Business Report June 95, p.1)
PC WITH TV, PHONE, RADIO, FAX
Packard Bell will be offering personal computers that can double as
radios, TVs, telephones and fax machines. Priced at $1000-3000, the systems
will use Intel's 486 and Pentium microprocessors and will come with stereo
speakers; Most will also have CD-ROM drives and include 27 software titles.
The systems will have removable plastic panels that allowing a consumer to
make a fashion statement by adding splashes of colors such as teal or
azure. "This is like adding a tie to a suit," says a company executive.
(New York Times 6/14/94)
COURT OVERRULES AN FCC ORDER TO REGIONAL BELLS
The U.S. Court of Appeals overruled an order of the Federal
Communications Commission that would have required regional Bell operating
companies to provide space in their central offices to competitors such as
MFS Communications, Teleport Communications, and Intermedia Communications.
(Investor's Business Daily 6/13/94 A15)
NEWTON NEWS
By year-end, Apple will launch a new version of the Newton personal
communicator with enhanced wireless capabilities and additional
applications. Sharp, Panasonic and other manufacturers will also be
releasing products based on Newton technology, and IBM is licensing the
Newton operating system and will introduce a personal communicator in early
1995. (Information Week 6/13/94 p.15)
BROADER ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE POWERS
The Canadian government wants a review of proposed legislation that
would make it easier for police to intercept digital or computer
communications. If approved, the legislation would allow police to monitor
a wide range of personal data such as credit card usage, telephone calling
patterns, automated teller transactions and even proposed interactive cable
systems. (Ottawa Citizen 6/13/94 A4)
BENEFITS OF TELECOMMUTING QUESTIONED
A researcher who studies telecommunicating is skeptical of claims
that productivity rises when employees are left to work at home since
e-mail is often used to "impression-manage" a situation, creating the
illusion of improved worker productivity. (Toronto Globe & Mail 6/14/94 B4)
PC WITH TV, PHONE, RADIO, FAX
Packard Bell will be offering personal computers that can double as
radios, TVs, telephones and fax machines. Priced at $1000-3000, the systems
will use Intel's 486 and Pentium microprocessors and will come with stereo
speakers; Most will also have CD-ROM drives and include 27 software titles.
The systems will have removable plastic panels that allowing a consumer to
make a fashion statement by adding splashes of colors such as teal or
azure. "This is like adding a tie to a suit," says a company executive.
(New York Times 6/14/94)
COURT OVERRULES AN FCC ORDER TO REGIONAL BELLS
The U.S. Court of Appeals overruled an order of the Federal
Communications Commission that would have required regional Bell operating
companies to provide space in their central offices to competitors such as
MFS Communications, Teleport Communications, and Intermedia Communications.
(Investor's Business Daily 6/13/94 A15)
NEWTON NEWS
By year-end, Apple will launch a new version of the Newton personal
communicator with enhanced wireless capabilities and additional
applications. Sharp, Panasonic and other manufacturers will also be
releasing products based on Newton technology, and IBM is licensing the
Newton operating system and will introduce a personal communicator in early
1995. (Information Week 6/13/94 p.15)
BROADER ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE POWERS
The Canadian government wants a review of proposed legislation that
would make it easier for police to intercept digital or computer
communications. If approved, the legislation would allow police to monitor
a wide range of personal data such as credit card usage, telephone calling
patterns, automated teller transactions and even proposed interactive cable
systems. (Ottawa Citizen 6/13/94 A4)
BENEFITS OF TELECOMMUTING QUESTIONED
A researcher who studies telecommunicating is skeptical of claims
that productivity rises when employees are left to work at home since
e-mail is often used to "impression-manage" a situation, creating the
illusion of improved worker productivity. (Toronto Globe & Mail 6/14/94 B4)
AT&T'S GOT THE BIG PICTURE ON VIDEO PHONECALLS
AT&T's new Worldworx service will push for new standards on the
next generation phone call, allowing talkers to see each other on computer
screens while chatting, sharing files and handwritten notes or pictures.
Apple, IBM, Sun Microsystems, Lotus, Novell, PictureTel and Xerox have
pledged to develop products and software to work with the new service.
Intel's support is notably absent. (Wall Street Journal 6/16/94 A3)
AIRWAVE INTERFERENCE WITH MEDICAL ELECTRONICS
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from sources of energy such as
cellular phones, metal detectors, and computers, is becoming a widespread
problem that is being seen by some as needing stronger government controls.
(Wall Street Journal 6/15/94 A1)
MICROSOFT'S CAIRO AND DAYTONA ON SCHEDULE
"Cairo," Microsoft's next version of Windows NT, will be shipped to
customers in the next couple of months, and "Daytona," a new version of NT
that runs more quickly and requires less computer memory, will also hit the
market this summer as planned. (Wall Street Journal 6/16/94 B7)
REVISING FAMILY HISTORY
DivorceX offers to expunge all traces of your ex-spouse in the
family photo albums, using a popular software called Photostop. The
proprietor scans the photo, erases the unwanted party's image, and reprints
the picture -- all for $100-200 a pop. What if you get back together? No
problem. He'll reinsert it by the same process. (Wall Street Journal
6/16/94 B1)
************************************************************************
Edupage. To add your name to the Edupage distribution list, send e-mail to:
listproc@educom.edu. In the body of the message type: sub edupage <your
name>. To unsubscribe send the message: unsub edupage. Edupage is also
available in Portuguese and Spanish: edunews@nc-rj.rnp.br.
************************************************************************
Educom -- Transforming Education Through Information Technology
************************************************************************
##########################################################################
COMMUNITY VIABILITY FUND - Contributed by Ed Schwartz
##########################################################################
From: EDCIVIC@delphi.com
To: civic-values@civic.net
Reply-To: civic-values@civic.net
Community Viability Fund: Direct Grants to Nonprofits
HUD has proposed the CommunityViability Fund (CVF), an
initiative of great importance to nonprofits and lower-income
communities since it provides, for the first time in many years,
a large federal program that would directly fund local
community-based organizations. CVF is loosely based on the
successful John Heinz Neighborhood Development Program which
currently receives only $5 million in funding.
The proposal has changed dramatically since it was first
introduced by HUD. Center for Community Change (CCC), through its
work with the Coalition for Low-lncome Community Development
(CL-II~D), worked closely with HUD to improve their original
language to ensure that the program was targeted to lower income
communities.
In addition, the definition of nonprofits was changed to
ensure that community-based groups would be given a preference in
receiving funds. In addition to working to improve HUD's
proposed legislation, a group of 23 national nonprofits
(including CCC) signed-on to a letter requesting that the House
Banking Committee include CVF in its Reauthorization Bill. The
House Subcommittee, through an amendment offered by Nydia
Velazquez (D-NY), included much of the revised language
authorising CVF. However, HUD's proposed 5100 million to fund
this initiative was reduced by the House to an authorization
level of no more than $40 million.
The Senate is currently drafting its bill and CCC will
continue to work through the ad hoc CVF Coalition to ensure that
the legislative language they include is targeted to low income
communities and private, community-based nonprofits. The Senate
Banking Committee is expected to mark-up their bill on June 21.
Community groups should contact their Representatives on the
House and Senate Banking Committees and ask them to support this
legislation.
A Summary of the Revised CVF Language
The legislation would fund community-based organizations
and capacity-building organizations to carry out neighborhood
development activities, provide training, and build community
capacity to carry out the housing, economic development, youth
development, family support, community service programs (and
other eligible activities) needed to promote the viability of
low- and moderate-income communities.
Eligible applicants for CVF funcls are defined as either a
community-based org,anization or a capacity-building
organization. A community-based organization is defined as: "a
private, nonprofit located in a low- or moderate-income
neighborhood or area; primarily responsible to the residents of
the neighborhood or area in which the organization operates, as
evidenced by the composition of its governing board; an
organization that conducts activities that help revitalize low-
and moderate-income neighborhoods or areas in a manner that
benefits persons of low and moderate income."
A capacity-building organization is defined as "a private,
nonprofit (could be city-wide, regional, state-wide, or even
national) which has experience and demonstrated expertise
developing the capacity of nonprofit community-based
organizations." If no private nonprofit group is available to
provide such assistance, HUD may select other entities with
skills and experience to work with community-based groups.
Seventy-five per cent of the funds would be awarded through
a HUD-administered national competition, while the remaining 25
percent would be awarded at HUD's discretion. For more
information contact Andrew Mott at Center for Community Change
(202/342-0567).
Electronic Editor Note: This is from the Center for Community
Change June Policy Alert. The Center for Community Change has
been developing grassroots community leadership and organizations
for many years.
Those who wish further information should contact Center for
Community Change, 1000 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington DC
202-342-0519
##########################################################################
INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS
##########################################################################
INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS Cooperation Through Telecommunications
PeaceNet * EcoNet * ConflictNet
18 De Boom Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
+1 (415) 442-0220 voice
+1 (415) 546-1794 fax
404205417 telex
support@igc.apc.org - email
What are IGC Networks?
The Institute for Global Communications (IGC) provides computer
networking tools for international communications and information
exchange.
The IGC Networks -- PeaceNet, EcoNet, ConflictNet and LaborNet --
comprise the world's only computer communications system
dedicated solely to environmental preservation, peace, and human
rights. New technologies are helping these worldwide communities
cooperate more effectively and efficiently.
IGC, located in San Francisco, California, is a division of the Tides
Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
By subscribing to any one of the IGC Networks, you have full access to
the resources of any of the other IGC Networks. To help you decide
which of the IGC Networks might best reflect your interests and needs,
here is a brief description of each:
EcoNet serves individuals and organizations working for environmental
preservation and sustainability. Important issues covered include:
global warming, energy policy, rainforest preservation, legislative
activities, water quality, toxics and environmental education.
PeaceNet serves peace and social justice advocates around the world in
such areas as human rights, disarmament, and international relations. A
number of alternative news services provide a range of information about
these and other topics from around the world.
ConflictNet serves groups and individuals working for social justice and
conflict resolution. ConflictNet's resources include guidelines for
choosing a neutral third party, sample case development in conflict
resolution, estensive biblographies, legislative updates, educational
materials and newsletters from around the world.
LaborNet serves groups, unions and labor advocates interested in
information sharing and collaboration with the intent of enhancing
the human rights and economic justice of workers. Issues
covered include workplace and community health and safety issues,
trade issues and international union solidarity and collaboration.
How People are Using the IGC Networks
Electronic Mail
Send and receive private messages -- including Fax and Telex -- to and
from more than 18,000 international peace, environmental and conflict
resolution users on our affiliated networks or to millions of users on
other networks. Electronic mail is quick, inexpensive, reliable and
easy to use.
Conferences
IGC's conferencing services offer easy-to-use tools in group
communication and event coordination. Geographically dispersed people
can communicate inexpensively on any subject. Whether you are
administering an organization or distributing an urgent action alert,
IGC conferences are an indispensable tool. Private conferences can be
set up to facilitate internal group decision-making, task-sharing
processes, or sensitive communications. Public conferences are great
for information sharing, newsletter distribution, legislative alerts and
news services.
Information Resources
IGC's several hundred public conferences also include events calendars,
newsletters, legislative alerts, funding sources, press releases, action
updates, breaking stories, calls for support, as well as ongoing
discussions on issues of global importance. IGC is also an access point
for the USENET system of interuniversity bulletin boards. IGC's
capabilities allow you to search lists of speakers, U.S. Congress and
world leaders, media, grant-making foundations or bibliographies.
International Programs & The Association for Progressive Communications
IGC regards international cooperation and partnership as essential in
addressing peace and environmental problems. IGC maintains a major
program to develop low-cost access to computer networking from outside
the United States, especially from non-industrialized and Southern
hemisphere countries. The result of this program has been the
Association of Progressive Communications (APC) which now includes low-
cost computer networks in eight countries. IGC has played a major role
in starting the Alternex (Brazil), Nicarao (Nicaragua) and GlasNet
(Russia) non-profit computer networks, as well as in providing technical
support to all of the partner networks.
Current projects include developing computer networks for peace,
environmental and international development organizations in Bolivia,
Costa Rica, Ecuador, Uruguay and Kenya. The focus of the work is to
empower local, indigenous organizations by transferring expertise and
capacity in computer networking. Operation and management of a local
APC node becomes the full responsibility of the local organization. All
APC partners are independent organizations, and retain full control over
their network.
IGC collaborates with the United Nations Development Programme in work
in Latin America. The International Programme is supported entirely by
grants from major Foundations and individual donors. Contributors
include: The Ford Foundation, General Service Foundation and the John
D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Join Our Global Community
Participate in a range of discussions and find information resources on
such topics, including:
Activist Resources, Africa, Air & Climate, Central & South America
Community, Conflict Resolution, Development, Disarmament, East -- West
Economics,,Education & Research, Energy, Environment & much, much more.
Communicate with people who don't have access to computer networks by
sending them a telex or fax directly from your IGC account!
IGC Rates
After a one-time $15 sign-up fee, the monthly subscription is $10, which
includes one free hour of off-peak time (after 6 p.m. and on weekends) and
phone support. Domestic connect time is $5/hour for off-peak and $7 for
peak time (M-F 7 am to 6 pm). 800 number access is available for rural,
Alaska and Hawaii users at $10 per hour. Internet connectivity is
available from many locations for $3 per hour. International connect
rates vary with each country's public data network. A growing number of
countries have direct SprintNet connections at $21 per hour.
Some gateways and storage space are extra.
How Can I Join? Fill out this coupon and send/fax it to us immediately!
Or sign up online by having your computer dial (415) 322-0284 (N-8-1) -
- have your credit card ready!. Type 'new' at the LOGIN prompt hit
<RETURN> at the PASSWORD prompt, then follow the step-by-step
instructions.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* SPECIAL OFFER -- When you sign up online, it *
* saves us administrative costs, so we offer one *
* free hour of connect time if you choose this *
* alternative. *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Select one: [ ] EcoNet [ ] PeaceNet
[ ] ConflictNet [ ] LaborNet
Name
Organization
Address
City, State, Zip
Telephone
Major Areas of Interest
Referred by
May we list your address in our online directory? Y/N
May we list your phone number? Y / N
Charge my subscription directly:
Name as it appears on card
Acct #/Exp. Date
Signature
I prefer to be billed monthly; enclosed is a refundable deposit for $50.
##########################################################################
##########################################################################
Subject: ANNOUNCEMENT: SCHOLASTIC LAUNCHES NEW INTERNET SERVICES
ANNOUNCEMENT SCHOLASTIC LAUNCHES INTERNET SERVER AND NEW K-12 SERVICES
The most trusted name in learning offers new resources to the Internet
community
New York, NY--June 12, 1994-- Scholastic Network today announced the launch
of Scholastic Internet Services, Created to offer K-12 teachers and students
an easy-to-use, high-value destination on the coming 'Information
Superhighway, the Scholastic Internet Services are accessible to all Internet
users and include a K-12 net site running Gopher, WAIS and WWW..
The new Scholastic Internet services announced today are: Scholastic
Internet Libraries, four electronic curriculum libraries with a myriad of
resources and over 5,000 full-text articles offered for site licenses; the
Scholastic Internet Center, a free Internet site offering information, lesson
plans, and electronic newsletters; and the Ultimate Education Store, a
searchable, on-line catalog of educational books, magazines, software,
curriculum kits, and more. "These Internet Services are an effective first
step in bringing Scholastic's information resources onto the Internet," said
Susan Mernit, Director of Network Development. "All the Scholastic Divisions
contributed to this effort.".
"As more schools connect to the Internet, Scholastic Internet Services
provide a simpler method for teachers and students to get access to libraries
of information on science, language arts, and technology," said Richard
Robinson, President, Chairman, and CEO of Scholastic. " When we launched
Scholastic Network with America Online last fall, our goal was to help K-12
teachers and their students work interactively with a variety of information.
With the introduction of our Internet services, all educators with Internet
access gain the ability to connect to Scholastic materials."
"From a national perspective, the emergence of electronic information
delivery presents new opportunities for all sectors of society," said Linda
Roberts, Secretary's Advisor on Technology, U.S. Department of Education.
"The Internet offers educators access to information that was previously
difficult to reach. With a growing number of teachers on the Internet, this
use of technology clearly allows teachers to better serve the needs of
students."
Using technology developed by Wide Area Information Services (WAIS),
Scholastic's technology partner in this effort, parents and teachers can
easily search and retrieve what they are looking for in the Scholastic
libraries as well as the aisles of books, magazines, newsletters and other
educational products in the store, without leaving their home, school or
office. Consumers and educators can order information and materials directly
from the company using credit cards and purchase orders online.
The WAIS technology allows Scholastic Internet Services users to browse and
search without typing long commands. For example, a student is able to ask
for information about "volcanoes" and immediately see a list of all the data
available relating to volcanoes. This technology makes the Internet more
accessible to computer-users who often find the Internet difficult to
navigate.
One of the new services, the Scholastic Internet Libraries, is available to
state education networks, regional telephone companies, and regional internet
providers for site license for their account-holders. These content-rich
libraries offer curriculum resources in four areas--middle school science,
reading and language arts, integrating technology into the classroom, and
teaching with seasonal activities. Subscribers to the Scholastic Network on
America Online have full access to these Internet resources without
additional charge.
Education-related networks, gophers, MOSAIC sites, etc. are encouraged to
connect to the Scholastic Internet Center For more information on the
services, including the URL and Gopher addresses to link to, send email to
sninternet@aol.com. A special effort is being made to provide appropriate and
relevant resources and pages for students as well--stay turned!)
Scholastic Network is the first full-service online network designed
exclusively for teachers and students. Scholastic Inc. (NMS:SCHL) ,
headquartered in New York, is among the leading publishers and distributors
of children's books, classroom and professional magazines, and other
educational materials. The Company also publishes educational computer
software and produces children and family-oriented video and television
programming. Scholastic operates in the United States, Canada, Australia, the
United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
For press information, contact Todd Friedman,Scholastic, 212-343-6878
email: toddotodd@aol.com
For Internet Services information, contact Susan Mernit,Director of Network
Development, Scholastic Network, 555 Broadway, New York, NY 10012; phone:
212-343-4940.
email: Susanim@aol.com
##########################################################################
Classes & Meetings
##########################################################################
From: "chere campbell gibson" <cgibson@macc.wisc.edu>
TENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON TEACHING AND LEARNING
AT A DISTANCE
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
AUGUST 10-13, 1994
GENERAL INFORMATION
Who Should Attend
The conference attracts over 350 participants from throughout the
United States, Canada, and other countries. Included are
teachers, trainers, administrators, managers, instructional
designers, producers, researchers and others involved in or
exploring distance education.
Participants are experienced professionals as well as newcomers.
They represent a variety of organizations in secondary, post
secondary, K-12 education, continuing education, business,
industry, the military, government, health care and
telecommunications.
For additional information, contact Chere Gibson cgibson@macc.wisc.edu
##########################################################################
##########################################################################
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a result of the work of people located
throughout the global Internet community. Net facilities for the
preparation of this newsletter are provided by NETCOM On-line
Communications Service, Inc. Editing is done by myself.
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at the WELL :
gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic nets... --->
networks & community; & the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CANADA : gopher ---->
gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
"Subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the Listowner for
the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to:
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE reading "subscribe
<firstname> <lastname>", OR by e-mail to myself, cvington@netcom.com
requesting to be put on my mailing list for the newsletter.
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs.
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN, with the exception of
Global Community or where noted, and may be used as you see fit.
To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter, contact
Stephen Covington <cvington@netcom.com>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.030
+392
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,392 @@
**************************************************************************
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : July 17,1994
**************************************************************************
Networks and Community is devoted to encouraging LOCAL resource creation &
GLOBAL resource sharing.
**************************************************************************
The 24th Report of 1994 is the 30th Weekly Survey.
**************************************************************************
**************************************************************************
Coverage in this issue includes:
Notes
Global Community
News From The World
Tools
WWW Guide to Civic Networking
New Usenet Group
Classes & Meetings
###########################################################################
Notes
###########################################################################
I'm b-a-a-a-c-k!!! (Gee, I hope Jack Nicholson doesn't sue me for
stealing his line.) It's been a busy 3 weeks. My niece is doing well,
my ribs are feeling better, and I have started a new job. Now I can get
back to writing this newsletter. I apologize for the delays and beg your
forgiveness!
I am starting to make the changes in the newsletter that I
promised earlier in the year. Within the next month I will be providing
more of the content myself versus the cut and paste of Edupage, etc. If
their are any aspiring writers out there (you know who you are!) send me
articles for inclusion.
Until next week...
-steve covington
##########################################################################
Global Community
##########################################################################
*** I thought that this might be of interest to you all. -steve
From: EDCIVIC@delphi.com
Subject: Social Contract Project and Networking
To: civic-values@civic.net
Reply-To: civic-values@civic.net
It occurs to me that an aspect of the Social Contract Project that I
mentioned in passing in my post to Pat relates to various conversations here
and on Communet relating to the possibilities of this medium.
Though we began developing the project in Philadelphia three years ago, it
was always our intent to try to gain interest in using this technique around
the country. Through my involvement in the National Community Development
Association, representing local community development coordinators, there
are various cities that might be interested. Beyond this, people from
Baltimore and Albuqerque have exchanged correspondence with us on the
program.
It was in response to trying to figure out how we could provide
support to such people and groups that I decided to check out the
possibilities of the Internet. Here was a way, I imagined, that people
working in local areas on a particular program could support one another
without having to get on planes every month.
People here have speculated how community networking might be used to
advance real work beyond the kind of exchanges that we already have. Well,
here's one activist who came to this media with that in mind.
So the offer is open to Civic-Values list members--and anyone else you think
should know about it. If you think that developing social contracts in your
community along the lines that I describe in my posts on Queen Village,
etc., would make a positive contribution to building community in your area,
we are prepared to build a national network through this medium of groups
and people involved in the process.
Who knows? Perhaps this should be one of the ongoing themes within this
list itself, among the many projects ought to be of interest to us here.
Ed Schwartz, Institute for the Study of Civic Values, 1218 Chestnut St.,
Rm. 702, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107 215-238-1434 edcivic@delphi.com
"Citizenship is the American ideal. There may be an army of actualities
opposed to that ideal, but there is no ideal opposed to that ideal."
--G.K. Chesterton
########################################################################
NEWS of the WIRED & WEIRD **** Culled from various sources
##########################################################################
From: Gleason Sackman <sackman@plains.nodak.edu>
Subject: JEWEL> INTERNET RELATED DOCS (fwd)
To: net-happenings <net-happenings@is.internic.net>
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 10 Jul 94 21:47:33 CDT
From:david.riggins@tpoint.com
To: Multiple recipients of list <gopherjewels@einet.net>
Subject: INTERNET RELATED DOCS
An interesting collection of Internet related documents and resources.
Lite and friendly...good resource for the new user. I found this pointer
on another gopher, but it seems to be located on The Internet Company
(Cambridge,MA) gopher.
--> 1. Dern's Internet Info, News and Views - About This Directory.
2. What's New (partial list, done by hand).
3. Semi-Poetic Justice: We've Grepped a Little List.
4. Please Read!.
5. Internet Learner's Permit, Net.Buddy System, Etc./
6. Boston Globe VOXBOX (by Dern) menus, text and info/
7. Internet News and Views - "All The News That's Fit To Grep"/
8. Useful Internet Lists and other Info/
9. Humor From, On, About and By the Internet/
10. "Under Deconstruction - Soft hats required"/
11. The Internet Guide for New Users by Daniel Dern/
12. Boom Tubes and Stepping Disks (To Interesting Places)/
13. Plugh/
14. A Pointer Back To Internet.Com/
15. Other Interesting Stuff (From the UMinn gopher menu)/
Type=1
Name=Dern's Internet Info, News and Views
Path=1/
Host=gopher.internet.com
Port=2200
URL: gopher://gopher.internet.com:2200/11/
********************************************************************
I do not represent this site...I just found it and thought it would
be of interest. I make every attempt to identify the point of origin
on every site I find. If I have made an error, please let me know.
Also, I assume everyone reading this post will access the site via
gopher. I have no idea (and do not attempt to find out) if the site
supports public telnet access.
David Riggins
Gopher Jewels Project
david.riggins@tpoint.com
##########################################################################
TOOLS= TCP-IP for Internet Access
##########################################################################
From: Harry M. Kriz <hmkriz@vt.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L
<PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
Subject: Windows and TCP/IP for Internet Access
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I have issued an update of my paper on using Windows software for accessing
internet resources. This release contains new material on basic internet
functions and services, as well as updated information on shareware clients.
An abstract of the paper is included at the end of this note.
The complete document in ASCII format is about 52,000 bytes. It is available
by anonymous ftp from:
nebula.lib.vt.edu in directory /pub/windows/winsock under filename
wtcpip05.asc
Revised: June 21, 1994
Release 05
--------------------------------------
WINDOWS AND TCP/IP FOR INTERNET ACCESS
-------- ABSTRACT
Internet, the global network of computer networks, is arousing enormous
popular interest. In part, this interest is being driven by the
availability of free or inexpensive shareware software for Microsoft
Windows. It is now technically simple for a personal computer to become a
host on the internet. The casual user can find, retrieve, and view
information gathered from around the world without having to learn
complicated computer commands. In this paper, I describe the principal
functions and services available via the internet. Then I outline the
technical background and terminology needed by the beginner who wants to
make his PC a host on the internet. Finally, I describe several Windows
software packages and programs that facilitate using internet services.
All the software is freely available over the internet.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Harry M. Kriz hmkriz@vt.edu
703-231-7052
FAX: 703-231-3694
University Libraries Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
(Virginia Tech) Blacksburg, VA 24061-0434 USA
##########################################################################
WWW Guide to Civic Networking
##########################################################################
Sender: "Communet: Community and Civic Network Discussion List" <C
OMMUNET@uvmvm.uvm.edu>
From: Catherine Kummer <ckummer@SILS.UMICH.EDU>
Subject: Update - WWW Guide to Civic Networking
The WWW Guide to Civic Networking has a new URL -
http://http2.sils.umich.edu/ILS/community.html
I appreciate the comments and suggestions I have received and I apologize
for the confusion over the address change.
Thanks - Catherine Kummer
##########################################################################
New Usenet Group = Soc.org.nonprofit
##########################################################################
Newsgroups: soc.org.nonprofit
Path:
netcom.com!netcomsv!decwrl!gatekeeper.us.oracle.com!sgiblab!news.cs.indiana.edu
!mchui@cs.indiana.edu
From: "Michael Chui" <mchui@cs.indiana.edu>
Subject: Soc.org.nonprofit Charter
Message-ID: <1994Jul5.163749.923@news.cs.indiana.edu>
Keywords: nonprofit charter
Organization: Computer Science, Indiana University
Date: Tue, 5 Jul 1994 16:37:44 -0500
Lines: 17
Management of nonprofit organizations, fundraising,
grant resources, building business/nonprofit partnerships,
volunteer recruitment techniques, critical evaluation of
nonprofit organizations, donor concerns, client issues (e.g.
privacy), the role of nonprofits in the online world and how to
use online resources to strengthen nonprofit agencies and promote
wise giving practices.
The group will soon be bidirectionally gatewayed to the
mailing list usnonprofit-l@rain.org.
Michael Chui
mchui@cs.indiana.edu
P.S. While the topic of fundraising is mentioned in the charter,
it would probably be better to discuss the issue of fundraising on
this newsgroup, rather than using it as a medium for solicitation.
--
##########################################################################
Classes & Meetings
##########################################################################
From: Gleason Sackman <sackman@plains.nodak.edu>
Subject: MEET> Internationall Meeting On Community Commun. via e-mail (fwd)
To: net-happenings <net-happenings@is.internic.net>
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
Precedence: bulk
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 10 Jul 1994 22:25:40 -0600 (MDT)
SENDER: carmen linda gonzales <carmen@unm.edu>
Subject: Community Communication in Latin America (fwd)
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 10 Jul 1994 12:27:25 -0400 (AST)
From: Pedro Lopez C. <plopez@conicit.ve>
To: carmen@triton.unm.edu
Subject: Community Communication
INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION
Is there a VIRTUAL COMMUNITY?
What is it and where is it?
How do you become part of it?
What role does that VIRTUAL COMMUNITY play and will play in shaping the
changes that are being called for?
Can South American countries be a part of this GLOBAL COMMUNITY?
Is there any priority being given to upgrading the obsolete
telecommunications infrastructure in countries like Venezuela so they can
be a part of such a COMMUNITY?
Who is opposed to that change and why?
Do the members of that VIRTUAL COMMUNITY have anything to say about the
crisis in COMMUNITIES in general, and in Venezuelan communities in
particular?
Why haven't Latin American governments decided to use ISDN?
What role do social communicators play in the IDENTIFICATION AND SOLUTION
of the problems with old community forms that are the background of the
NEW VIRTUAL COMMUNITY?
Can the new technologies dissolve the old North/South disparities or will
they accentuate ideological differences?
Does it make sense to continue the old nationalistic discourse in the new
world-wide circumstances and with the interchange of digital information?
Are liberty of expression, voluntary search for identity with similar
groups, and free use of social communication for the exchange of
information and private opinion, compatible with the monopolies and lobbies
of organized journalists and/or media impresarios?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Pampero Ecological Foundations, the Venezuela Neighbor's School, among
others, invite all the VIRTUAL COMMUNITY to participate in the first
INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION by responding to any of
the topics listed above, or any others that you propose by E-mail.
***************************************************************************
To participate all you have to do is send an E-mail message to
plopez@conicit.ve
***************************************************************************
Please be BRIEF, DIRECT AND SIMPLE.:-)
Present your *private electronic opinion*. In Venezuela we also want to
know points of view from the VIRTUAL COMMUNITY on the problems that beset
all communities. We want to hear the murmur of the computers whenever
they may be connected to minds that are functioning.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The messages that are received will be shared with an audience of 400
participants made up of journalists, neighbors, artists and social
communicators from Venezuela and other parts of the planet. They are part
of the documented record OF THE COMMUNICATION EXPERIENCE IN CYBERSPACE that
is being realized in the context of the meeting. We think that
considerable discussion will be stimulated.
The event will take place at the Romulo Gallegos Center for Latin American
Studies in the city of Caracas, Venezuela, on July 11 and 12, 1994. It is
proposed that wide-opened discussions will be stimulated that include
citizens, pioneers, the new visionary communicators that are part of the
VIRTUAL COMMUNITY.
GET CONNECTED, by just mentioning those two words. Messages are received
24 hours a day at
plopez@conicit.ve
For more information outside of cyberspace, contact:
Pedro Lopez
Turagua Center for Art and Communication (CACTu)
voice/fax: (58 43) 618741
##########################################################################
##########################################################################
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a result of the work of people located
throughout the global Internet community. Net facilities for the
preparation of this newsletter are provided by NETCOM On-line
Communications Service, Inc. Editing is done by myself.
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at the WELL :
gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic nets... --->
networks & community; & the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CANADA : gopher ---->
gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
"Subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the Listowner for
the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to:
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE reading "subscribe
<firstname> <lastname>", OR by e-mail to myself, cvington@netcom.com
requesting to be put on my mailing list for the newsletter.
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs.
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN, with the exception of
Global Community, Notes or where noted, and may be used as you see fit.
To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter, contact
Stephen Covington <cvington@netcom.com>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.031
+501
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,501 @@
**************************************************************************
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : August 8,1994
**************************************************************************
Networks and Community is a biweekly publication devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
**************************************************************************
The 25th Report of 1994 is the 31st Newsletter.
**************************************************************************
**************************************************************************
Coverage in this issue includes:
Notes
Global Community
News From The World
Tools
Classes & Meetings
###########################################################################
Notes
###########################################################################
Again it seems that I must apologize for the randomness of when I
get this newsletter published. I have been the busiest that I have ever
been within the last 5 weeks due to starting a new job performing
technical support for the US's leading internet provider.
I have found that many of the callers to tech support are not only
new internauts but also new visitors to the world of computing. There are
folks out there that get SO excited when you teach them even a little bit
about what can be done, seen, or obtained from the vast network of
computers loosely known as the Internet.
A woman called the other day wanting to learn how to ftp a file
from a server in Tennessee. All she had was the URL that she found in an
Internet book somewhere. I took her step by step through the process and
you would have thought that she had won the lottery she was so excited
when she downloaded the document to her own computer. She thought that
it was like magic!
A few weeks ago a man called, said that he had purchased a
computer, and had received a "subscription" to the Internet as a result of
this purchase. He stated that he took this $5k system home, turned it
on, and all that was on the screen was a "C" prompt and didn't know where
to go from there. Heck, for $5000, the machine should have TOLD him what
to do! We got him into windows, set up his terminal program, and had him
surfing the net in no time.
The point that I'm trying to make here is that we get hundreds of
calls like this monthly. These are the new Internet users. These folks
make newbies of ten years ago look like computer science majors! Some of
these new users are going to end up posting to a mailing list or Usenet
news group that you participate in. Be patient with them so that they
may learn by example. By accepting that we all make mistakes when we're
learning and treating these newcomers kindly, I believe that the
Internet will surpass all of our expectations. If we flame them, we lose
something from them and also in ourselves.
-steve
###########################################################################
Global Community
###########################################################################
From: Gleason Sackman <sackman@plains.nodak.edu>
Subject: WWW> New HumanRights WWW Page (fwd)
To: net-happenings<net-happenings@is.internic.net>
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: ariel@netcom.com (Catherine Hampton)
Subject: New Human Rights WWW
I've got a new World Wide Web page up that focuses on human rights. It's
less than half done, but I think it's ready to be used by more than a few
beta-testers who've so kindly checked it out and warned me about the big
bugs so far. (Waving at Dan).
The url to the home page for the site is:
ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/ariel/www/human.rights/human.rights.html
It includes an introduction to the human rights concept (about 1/4
complete), a functioning Human Rights newswire, a soon-to-be-functioning
Alerts page, a bunch of UN documents in HTML format with hypertext
bookmarks to allow references to them, a couple of summary pages which
cover the most interesting points and refer to the documents, a
subjects index page (to be written), etc.
If you see typos or obvious errors you think I won't have seen, please
send me email and let me know about them.
I am also looking for a couple of things from different people:
* If you represent a human rights organization and want to be mentioned
on the organizations page, please contact me. While I will not
post information on a purely political group of any type, regional
or small-scale groups are welcome.
* If you are part of an Amnesty International group or other group
with an adopted prisoner of conscience whose case you would like
to have featured on the Biographies Page, please contact me.
* If you know of some good Human Rights resources on Internet which
are not mentioned on the "Other Internet HR Resources" page, please
send me email with the url.
* If you are a source of news articles or press releases on human
rights issues, please contact me.
* If you would like to help with writing up part of the site which
you notice is not finished yet, please check the Site Admin page
(accessible from the bottom of each page) for more information.
I would especially like to get some written thoughts for the
"Human Rights Issues" page from people with a variety of backgrounds
and opinions.
* If you have an idea about a resource which you don't see and think
would be useful to people, please contact me. I'll respond even
more quickly if you are willing to help implement it. :>
I did this site because I saw a need for it. (Translation: I kept looking
for one and asking myself why "someone" hadn't done it.) ;> While I am
a member of Amnesty International (and have unofficially told quite a few
Amnesty people about this site), it is not an Amnesty International site
but a private effort. Other human rights groups will be featured, and are
welcome to participate fully. I want to make this site as useful as
possible to as wide a group as possible.
And, of course, I'm responsible for all errors. Thank you for your time
and help.
Catherine Hampton
=========================================================
Compuserve: 71601,3130 Internet: ariel@netcom.com
WWW: ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/ariel/www/homepage.html
###########################################################################
NEWS of the WIRED & WEIRD **** Culled from various sources
###########################################################################
From: Gleason Sackman <sackman@plains.nodak.edu>
Subject: JEWEL> BUSINESS
RESOURCES (fwd) To: net-happenings <net-happenings@is.internic.net>
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:david.riggins@tpoint.com
Business Sources on the Net has a nice collection of documents that
identify business resources on the Internet. The Introduction
(option 1) was not working when I was there. The site is located at
Kent State University.
--> 1. An Introduction to BSN.
2. BSN.ACCOUNTING.
3. BSN.COMPUTER.
4. BSN.ECONOMICS.
5. BSN.FINANCE.
6. BSN.GENERAL.
7. BSN.INVESTMENTS.
8. BSN.LOCATION.
9. BSN.MANAGEMENT.
10. BSN.OPERATIONS.
11. BSN.PERSONNEL.
12. BSN.STATISTICS.
Type=1+
Name=Business Sources on the Net
Path=D-1:11404:Business Sources on the Net
Host=refmac.kent.edu
Port=70
URL: gopher://refmac.kent.edu:70/1D-1:11404:Business Sources on the Net
********************************************************************
I do not represent this site...I just found it and thought it would
be of interest. I make every attempt to identify the point of origin
on every site I find. If I have made an error, please let me know.
Also, I assume everyone reading this post will access the site via
gopher. I have no idea (and do not attempt to find out) if the site
supports public telnet access.
David Riggins
Gopher Jewels Project
david.riggins@tpoint.com
From: Gleason Sackman <sackman@plains.nodak.edu>
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
SENDER: "Mike Walsh" <p00426@psilink.com>
Subject: 38% of Top 2,000 Companies Have Internet Presence
In a May 1994 study, InterNet Info found that 46% of the largest
publicly traded companies had some form of Internet presence.
Internet presence was defined as having either a domain, network or
host computer registered with InterNIC. The study included 490
publicly traded companies with sales in excess of $1.5 billion.
We recently expanded the study and found that 38% of all publicly
traded companies with sales in excess of $400 million have some
form of Internet presence. This study included 2,064 companies.
Source: InterNet Info, Falls Church, VA For more information send
email to top_2000@internetinfo.com.
###########################################################################
TOOLS
###########################################################################
Netcom Online Communications recently released thier proprietary
(works through accessing an account with Netcom) Windows(tm) program for
accessing the Internet. NetCruiser(tm) uses CSLIP OR COMPRESSED SERIAL
LINE INTERNET PROTOCOL to connect your PC to the Internet. Your system is
assigned an IP address dynamically by Netcom's host computers each time
you connect. Once connected, your system can communicate directly with any
other host computer on the Internet. NetCruiser will be continously
enhanced to take advantage of new protocols and resources available on the
Net. NetCruiser will update itself while you're online as these
enhancements are added.
Available through Netcom, the application provides many
capabilities:
ELECTRONIC MAIL: Send mail directly to others anywhere quickly and easily.
USENET NEWS: A world wide bulletin board covering just about any topic
of interest. Read, post and print articles as needed.
WORLD WIDE WEB: Includes a WWW browser similar to Mosaic(tm) or
Cello(tm). This ability allows you to explore the new
multi-media, hypertext based resources on the Internet.
GOPHER CLIENT: Access gopher menus from computers around the world.
FILE TRANSFER: Transfer files using WWW, gopher or NetCruiser's own
standard FTP between your computer and others available
on the Net.
TELNET: Open multiple telnet windows. Great for accessing your
shell accounts.
GRAPHIC IMAGE
VIEWER: View color graphical images in standard formats such as
GIF, JPEG, & XBM with photographic quality.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Gleason Sackman <sackman@plains.nodak.edu>
Subject: SOFT> COMt: the Telnet Modem
To: net-happenings <net-happenings@is.internic.net>
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Newsgroups: comp.os.ms-windows.networking.tcp-ip,
comp.os.ms-windows.programmer.networks,alt.winsock,
comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc
From: yon@world.std.com (David A Yon)
Subject: Announcement: "COMt: the Telnet Modem"
This message is to announce the release of COMt version 1.0.
"COMt: the Telnet Modem" is a WinSock 1.1-compliant communications
driver which allows you to assign unused COM ports to act as "Telnet
Modems". Each Telnet Modem acts as a Hayes-compatible modem, so
it provides the behavior expected by most comm programs. All you
need to do is tell your favorite Windows terminal program to connect
to one of these telnet ports, then give the IP address for a phone
number. When you "dial", you will be connected to the host via a
TELNET connection.
Features include:
- Complete Hayes(tm)-compatible modem emulation
- Connect using IP addresses or hostnames
- Connect to TELNET or another port number you specify
- Selectable TELNET binary mode on or off.
- Selectable TELNET terminal-type option supported
- Selectable TELNET baud-rate option supported.
- Selectable TELNET echo-mode option supported.
- Requests for serial ports are passed on to your original
comm driver for completely transparent operation.
The program is shareware, with a registration fee of US
$15.95, payable by VISA/Mastercard, check, or in the SWREG forum
of CompuServe. You can obtain a copy of COMt from the following
places:
- On CompuServe in the IBMCOM forum as "comt.zip"
- Via anonymous-ftp to ftp.std.com, as the file:
/customers/software/rfdmail/comt.zip
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Gleason Sackman <sackman@plains.nodak.edu>
Subject: SOFT> NetMinder Internet Address Database - Windows
To: net-happenings <net-happenings@is.internic.net>
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: netmind@infomatch.com (NetMinder Support)
Newsgroups: alt.internet.services
Subject: Announce - NetMinder v1.2
ANNOUNCEMENT: NetMinder for Windows 1.2
See the NetMinder HTTP Title Page:
http://infomatch.com:70/0h/docs/softworld/netminder
Info Match Communications
143 - 9632 Cameron St.
Burnaby, B.C.
Canada
netmind@infomatch.com
http://infomatch.com:70
Info Match Communications Inc., Canada's leading manufacturer of Internet
consumer software is pleased to announce the release of version 1.2 of the
NetMinder Internet Address Database for MS Windows. NetMinder is the only
Internet address program for Windows that works with your terminal
program to make the Internet easy. Previous versions of NetMinder are
used by organizations such as Atomic Energy Canada Limited and the
Nova Scotia Technology Network.
To view screen shots and obtain more information use Mosaic to see the
NetMinder title page at:
http://infomatch.com:70/0h/docs/softworld/netminder
or email for information to netmind@infomatch.com
NetMinder is a Microsoft Windows program that allows the easy use,
storage and manipulation of hard to remember Internet or other network
addresses. NetMinder lets you enter these addresses into its database either
by manually entering them, or by using the Windows cut and paste functions
to "cut" them from your Windows compatible terminal screen and "pasting"
them right into the NetMinder entry screen.
One way to think of what NetMinder does is to view it as an electronic address
book. You could use it to record E-Mail addresses and then use it's
search capabilities to find a specific name. Or perhaps for example, you
might want to list everyone who has the domain .edu in their address.
NetMinder stores more than just E-Mail addresses, it is specifically
configured for Telnet, FTP, WAIS or any other conceivable network category.
While the "Address Book" analogy for NetMinder is in some respects true,
NetMinder is far from being just another address book program. NetMinder
is a powerful database program that can create an unlimited number of
different databases, each containing many thousands of entries. NetMinder
not only has the capability to record network information for each entry,
but external information such as postal addresses and memos as well.
NetMinder stores its information in a standardized DBASE IV file format. This
makes it easy to take the information you have stored in NetMinder and use
it in another program (such as Microsoft Access or Borland Paradox). Using
this capability you could for example use Access to print postal mailing
labels for the entries in your NetMinder database.
NetMinder is completely compatible with your Windows network and other
software such as Chameleon. Multiple instances of NetMinder can be run,
and databases can be exchanged amongst them or with any other users of
NetMinder.
July 25 1994
Copyright Infomatch Communications Inc.
###########################################################################
Classes & Meetings
###########################################################################
From: Gleason Sackman <sackman@plains.nodak.edu>
Subject: SEM> Twenty-first Century Marketplace - Indiana
(fwd) To:net-happenings <net-happenings@is.internic.net>
---------- Forwarded message ----------
SENDER: Kimberly Shaffer <shaffer@CIC.Net>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seminar Announcement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CICNet, Inc. Bunyip Information Systems, Inc.
Ann Arbor, MI Montreal, Canada
CICNet, Inc. and Bunyip Information Systems, Inc. announce "The
Twenty-first Century Marketplace...Doing Business on the Internet," a
seminar designed for Internet-connected organizations and Internet
"soon-to-be's." Moving attendees beyond general concepts and "what if's,"
this seminar provides a clear road map for merging onto today's
Information Superhighway and explains the transportation vehicles
available to get you there.
The "Twenty-first Century Marketplace is open to the general public and
will be taught by Peter Deutsch, well known Net personality and president
of Bunyip, Inc. Seminar topics will include:
* What is the Information Superhighway?
* What information resources are available, why would your
organization find them of interest, and how do you mine them?
* Market trends: How business is shaping the Internet
* Funding models: How do you support the technology"?
* Charging models: Can I make money with this emerging technology?
* Costs of doing business: Is this lunch really free?
Seminar logistics
-----------------
Date: September 28, 1994
Location: Holiday Inn Crown Plaza at Union Station
Indianapolis, Indiana
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Seminar fee: $299.00
(15% discount for two or more attendees from the same
organization)
For more information about this seminar or other CICNet services contact
CICNet, Inc. Sales and Marketing Department
2901 Hubbard
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
313.998.6703-voice
313.998.6105-fax
info@cic.net-e-mail
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Gleason Sackman <sackman@plains.nodak.edu>
Subject: WRKSHOP> MINING THE INTERNET: A Five Week Certificate Workshop
To: net-happenings <net-happenings@is.internic.net>
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: NETTRAIN Moderator <MILLESJG@SLUVCA.SLU.EDU>
Subject: MINING THE INTERNET: A Five Week Certificate Workshop
***************************************************************************
Date: Sat, 30 Jul 1994 14:52:05 -0400 (EDT)
From: CAROLE RICHARDSON <32QKX36@CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU>
Central Michigan University's College of Extended Learning Announces
MINING THE INTERNET
A Five Week Certificate Workshop
Find the Treasures of the INTERNET by Mining for a Wealth of
Information. This special online workshop about the Internet is
designed for those people who would like to more fully explore
its resources. Topics include: What is the Internet?; email
capabilities; lists; emoticons; netiquette; newsgroups; file
transfers; remote logins; gophering & archie; World Wide Web.
The workshop begins on August 29 and ends October 7, 1994. The
workshop is $155 (US currency) per person. If you are interested
in receiving registration materials, please respond with your
name, address, city, state and zip to Mary Kay Maas at
32fx4aq@cmuvm.csv.cmich.edu. Forms and payment must be received
at Central Michigan University by August 8, 1994. Enrollment is
limited and registration will be accepted by date of deposit.
=========================================================================
Carole Richardson Bitnet: 32QKX36@CMUVM
Assessment & Distance Learning Internet: 32QKX36@CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU
College of Extended Learning Voice: 517-774-7160
Rowe 125 Fax: 517-774-3542
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859
###########################################################################
###########################################################################
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a result of the work of people located
throughout the global Internet community. Net facilities for the
preparation of this newsletter are provided by NETCOM On-line
Communications Service, Inc. Editing is done by myself.
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at the WELL :
gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic nets... --->
networks & community; & the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CANADA : gopher ---->
gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
"Subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the Listowner for
the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to:
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE reading "subscribe
<firstname> <lastname>", OR by e-mail to myself, cvington@netcom.com
requesting to be put on my mailing list for the newsletter.
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs.
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN, with the exception of
Global Community, Notes or where noted, and may be used as you see fit.
To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter, contact
Stephen Covington <cvington@netcom.com>
.
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.032
+672
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,672 @@
Date: Mon, 29 Aug 1994 00:10:22 -0700
From: Steve Covington <cvington@NETCOM.COM>
Subject: Networks & Community Newsletter 26-31
**************************************************************************
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY : August 28, 1994
**************************************************************************
Networks and Community is a biweekly publication devoted to encouraging
LOCAL resource creation & GLOBAL resource sharing.
**************************************************************************
The 26th Report of 1994 is the 32nd Newsletter.
**************************************************************************
**************************************************************************
Coverage in this issue includes:
Notes
Global Community
Tools
Classes & Meetings
###########################################################################
Notes
###########################################################################
Hi all! The tension seems to be showing more and more as the
Internet expands to meet the "needs" of multitudes of new users. I use
quotes around the word 'needs' because folks confuse "want" with
"need".
Many new users don't even want to know why or how the 'net
works, they just want it to be another consumer appliance, like a
shopping channel or cd-rom disc. Yes, there will be room for such as
that, but there is so much more to the Internet.
THE INTERNET ITSELF
I like to use visualization to explain my points. Picture
sitting in your family room looking out the window and being able to
see the entire world. Now maybe you don't see it all in detail, but
it IS there. Focus on a specific point and that small component comes
into clearer view. What YOU do with that component is what makes the
Internet work. You may find something that is fun, educational,
silly, or useful in some way. Or, you may find a bunch of stuff that
is of no use to you at all. What YOU need to think about is the old
adage of "one person's junk is another's treasure"! You don't have to
see it all at once nor will you ever, but as you slowly wander through
the halls of this wondrous post office, library, grocery store, pizza
parlor, mega-mall of data, you will learn more about the world, its
people and tools than you can find in all the world's great schools.
If you think about it, the Internet brings the entire world
into your personal computer. Just accessing the Internet network of
computers makes you part of a global community of great importance.
The Internet transcends geographical barriers easily, swiftly, and
seamlessly. Travelling via computer is faster than the Concorde jet,
and allows a person to share thoughts, ideas, and tools with other folks
that share the same interests.
TOOLS
Rapid response over 2400 kbps modems using some flavor of web
browser to access information just doesn't happen! Many new users have
not had even the most basic information about their computers explained
to them or have not "Read The Fine Manual" as Daniel Dern has stated!
Unfortunately, not reading the manual or even help files, can and does
cause both software and hardware problems. I have been amazed at the
amount of folks that call for tech support after having purchased a
dos type computer that have not gotten beyond the C:\ prompt even to
use windows(tm). You haven't heard excitement in a voice such as you
hear when you give them the "keys" to their computers!
These are some of the new users of the Internet. I have heard
many of us call them "clueless" or "newbies". What a way to be
welcomed to the 'Net! It's sort of like the first day in a new school
when we were kids, that warm feeling we got when one of the other kids
called us nerds and asked us where our slide rules and pocket
protecters were.
We have a chance to rise above all of that as the Internet
starts toward a new direction. We can attempt to do what governments
have not. We can accept and value all contributions, even if
they are redundant. Rather than attacking them and losing them
forever, we should show a sense of community toward them and bring them
up to speed.
-steve
###########################################################################
Global Community
###########################################################################
Written by: Frank Hecker <hecker@ACCESS.DIGEX.NET>
Subject: Draft overview of community network services (part 1)
For some time now I have been working off and on on an overview of
the various tpes of community network services, with an emphasis on
cataloging and classifying various services and where they might fit
in the total picture, especially with regard to the technologies
employed. To put it more simply, I'm trying to take debates like "to
Internet or not to Internet," "Mosaic vs. VT100s,", and so on, and
put them in context.
As some of you know, my personal bias is towards Internet-based
technologies and tools, and my working hypothesis is that ubiquitous
low-cost personal Internet access, far from meaning the end of community
networking, would in fact leave community networks with plenty to things to
do. (And I might add, I think the things left for us to do would be those
closest to our core competencies as people and organizations.) One major
reason for writing this paper is to supply background to that argument.
Anyway, I'm about halfway through at this point and am beginning to show
signs of writer's block. Thus I thought it might be appropriate to start
posting draft portions of it to this list, in the hopes that you all might
have some good comments and suggestions to help improve the paper. (Plus
I'll be more highly motivated to finish it knowing others are looking over
my shoulder :-)
In this message I've included the first three sections, which lay out the
organization and themes for the rest of the paper. I'll post further
sections one at a time at irregular intervals as I have time and as I
complete them. Thanks in advance for any comments, suggestions, etc.
Frank
Frank Hecker
hecker@access.digex.net
------------
1. INTRODUCTION
Over the last year or so I have been thinking about long-term technical
strategies for community networks, and in the course of doing so found
myself struggling to make connections between our ultimate goals in
serving the community on the one hand, and the details of specific
technologies on the other. Thus, for example, on the one hand we have a
goal of increasing general public access to community information and
resources. On the other hand we want to take advantage of new
technologies like graphical user interfaces, ISDN and other higher-speed
communications technologies, and new multimedia Internet services like
the World Wide Web. How we do decide how best to use these technologies in
support of our goals?
One approach is to establish a conceptual "middle ground" between goals and
technologies. In particular, I found it useful to think in terms of the
various abstract services that a community network might provide. I use the
term "abstract service" (or simply "service") to refer to general
capabilities which the system might provide to broad classes of users, and
which those users might use to solve problems and meet their needs in a
number of specific areas.
Thus, for example, the ability to disseminate and distribute digital
information is a general capability or service, which in turn might be used
in a number of areas, such as local, state, and Federal government,
libraries, K-12 education, and social services. Given this scheme, we can
then ask the dual questions "Which services will help us achieve each of our
specific end goals?" and "What type of technology will best allow us to
provide this service?"
In this paper I outline one possible classification of community network
services, and for each service attempt to give at least an initial answer to
a set of key questions by which we can evaluate the service's suitability
and feasibility for a community network. I have no illusions that what I
say is by any means the final word on the subject (and in fact there are
points in the paper where I just don't have a great deal to say); this
paper is meant more as a way to spark discussion about the task of designing
a community network, and as a guide to highlight various areas worthy of
further research.
This paper was originally written for the Washington, D.C., area community
network CapAccess (the informal name for, and a service mark of, the
National Capital Area Public Access Network, Inc.). I'd like to thank the
other members of the CapAccess organization for their comments on early
versions of it. However the views I express herein are mine alone and do
not necessarily reflect the official position of CapAccess.
2. SUMMARY OF SERVICES
Let's start with a short list of services (online or otherwise) that could
potentially provided by a community network. With each service we
include the "real life" model whose function it's most reminiscent of.
(This list is in no particular order.)
* providing a "raw" transmission facility over which people could send or
receive any type of information and on top of which they could build
higher-level services ("network provider")
* collecting, generating, and disseminating information ("publisher" or
"broadcaster")
* taking information generated by others and redistributing it to others,
whether end users or not ("distributor" or "wholesaler")
* permanently storing information for later access ("library")
* sponsoring discussion forums on topics of both general and specialized
interest ("salon")
* providing "gateway" access to remote systems and services ("public
phone")
* enabling people to send and receive personal electronic mail ("post
office")
* providing people with online work areas and document creation and
manipulation tools ("personal office")
* providing groups of people with online shared spaces to support
collaborative work ("group office")
* training people to use online services and resources, including those
associated with the Internet ("school")
* assisting outside organizations in bringing "in house" the capabilities to
provide online services and resources ("consultant")
Incidentally, note that when I say "people" I mean both people considered
either individually, i.e., as members of the general public, or as part of
formal or informal organizations separate from the community network and to
which the community network may provide service.
3. KEY QUESTIONS
The remainder of this document will discuss the various community network
services in more detail, focusing on the following questions:
* What characteristics distinguish this service from others? (How does one
define it?)
* What (overall) goals does the service promote? (What benefits will the
service--if implemented--provide to the community?)
* What are some actual or potential examples of such a service in the
context of a community network? (Is anyone else doing this today? Could
our community network do it?)
* What "enabling technologies" could be used in providing this service?
(What technologies are most relevant to this service?)
* What resources (technical or otherwise) are required to provide the
service, and who (within the community network organization or otherwise)
could supply them? (Is this something a community network organization can
do itself, or is it better left to others?)
* What types of end user information and access controls must the system
maintain in order to provide the service? (Are there privacy issues or
security issues relating to protecting user information or controlling
access to system information or services? Do users need to register to
use the service? How do they register?)
* How do we measure the growth and quality of the service (in a relatively
narrow technical sense)? (How do we determine whether the service is
beneficial and is being used?)
* What are the relevant "limits to growth" in expanding provision of the
service? (At what point might growth impact the quality of the service?
What would we need to do in order to continue growing the service while
maintaining or improving its quality?)
* How do we measure success in meeting the (overall) goals? (Has providing
this service really made a difference in the community?)
[to be continued]
###########################################################################
TOOLS
###########################################################################
From: Gleason Sackman <sackman@plains.nodak.edu>
Subject: WWW>URouLette: The Worlds first Randon URL generator (fwd)
To: net-happenings <net-happenings@is.internic.net>
----------Forwarded message ----------
Newsgroups:comp.infosystems.www.users
Subject: ANNOUNCING URouLette:
The Worlds first Randon URL generator.
From:abrams@falcon.cc.ukans.edu (Matthew Thomas Abrams)
Announcing the worlds first* random** URL generator:
A World Wide Web page called URouLette has been created by some of the
developers of the Kansas University Campus Internet Association.
URouLette is better left unexplained*** -- you should see it for
yourself. We think it is pretty nifty, you may not, but at least take a
few minutes to take a look.
Description: You can use your favorite WWW browser to click on an image
and be taken to a random* URL. We don't know where you'll end up and
you won't either.
Location:
http://kuhttp.cc.ukans.edu/cwis/organizations/kucia/uroulette/uroulette.
html
Created by: Matthew J. Angell and Matthew T. Abrams at the University
of Kansas.
* We think
** Almost.
*** Mostly
:-)
mta
--
Matthew Thomas Abrams
Academic Computing Services at The University of Kansas
email:abrams@falcon.cc.ukans.edu
http://kuhttp.cc.ukans.edu/~abrams
phone:913.864.0490
snail:KU Computer Center; Sunnyside and Illinois; Lawrence, KS 66045
************************************************************************
From: Gleason Sackman <sackman@plains.nodak.edu>
To: net-happenings<net-happenings@is.internic.net>
Sender:owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:david.riggins@tpoint.com
To: Multiple recipients of list <gopherjewels@einet.net>
Subject: INTERNET HELP COLLECTION
A nice collection of Internet help documents at the Phantom Access
Technologies, Inc. Gopher.
1. Listings of Access Points to the Internet/
--> 2. Guidebooks on the Use of the Internet/
3. Information about Electronic Mail/
4. Information about File Transfer Protocol (FTP)/
5. Information about Internet Relay Chat (IRC)/
6. Information about Telnet/
7. Information about USENET News/
Guidebooks on the Use of the Internet
--> 1. Frequently Asked Questions about the Big Dummy's Guide.
2. Glossary of Internet Terms.
3. The Big Dummy's Guide to the Internet (ASCII text).
4. The Big Dummy's Guide to the Internet (PostScript).
5. There's Gold in them thar Networks!.
6. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Internet.
7. The Pocket Guide on E-mail, ftp, and telnet.
8. The Complete Internet Resource Guide/
9. The Internet Tour.
10. NSF Internet Resources Guide.
11. Zen and the Art of the Internet (ASCII Text).
12. Zen and the Art of the Internet (PostScript).
Type=1+
Name= Internet Information Listing (Features and Access Points)
Path=1/Internet
Host=mindvox.phantom.com
Port=70
Admin=Phantom Access Technologies, Inc. / 800-MINDVOX <root@phantom.com>
ModDate=Fri Jul 15 15:25:54 1994 <19940715152554>
URL: gopher://mindvox.phantom.com:70/11/Internet
********************************************************************
I do not represent this site...I just found it and thought it would
be of interest. I make every attempt to identify the point of origin
on every site I find. If I have made an error, please let me know.
Also, I assume everyone reading this post will access the site via
gopher. I have no idea (and do not attempt to find out) if the site
supports public telnet access, or if the URL has been constructed
correctly.
Traffic jams are common at sites mentioned on this list. Don't be
surprised if it takes a few days to gain access.
David Riggins
Gopher Jewels Project
david.riggins@tpoint.com
URL=gopher://cwis.usc.edu/11/Other_Gophers_and_Information_Resources/
Gophers_by_Subject//Gopher_Jewels
###########################################################################
Classes & Meetings
###########################################################################
Errors-To: jstewart@ccs.carleton.ca
Reply-To: can-freenet@cunews.carleton.ca
From: aa127@freenet.carleton.ca (Garth Graham)
Subject: Conference news - hot off the press
CANADIAN COMMUNITY NETWORKS CONFERENCE
and founding meeting of TELECOMMUNITIES CANADA
August 15-17, 1994
Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario
The site established on National Capital FreeNet (NCF) to report
this conference is building rapidly. A team of conference recorders are
posting summary descriptions (both English and French) of each session
within a short time after it finishes, and the texts of most conference
papers are following. For registered members of NCF, this site is at the
bottom of the main menu as "Canadian Community Networks Conference,
1994." For nonmember, NCf can be reached via freenet.carleton.ca. (login:
guest). It's also accessible via gopher and WWW.
The URL for the WWW server is http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/
The FreePort based menu is at:
http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/freeport/freenet/conference2/menu
The Gopher URL is: gopher://freenet.carleton.ca/11/ncf/conference2
By gopher directly, follow to:
Carleton University Gopher
|National Capital FreeNet Gopher
|National Capital FreeNet (NCF) info by gopher
|Canadian Community Networks Conference, 1994
The site also contains background policy documents related to the founding
meeting of Telecommunities Canada, status reports from community
network and Free-Net associations, and a detailed directory of Free-Nets
and community network organizations in Canada.
--
Garth Graham aa127@freenet.carleton.ca
Coordinator, Canadian Community Networks Conference, and
founding meeting, Telecommunities Canada, Aug. 15-17, 1994
Box 86, Ashton, Ont., K0A 1B0, 613-253-3497
Errors-To: jstewart@ccs.carleton.ca
Message-Id:<9408172111.AA27882@calvin.dgbt.doc.ca>
Sender: can-freenet@cunews.carleton.ca
From: andrew@calvin.dgbt.doc.ca (Andrew Patrick)
Subject: summary of conference technical discussion
The following is a summary of the technical discussion session held at
the Canadian Community Networks Conference yesterday. Feel free to
report any mistakes or ommissions, and please use this as a start of
discussions (on the freenet-tech mailing list).
Canadian Community Networks Conference
Focused Working Group Discussion
Future Directions in Community Network Technology
August 16 1994
Andrew Patrick (aa118@freenet.carleton.ca)
Brief Summary
- goals for session:
- share information and reduce duplicate work
- identify important issues
- organize
- make recommendation to Telecommunities Canada
Sharing
-------
- we have mailing list for electronic communications:
The Freenet-Tech list provides a forum for discussion of the
technical aspects of operating a Freenet, eg. software and system
administration.
To subscribe to the Freenet-Tech List, send a message to the address
listprocessor@cunews.carleton.ca with the following line in the body
of the message.
Subscribe Freenet-Tech Your-Name
"Your-Name" is your full name, eg.
Subscribe Freenet-Tech John Smith
Postings to the list should be addressed to
Freenet-Tech@cunews.carleton.ca
- David Jones has tentatively offered a location in Toronto to house an
FTP archive and system for revising program code
- we need an inventory of the software being used, and the pro's and
con's of each option
- NPTN has started such an inventory, and we can participate
- John Stewart agreed to prepare list of systems that are currently
being used in Canada, and a list of projects that people are
working on (e.g., TIN for news, PINE for mail)
Important Issues
----------------
- the group raised a number of issues that should be considered:
- can we address the needs of:
- small vs. large systems
- PC-based vs. other platforms
- UNIX vs. non-UNIX environments
- we need a list of requirements for community network software
(David Jones to start)
- do we need a "wish list"?
- short-term and long-term goals
- tool sharing
- document sharing
- support sharing
- how to share info between very busy people?
- security
- universal and "dumb terminal" access
- IP to where: the server? the users' screen?
- support for multimedia
- delivery methods other than phone lines
- Cable TV trials
- ISDN
- limitations imposed by CRTC: regulations and rates
- migration: to where, making it easy
- providing feedback to software developers (e.g., Chebucto and Lynx)
- using off-the-shelf systems for small communities
- centralized effort for software development
- rehash CANARIE project?
- seek different funding agency
- role in Telecommunities Canada lobbying efforts
- technical people have unique viewpoint
- can identify issues, provide technical briefings, etc.
- e.g., price of bandwidth, Cable TV regulations
- Ian Duncan will get us started
Organizing
----------
- organization possibilities
- Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) might be good model
- philosophy is "rough consensus and running code"
- no formal voting
- often presented with 3/4 solutions that require finishing
- RFC process to communicate and establish "standards"
- implementation often separate from standards
- Ian Duncan to provide more information
- should we create "Telecommunities Canada Engineering Task
Force (TCETF)"?
- editor to review and house documents & software
- can we have standards that people agree on (roughly)
and can be implemented different ways?
- examples: user interfaces, user registration data
- another model is the Free Software Foundation (FSF)
- software shared, often with packaging costs
- "server on a CD" concept
- the VRML project may also provide a model
Recomendation to Telecommunities Canada
---------------------------------------
- that TC mandate an "Engineering Task Force" to develop and share
expertise and software, and contribute to the TC activities
Open Items
----------
- how to organize ourselves
- how much to organize?
- representation within TC?
Action Items
------------
- all: join and participate in freenet-tech mailing list
- David Jones: seek approval for and install archive location
- Dennis Hoops: forward NPTN system survey to John Stewart for
distribution within Canada
- John Stewart: gather list of systems and projects
- David Jones: prepare list of requirements
- John Stewart: ensure freenet-tech listserv is archived and document
how to access the archives
- Ian Duncan: get group thinking about lobbying issues
- Ian Duncan: provide more info on IETF
- Andrew Patrick: bring recommendation for TCETF to TC Directors "once
the dust settles"
Addresses for People Mentioned
-----------------------------
David Jones <dej@eecg.toronto.edu>
Andrew Patrick <aa118@freenet.carleton.ca>
Dennis Hoops <dch@nptn.org>
John Stewart <jstewart@ccs.carleton.ca>
Ian Duncan <id@ice.cc.mcgill.ca>
* Thanks to Alison Ball <aball@idrc.ca> for keeping great notes!
--
Andrew Patrick (aa118@FreeNet.Carleton.CA)
Vice-President - National Capital FreeNet
***********************************************************************
From: Gleason Sackman <sackman@plains.nodak.edu>
Subject: WRKSHOP> Online Interactive Workshop
To: net-happenings <net-happenings@is.internic.net>
Sender: owner-net-happenings@is.internic.net
---------- Forwarded message ----------
SENDER: Herb Wylen <hwylen@access.digex.net>
Subject: Online Interactive Workshop
The Online Interactive Workshop on Grant Proposal Planning and Writing
is now registering participants for the September 15 - October 5, 1994
session. Conducted by e-mail and a ListServer, this workshop emphasizes
the use of Internet resources in the Grants-seeking process.
e-mail to hwylen@access.digex.net for an electronic brochure which has
details, cost, and a registration form.
Herb Wylen
Internet Works, Inc.
703.978.9122 Voice
###########################################################################
###########################################################################
NETWORKS and COMMUNITY is a result of the work of people located
throughout the global Internet community. Net facilities for the
preparation of this newsletter are provided by NETCOM On-line
Communications Service, Inc. Editing is done by myself.
Back issues are archived through the kindness of the staff at the WELL :
gopher ---->gopher.well.sf.ca.us ->community --> civic nets... --->
networks & community; & the NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CANADA : gopher ---->
gopher.nlc-bnc.ca
"Subscriptions" are available through the generosity of the Listowner for
the RRE NEWS SERVICE: subscribe by sending e-mail to:
rre-request@weber.ucsd.edu) with a SUBJECT LINE reading "subscribe
<firstname> <lastname>", OR by e-mail to myself, cvington@netcom.com
requesting to be put on my mailing list for the newsletter.
Additional distribution is assisted by the managers and owners of
NET-HAPPENINGS, COMMUNET, & the CANADIAN FREENET listservs.
This newsletter is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN, with the exception of
Global Community, Notes or where noted, and may be used as you see fit.
To contribute items or enquire about this newsletter, contact
Stephen Covington <cvington@netcom.com>
magazines/NETCOMMUNITY/net_com.readme
+165
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,165 @@
NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY
Date: December 5, 1993
Compiler: Sam Sternberg samsam@vm1.yorku.ca
This weekly report attempts to follow the changing nature of
community based and oriented activities on the internet.
Readers will get a summary of much of the week's activity on
subjects like Free-Nets and other community nets; access
technology, and legislation effecting public access to
information and network services. Issues like electronic
democracy, censorship and business activity on the net, will be
touched upon when they impact community related issues.
You will also learn about new community nets, and new gophers,
listservs and e-journals which cover this material.
No group and certainly no individual can really monitor even a
fraction of the action on any aspect of the Internet. So your
contributions are welcome.
Please forward announcements to me if "you" are the originating
source.
Please do not forward material from other lists etc. - UNLESS
these sources do not normally focus on issues effecting community
computing and access issues.
To start this news report, I am including a list of major
resources on these topics. This list is not comprehensive. It is
a good guide to historical repositories of information, ongoing
debate and discussion, and useful tools for those attempting to
open or run a community computing facility.
To simplify the job of finding these resources I will point you
to a collection of resources rather than a source whenever that's
possible. I am grateful for the previous work in gathering a
listserv resource list by Art "Rambo" McGee. I have made liberal
use of his list.
DISCUSSION AND ONGOING ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
===========================================
each entry has the following information
LIST NAME | SUBSCRIPTION Provider's net location
| DESCRIPTION
To subscribe, send a one line message that says:
SUBSCRIBE LIST_NAME YOUR_FIRST_NAME YOUR_LAST_NAME
to the appropriate subscription provider's net location.
----------------
ALA-WO | listserv@uicvm.uic.edu
| regular reports on legislation - information
access - other matters effecting library networks
COMMUNET | listserv@uvmvm.uvm.edu
| Community and Civic Networks - THE PRIMARY LIST
COMMUNITY-ACCESS | community-access-request@parc.xerox.com
| Community Access Issues
CET-MG | almanac@esusda.gov
| Communities in Economic Transition - for rural
and small town groups
COSNDISC | listserv@bitnic.educom.edu
| Consortium for School Networking
CPSR | listserv@gwuvm.gwu.edu
| Computer Professions for Social Responsibility -
censorship and network related social issues
CYPHERWONKS | listserv@lists.cunet.fi
| Electronic democracy - privacy - and new software
development proposals for public debates etc.
FREENET-ADMIN | listserv@nptn.org
| Free-Net Administrators - current issues facing
organizers - funding - managing - law - etc.
FREENET-TECH | listprocessor@cunews.carleton.ca
| Technical Net Operations - advice and
assistance - excellent source of technical info
PACS-L | listserv@uhupvm1.uh.edu
| Library & Public Access Computer Systems - the most
intellectual of the lists - excellent issue
analysis
Some of these lists are archived; and the archives are accessible
through the gopher at Rice University in Houston.
riceinfo.rice.edu
TOOLS FOR DEVELOPING COMMUNITY FACILITIES
=========================================
each entry has the following information
TYPE OF RESOURCE | LOCATION OF RESOURCE
| DESCRIPTION
NETWORK DEVELOPMENT | gopher lan.vita.org
3rd WORLD path ->developnet news
-> technology transfer ->
| 3rd world community networks - tools
NETWORK DEVELOPMENT | gopher riceinfo.rice.edu
ON A BUDGET path ->psgnet/rainnet ...
->tools for low cost networks ->
| software and advice for net builders
NETWORK DEVELOPMENT | gopher riceinfo.rice.edu
AND FUNDING path ->grants ->
| fundraising resources
ALSO | gopher cypher.esusda.gov
path ->resources for non profits
->resource development ->
| location of foundation center libraries
and book listing funding info sources.
NETWORK DEVELOPMENT | gopher riceinfo.rice.edu
AND CULTURE path -> computer networks ....->
| lots of goodies including
Center for Civic Networking
civic nets, community nets
freenets, NPTN, etc.
ALSO path -> computing
-> social issues ->
| various journals on social impacts of
computing
CURRENT INFORMATION SOURCES
==========================================
each entry has the following information
TYPE OF RESOURCE | LOCATION OF RESOURCE
| DESCRIPTION
DAILY NEWS | gopher cns.cscns.com
path ->main
->usnews ->
| current business and telecommunication news +
ISSUE ANALYSIS | gopher wired.com
| articles about technology and society
OPERATING FREENET SYSTEMS | gopher info.senecac.on.ca
path ->interesting places
->city freenets
| best access list for community nets
.