somebody from SCN?

[Rich Littleton]

Well said!  Doug, you make good points, and being in touch with current
and new thoughts and practices is (are?) necessary.

I guess my analogy would be of a ship that, as you point out, has survived
storms and shoals that have sunk other ships.  However, we (IMO) have a
faulty rudder, the hull is leaky, our compass is gone, and our crew is at
10%. So, I think we have to do fundamental building (re-fitting) of the
boat, rather than go to a boat show. 

My comments are not to be negative, but to urge a better priority focus.
We have funded Joel on a couple of trips.  I haven't seen results from
those trips.  So we do have to do some cost-benefit study.

I've also wondered who does more for the community; SCNA or the Speakeasy
Cafe.  This came home when I saw that Speakeasy had provided the Seattle
City Council with e-mail for public access.

Your comments are excellent. You have consistently contributed good
information to the discussions, so I do not intend to dampen your
contributions.  

Keep on keeping on.

Rich
______________________________________________________________________

*****  Unless stated otherwise, this message may be forwarded.  ******

On Fri, 24 Sep 1999, Doug Schuler wrote:

> Rich,
> 
> While I agree with you that SCN is not perfect I have to say that it's
> probably one of the most successful of these types of ventures in the
> world.  People all over look at SCN and are impressed.  We have
> survived when ventures with lots more money failed.
> 
> That brings me to a related topic, the TIIAP conference.  Nobody wants
> to waste money but one of the dangers we face (IMO) is that we look too
> much at Seattle and our own organization.  I think we can be too
> insular and too isolated.  There is a world outside.  As an SCNA member
> and a person who has donated money to SCNA I fully support spending a
> moderate amount of money on travel for people that would benefit from
> it.  At the conference attendees could hear some good ideas and meet
> some good contacts.  Maybe somebody from SCN who is very interested
> could pay *some* of the expenses?  BTW, I'm *NOT* talking about money
> for myself!  I'm not planning to go.
> 
> Let's work to improve our work and influence but let's not get
> hung up on the flaws.
> 
> My two cents...
> 
> -- Doug
> 
> > Date: Fri, 24 Sep 1999 16:19:12 -0700 (PDT)
> > From: Rich Littleton <be718 at scn.org>
> > To: Doug Schuler <douglas at scn.org>
> > cc: scn at scn.org
> > Subject: Re: somebody from SCN?
> > 
> > 
> > Doug has a magic talent for finding good information.  Keep sending this
> > sort of thing, Doug.
> > 
> > My personal opinion is that SCNA has yet to confirm its own mission, and I
> > would hate to see SCNA expend the money necessary to send a representative
> > to the East Coast.  I'd prefer to see that money spent on getting more
> > volunteers.  (E-mail is still way understaffed, and Rhodes (Hardware
> > coordinator) just stated that the committee is hurting for needed vols.
> > 
> > We still have not decided if we can and will implement PPP for all users,
> > which relates to our mission (or not) to be a major e-mail provider.
> > 
> > Soooo, our own internal decision process is still a work in progress.
> > 
> > After we know what role we want to play in the community, we can reach out
> > and plug into relevant programs and networks.
> > 
> > Rich
> > 
> > ______________________________________________________________________
> > 
> > *****  Unless stated otherwise, this message may be forwarded.  ******
> > 
> > On Fri, 24 Sep 1999, Doug Schuler wrote:
> > 
> > > 
> > > Maybe an SCN board member or volunteer should attend this...  We could
> > > take up a collection... :-)
> > > 
> > > -- doug
> > > 
> > > 
> > > Date: Fri, 24 Sep 1999 13:46:43 -0400 (EDT)
> > > From: Steve Snow <shsnow at charweb.org>
> > > To: afcn-members at lists.colorado.edu
> > > Cc: communet at list.uvm.edu
> > > Subject: TIIAP Conference -- Nov. 1-2
> > > 
> > > Folks,
> > > 
> > > This is a text conversion of a .pdf brochure on the upcoming TIIAP 
> > > conference nov. 1-2. if you want the .pdf version, i can send it 
> > > to you; this way seemd better suited to all access... ;-)
> > > 
> > > steve snow
> > > ----------------------------------
> > > 
> > > 1999 NETWORKS FOR PEOPLE CONFERENCE
> > > 
> > > The Department of Commerce's Telecommunications and Information 
> > > Infrastructure Assistance Program (TIIAP) promotes the widespread 
> > > availability and use of advanced telecommunications technologies in the 
> > > public and nonprofit sectors. As part of the Department's National 
> > > Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA), TIIAP awards 
> > > grants for model projects,demonstrating innovative uses of network 
> > > technologies.TIIAP will hold its annual Networks for People conference 
> > > on November 1 and 2, 1999, at the Key Bridge Marriott Hotel in 
> > > Arlington, Virginia. Each year, TIIAP holds a forum to discuss how 
> > > people are using information technology to change the way they live, do 
> > > business, get educated, receive services, and stay healthy. Last year, 
> > > more than 600 people - practitioners, industry and government leaders, 
> > > TIIAP grantees - attended the NFP conference. Plans are underway for 
> > > this year's conference, so watch the NFP '99 web page for more 
> > > information and registration details.
> > > 
> > > WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
> > > .   Executive Directors, MIS Directors, and program managers from non-profit
> > > organizations and foundations
> > > .   Government leaders, federal, state and local
> > > .   Educators
> > > .   Healthcare providers and public health officials
> > > .   Public safety officials
> > > .   Social service providers
> > > .   Leaders from arts and culture programs
> > > .   Telecommunications, computer and software vendors
> > > .   Leaders and staff from organizations involved in international 
> > > telecommunications 
> > > .   Potential TIIAP applicants
> > > 
> > > -------------------------------------------------
> > > 1998 NFP CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
> > > What people attending last year's NFP conference had to say:
> > > "Exceptional information presented in an exceptional manner...."
> > > "Interesting, informative, thought-provoking...."
> > > "...gave me ideas regarding where my organization should go next...."
> > > "Very useful, instructive, and conceptually stimulating..."
> > > "This was information I could take back to my agency!"
> > > "...quick, to the point presentations..."
> > > "...diversity of the program was excellent; geographically dispersed 
> > > presenters...."
> > > "...The conference focused on communities, problem-solving, and 
> > > technology uses -- as opposed to technology itself..."
> > > --------------------------------------------------------------
> > > 
> > > Tentative Agenda
> > > 
> > > MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1999
> > > 
> > > 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. REGISTRATION
> > > 
> > > 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. WELCOME
> > > Dr. Bernadette McGuire-Rivera
> > > Associate Administrator, NTIA
> > > INTRODUCTION
> > > The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information
> > > 
> > > 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. KEYNOTE SPEAKER
> > > Where is Information Technology Taking Us?
> > > Gary Chapman, Director of the 21st Century Project
> > > University of Texas at Austin, LBJ School of Public Affairs
> > > 
> > > 10:45 - 11:15 a.m. BREAK
> > > 
> > > 11:15 - 12:00 p.m. KEYNOTE SPEAKER
> > > How Are People Reacting to the New Information Technologies?
> > > J. Lynn Jacobs, Chief Technology Officer (invited)
> > > City of Seattle, Washington
> > > 
> > > 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
> > > 
> > > 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. SESSION 1
> > > Network Technologies and Organizations
> > > The TIIAP evaluation report found organizational problems were twice as 
> > > likely as technology problems to create obstacles for projects. The 
> > > introduction of information and communications technologies will
> > > fundamentally change your business. As project managers, your challenge 
> > > is to make sure that the change allows you to do business better. 
> > > Focusing on non-profit, public sector, and institutional services,
> > > the panelists will share the experiences they have had with staff, 
> > > partners, stakeholders, vendors, board members, and funders. They will 
> > > also share ideas for building your organization for a smoother start-up
> > > and a more sustained impact.
> > > 
> > > SESSION 2
> > > Cutting Edge Technology on an Outdated Budget
> > > Broadband, e-commerce and web-based applications, video streaming and 
> > > other emerging applications can advance the goals of non-profit and 
> > > public service organizations - when they are available. The panel will 
> > > discuss emerging technologies and strategic opportunities for TIIAP and 
> > > other mission-driven projects. This is an important session for those 
> > > seeking to use advanced network technologies to enhance the quality and 
> > > efficiency of their service. You will also get tips on agencies 
> > > interested in helping non-profit organizations explore the next 
> > > generation of services.
> > > 
> > > 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. BREAK
> > > 
> > > 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. SESSION 3
> > > Sustaining Telecommunications Technology Projects When the Federal Money Stops
> > > Few tax-based programs provide ongoing or categorical support for 
> > > non-profit telecommunications projects. How do you continue beyond the 
> > > end of your federal grant period? Of the 210 projects funded in TIIAP's 
> > > first two years, 90 percent are still operating, and 66 percent have 
> > > expanded to serve additional end users. Experts in this session will 
> > > explain how to nurture your seed money into a flourishing community 
> > > resource. You will learn about what costs are the easiest and toughest 
> > > to cover and the best non-federal sources for these expenses. The session 
> > > also will cover leadership strategies for sustaining the driving forces 
> > > of enthusiasm, interest and innovation.
> > > 
> > > SESSION 4
> > > Haves and Have-Nots: Case Studies in Bridging the Digital Divide
> > > Using in-depth case studies from TIIAP projects, this panel will share 
> > > successful strategies for reaching severely disadvantaged and at-risk 
> > > communities. In particular, the panel will provide a perspective on the
> > > challenges associated with developing and sustaining these initiatives. 
> > > The panel will also discuss the use of research for program improvement 
> > > and for the development of policy recommendations regarding
> > > telecommunications' applications.
> > > 
> > > Tentative Agenda
> > > TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1999
> > > 
> > > 9:00 - 9:15 a.m. INTRODUCTION
> > > Dr. Bernadette McGuire-Rivera
> > > Associate Administrator, NTIA
> > > 
> > > 9:15 - 10:00 a.m. KEYNOTE SPEAKER
> > > The Global Village
> > > TBA
> > > 
> > > 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. PLENARY SESSION
> > > Creating the Global Village
> > > Today, technology lets us link distant communities from around the world 
> > > to one another. By linking communities together, we can create a truly 
> > > connected and global "learning-center" for network and community development.
> > > Innovative programs, partnerships and technology exist to make your 
> > > community part of the global village. Representatives from the public and 
> > > the private sector will tell you about the programs they have developed, 
> > > and the global villages they are creating.
> > > 
> > > 11:00 - 11:15 a.m. BREAK
> > > 
> > > 11:15 - 12:30 p.m. PLENARY SESSION
> > > Foundations and the Future
> > > Foundations' technical policies and funding priorities are evolving with 
> > > the mass market introduction and acceptance of a wide range of 
> > > telecommunications and information technology equipment and services. 
> > > Some well established foundations are increasingly interested in funding 
> > > technology innovation. Meanwhile, Information Age companies are
> > > creating new philanthropies. The panelists, representing foundations 
> > > both old and new, will discuss the future role of foundation funding in 
> > > supporting innovative applications of technology in the public sector. 
> > > They also will share their funding philosophies, criteria, and areas of 
> > > interest.
> > > 
> > > 12:30 - 12:45 p.m.
> > > CLOSING REMARKS
> > > Dr. Bernadette McGuire-Rivera
> > > Associate Administrator, NTIA
> > > 
> > > SPEAKERS CONFIRMED TO DATE INCLUDE
> > > Gary Chapman The 21st Century Project, University of Texas at Austin
> > > Brian Anderson City of Philadelphia
> > > Tom Chesney Sun Microsystems
> > > Bart Decrem Plugged In
> > > B. Keith Fulton National Urban League
> > > Link Hoewing Bell Atlantic
> > > Ronald Rassner American Management Association
> > > Maxine Rockoff Clark Rockoff & Associates
> > > Neal Richman Advanced Policy Institute, UCLA
> > > Dan Salcedo PEOPLink
> > > Nancy Stark National Center for Small Communities
> > > Rob Stuart Rockefeller Technology Project
> > > Anthony Wilhelm Benton Foundation
> > > 
> > > Visit the TIIAP website for information on these and other speakers as 
> > > confirmed. 
> > > 
> > > www.ntia.doc.gov
> > > 
> > > follow the links to NFP 1999
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > -- -----------------------------------------------------------------
> > > Stephen Snow        | 1916 Bentley Pl.    | www.afcn.net
> > > Community Consulting| Charlotte, NC 28205 | JOIN THE ASSOCIATION FOR
> > > Making the Internet | [V] (704) 569-0243  | COMMUNITY NETWORKING NOW
> > > Work for People     | [F] (704) 569-0914  | shsnow at charweb.org
> > > 
> > > 
> > > * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  From the Listowner  * * * * * * * * * * * *
> > > .	To unsubscribe from this list, send a message to:
> > > majordomo at scn.org		In the body of the message, type:
> > > unsubscribe scn
> > > ==== Messages posted on this list are also available on the web at: ====
> > > * * * * * * *     http://www.scn.org/volunteers/scn-l/     * * * * * * *
> > > 
> > 
> > 
> * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  From the Listowner  * * * * * * * * * * * *
> .	To unsubscribe from this list, send a message to:
> majordomo at scn.org		In the body of the message, type:
> unsubscribe scn
> ==== Messages posted on this list are also available on the web at: ====
> * * * * * * *     http://www.scn.org/volunteers/scn-l/     * * * * * * *
> 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *  From the Listowner  * * * * * * * * * * * *
.	To unsubscribe from this list, send a message to:
majordomo at scn.org		In the body of the message, type:
unsubscribe scn
==== Messages posted on this list are also available on the web at: ====
* * * * * * *     http://www.scn.org/volunteers/scn-l/     * * * * * * *