[484] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: Cost of Internet Access
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Ed Spodick, HKUST Library, x6743)
Fri Jun 12 14:43:28 1992
Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1992 13:37:42 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@RICEVM1.RICE.EDU>
From: "Ed Spodick, HKUST Library, x6743" <LBSPODIC%USTHK.BITNET@RICEVM1.RICE.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@RICEVM1.RICE.EDU>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
John Mayer provides an excellent overview of his experiences attaining
an Internet connection. He ends with a very positive comment on the
increasing professionalization of the Internet:
>This "professionalization" of the network is very good news for
>all users. It's like moving from an all volunteer fire department
>to full time firemen (perhaps a very appropriate comparison), but
>we have to pay to get this and I think its totally worth it.
Despite the slightly anarchistic nature of my personality, I tend to
agree with the basic statement being made. However, the analogy used
does not hold true. A paid fire department, in a number of instances,
is *less* effective that a volunteer one, provided there is good
community support for the volunteer department. I spent five years as
a volunteer firefighter (so I guess I am prejudiced in this matter :) ).
'Next door' was a small city with a paid dept. They were underfunded,
fire trucks went out with two firefighters (state mandated minimum)
as opposed to three for ours (our official minimum - not mandated
by govt). I will resist going on for several pages. Suffice it to say
that fire insurance rates were significantly lower in our district (by
half of the national insurance scale!). Taxes were lower, too. In effect,
our service population received significantly more for their tax dollars
and insurance costs than those served by the paid department.
The point is that I do not feel that the sweat and tears of the volunteers
who helped build the Internet into something which has become well-nigh
indispensable to educators throughout the country should be so
readily dismissed in favor of 'professionals.' On the other hand, maybe
I'm more of an anarchist at heart than I thought. :)
Edward Spodick, Assistant Librarian
Hong Kong University of Science & Technology
lbspodic@usthk.bitnet or lbspodic@usthk.ust.hk
