Welcome to the '96 Blizzard Version of the VAFRE Roundtable
---and the Rescheduled Spring'96 Version!

The Yin and Yang of
SURFING THE NET:

Communication or Exploitation?

• Topic # 1 - THE NET IN THE NEWS - Nov. 95 - Jan. 96:

  1. 11/29/95 - Second computer revolution is outlined.
     Microsoft founder takes a look ahead.

  2. 12/04/95 - Lawmakers target telecommunication.

  3. 12/25/95 - Market company finds niche on Internet.

  4. 12/25/95 - Speaker sees computer as key to economic advancement.

  5. 12/26/95 - Statewide network links schools to Internet.

  6. 12/27/95 - Finding appetizing destinations via on-line services.

  7. 12/29/95 - Germans ban smut on Internet.
     Act blocks access by other nations.

  8. 12/29/95 - Internet responds to shut-out tourists.

  9. 12/30/95 - Internet freedom fight renewed.

  10. 12/30/95 - Computer 'messiah' invoked.

  11. 01/03/96 - CompuServ acted alone in blocking access, Germans say.

  12. 01/04/96 - Law may limit Internet.

  13. 01/05/96 - Learning problem responds to games. Computer treats dyslexia precursor.

  14. 01/07/96 - Chambers (of commerce) touting computer service.

  15. 01/11/96 - Internet ban on hate messages urged. Rabbi's letter sets off 1st Amendment debate.

  16. 01/12/96 - Computer bulletin board service gets rid of erotica.

  17. 01/12/96 - Legislators cruise the Internet.

  18. 01/12/96 - Television's loss is Internet's gain.

  19. AND THE EXPLOSION OF NEWS ABOUT THE INTERNET,
      THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BILL,
      THE USES OF THE INTERNET,
      THE PROBLEMS OF THE INTERNET,
      THE ECONOMIC GROWTH OF THE INTERNET STOCKS,
      THE MUSHROOMING EXPLOITATION OF THE INTERNET POTENTIAL,
      ETC., ETC., ETC. ...!

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• Topic # 2 - What is the Net to this Roundtable?

  1. Where, when, how, and why are we using the Net?
  2. What is so exciting about the Net?
  3. What is worrisome or frustrating?

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• Topic # 3 - What seems to be the Net's True Value and Greatest Potential?

  1. Borderless.
  2. A powerful information source.
  3. A source of empowerment.
  4. A marketing vehicle.
  5. Direct, immediate and interactive (gives back control).
  6. Entertaining and educational.
  7. ?

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• Topic # 4 - What are the Net's Current and Potential Problems?

  1. The Hate/Porn vs Free Speech Issue.
  2. The Net Security Issue.
  3. The Exclusion of the Poor.
  4. The Expense.
  5. Computer addiction.
  6. ?

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• What will be the FUTURE of the Net?

  1. Where is this Information Revolution taking us?
     • Internet@Telecom95 (Geneva) - Proceedings:
       http://www3.itu.ch/TELECOM/pressdocs/sum.html

     • COMDEX Spring'96 Chicago Conference:
       http://www.comdex.com

  2. How is society reacting to this new technology?
     • PBS: Life on the Internet -
       http://www.pbs.org/april96/internetaprilpr.html

  3. Do we informed Net citizens have any role or responsibility in this future?