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Netizens-Digest Volume 1 Number 282
Netizens-Digest Monday, March 8 1999 Volume 01 : Number 282
Netizens Association Discussion List Digest
In this issue:
[netz] The upshot
[netz] A tangled web of deceit
[netz] A tangled web of the practicers of deception
[netz] Hold on a gall durn minute!
[netz] Telco Scoundrel News
[netz] Telcos, Fed., and blackmail: Another Example
[netz] The Digital Divide will become a CHASM if the telcos have their sway
[netz] Capitol Switchboard Number???
[netz] Monopoly facing opposition
[netz] Information is Power Quote
[netz] Re: [UA-C] Dynamic Public Broadcasting With a Future (Elsewhereperhaps?)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 08:06:44 -0500
From: "P.A. Gantt" <pgantt@icx.net>
Subject: [netz] The upshot
Please excuse the cross-posting... but this
is important to say... someone needs to...
============================================
o Telcos are not our friends
o Telcos are greedy
o eRate can be financed by Telcos as they do now
o eRate must not be used against education and libraries
as blackmail to bow to telcos greed
o the FCC Ruling on long distance opens the way to much higher
Internet connection rates for *everyone*
In short, *A Pandora's Box!*
- --
P.A. Gantt, Computer Science Technology Instructor
Electronic Media Design and Support Homepage
http://user.icx.net/~pgantt/
mailto:pagantt@technologist.com?Subject=etech
http://horizon.unc.edu/TS/vision/1998-11.asp
Common sense is not common, and conventional wisdom is not
wisdom. But at least you can have conventional sense. ~~ Daily Whale
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 08:25:36 -0500
From: "P.A. Gantt" <pgantt@icx.net>
Subject: [netz] A tangled web of deceit
ubject:
France weaves a tangled web (fwd)
Date:
Thu, 4 Mar 1999 13:39:37 -0800 (PST)
From:
Andy Carvin <acarvin@gsn.org>
Reply-To:
wwwedu@ready.cpb.org
To:
wwwedu@ready.cpb.org (wwwedu discussion)
Reposted with permission from Wired News... -ac
Copyright © 1994-99 Wired Digital Inc. All rights reserved.
France Weaves a Tangled Web
by Heather McCabe
12:15 p.m. 4.Mar.99.PST
PARIS -- A court ruling that effectively pulled the plug on
more than 47,000 Web sites here has called into question
France's willingness to embrace the Internet.
On 10 February, the Paris Court of Appeals ruled against a
free Web site hosting service similar to the US-based
GeoCities. French fashion model Estelle Hallyday brought a
suit against the service, called AlternB, after she discovered
one of the pages within that domain contained 20 nude photos
of her. The images had previously appeared in the magazine
Voici.
"Free service providers do not have the right to exist after the
verdict," said Valentin Lacambre, the owner of AlternB. He
said the judgment requires him to verify the millions of pages
of information posted on altern.org.
"Right now, there is nothing to make [that] possible...."
Instead of prosecuting the creator of the Web site, known
only as Silversurfer, Hallyday's lawyers went after Lacambre.
The attorneys argued that he was ultimately responsible for
the content of the more than 40,000 Web sites hosted on his
server.
The judge sided with Hallyday, and ruled that because his
service was anonymous, Lacambre was responsible for its
content. He ordered Lacambre to pay the equivalent of
US$67,842 in damages.
By hosting altern.org, the verdict states, Lacambre assumes
"the technical role of a simple transmitter of information and
should assume the responsibilities with regard to third
parties."
Lacambre could easily have discovered Silversurfer's identity
with a cursory investigation -- everyone plugged into the
Internet in France must use a bank card to pay the ISP. But
Hallyday's lawyers didn't pursue that matter during the course
of the trial.
In the week following the judgment, AlternB received two
other copycat defamatory complaints. A few days later, on 21
February, Lacambre decided to pull the plug on his service --
and the 47,634 Web sites it hosted.
Soon after, an online campaign calling itself the Valentin
Committee rallied to Lacambre's defense. Comprised of
former altern.org members and Net activists, the committee
has already gathered 17,000 signatures on a petition, as well
as nearly US$22,000 for a fund to help mitigate Lacambre's
fine.
"The problem with this judgment is that it condemns a
technical intermediary in lieu of the author who no one
searched for," said Christine Treguier, a founding member of
the Valentin Committee and author of two Web sites shut
down on altern.org.
"An intermediary cannot permanently survey the thousands of
pages and does not have the legal competence to judge the
legality of the content," Treguier said.
On Wednesday, the debate reached the French government.
In the middle of a National Assembly session, Finance Minister
Dominique Strauss-Kahn expressed his opposition to the
ruling.
"The host plays a role that is close to that of France Tlcom,
which is not responsible for the contents of conversations that
pass over the telephone wires," he said. "On the other hand,
it is possible, if justice requires it, to locate the origin of the
call."
The European Parliament issued a statement condemning the
verdict.
"The recent French jurisprudence granting extremely high
damages against a hosting provider for hosting a cost-free
personal home page which happened to display pictures of
Estelle Hallyday nude, although these images had been
immediately withdrawn, and without any attempt at suing the
owner of the site in question shows the need for a harmonized
and unambiguous regulation at the European level.
The decision, the Parliament continues, "exemplifies the very
negative consequences that may arise from a confusion
between these new, specific, businesses of the Information
Society and their approximate traditional counterparts, like
printer or publisher."
Lacambre and the other Web service providers in France
affected by the verdict are waiting to see what new laws will
go into effect regarding their services, or if the French
government will take a clear stance in creating a law vis--vis
service providers.
Pierre-Francois Grimaldi, manager of Chez.com, a popular
Web hosting service, is prepared to open up shop in the
United States if French law becomes prohibitive for his
business.
"The reality is that the Internet in France is exploding in a
conservative and old-fashioned milieu. It is impossible to
change the mentalities here. I have to adapt," Grimaldi said.
Many former altern.org members already have done just that,
republishing their content on American hosts like Geocities or
other services in France.
"The repercussions have already begun," said Yannick "Fozzy"
Pech, a former altern.org member. "Many sites have fled to
other countries. This affair creates a jurisprudence that in the
meantime will lead to the disappearance of free hosts in
France."
Further, Hallyday's intentions appear to have backfired. In
protest of the ruling, some French internautes have reposted
the photos of Hallyday on Web servers on American soil --
well beyond the reach of French courts.
Copyright © 1994-99 Wired Digital Inc. All rights reserved.
Andy Carvin
WWWEDU Coordinator and Moderator
andy@gsn.org
- --
P.A. Gantt, Computer Science Technology Instructor
Electronic Media Design and Support Homepage
http://user.icx.net/~pgantt/
mailto:pagantt@technologist.com?Subject=etech
http://horizon.unc.edu/TS/vision/1998-11.asp
Common sense is not common, and conventional wisdom is not
wisdom. But at least you can have conventional sense. ~~ Daily Whale
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 08:28:14 -0500
From: "P.A. Gantt" <pgantt@icx.net>
Subject: [netz] A tangled web of the practicers of deception
Subject: A tangled web of the practicers of deception
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 08:22:19 -0500
From: "P.A. Gantt" <pgantt@icx.net>
Organization: Electronic Media Design and Support
To: wwwedu@ready.cpb.org
References: 1
Yes greed and deception makes strange bedfellows...
A tangled web of the power hungry control
freaks that are against true democratic use
of the Net. Want our global conversation to
*cease.*
I say. ***The leave Net alone please.***
I *like* it just the way it is.
An open conversation, affordable now.
Beyond our reach financially in the future.
All these side issues such as eRate for blackmail,
filtering, etc. are really a *smoke screen*
that will ultimately change the Web in the future.
Change is not always good people!
Take heed. Take heed.
- --
P.A. Gantt, Computer Science Technology Instructor
Electronic Media Design and Support Homepage
http://user.icx.net/~pgantt/
mailto:pagantt@technologist.com?Subject=etech
http://horizon.unc.edu/TS/vision/1998-11.asp
Common sense is not common, and conventional wisdom is not
wisdom. But at least you can have conventional sense. ~~ Daily Whale
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 09:22:09 -0500
From: "P.A. Gantt" <pgantt@icx.net>
Subject: [netz] Hold on a gall durn minute!
Yes, and watch it drop like a rock when prices
grow astronomically...
==============================================
Subject: Re: CLASSROOM INTERNET ACCESS NEARLY DOUBLES
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 09:17:58 -0500
From: "P.A. Gantt" <pgantt@icx.net>
Organization: Electronic Media Design and Support
To: K-12 Educators Interested in Educational Administration
<K12ADMIN@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU>
References: 1
I utilize the Web and networks extensively
in my classroom. Why???
I teach a technical audience of engineers and business
transfers to the university.
What do I teach them???
Applications, programming, and the Net.
To rob education of *reasonably* priced connection will
ultimately rob my students of use of our most
powerful instructional delivery method... the Net.
Students will no longer be able to afford the Net.
I will mourn the passing of my most powerful tool
when the Net is priced out of use.
The CHASM will come IF we do not address long distance
now. All the blackmail of the FCC and Telcos will
not explain away this simple fact.
I protest!
- --
P.A. Gantt, Computer Science Technology Instructor
Electronic Media Design and Support Homepage
http://user.icx.net/~pgantt/
mailto:pagantt@technologist.com?Subject=etech
http://horizon.unc.edu/TS/vision/1998-11.asp
Common sense is not common, and conventional wisdom is not
wisdom. But at least you can have conventional sense. ~~ Daily Whale
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 09:39:20 -0500
From: "P.A. Gantt" <pgantt@icx.net>
Subject: [netz] Telco Scoundrel News
Source: IDG Intelligencer
IDG.net Newsletter
"Intelligence you need every day."
MCI, Bell Canada team
(Source: Computerworld)
o http://www.idg.net/go.cgi?id=60530
o http://www.idg.net/go.cgi?id=60532
****The benefits of monopoly****
(Source: The Industry Standard) "As AT&T nears completion of its
buyout of cable giant Tele-Communications Inc., it's suddenly
facing a wave of opposition to its grand plans for bringing
high-speed Internet access to the masses..."
o http://www.idg.net/go.cgi?id=60534
Natural Microsystems CEO hails open telecom initiative
(Source: InfoWorld Electric) LOS ANGELES
o http://www.idg.net/go.cgi?id=60538
Alcatel to acquire Assured, launch IP division
(Source: InfoWorld Electric)
o http://www.idg.net/go.cgi?id=6054
- --
P.A. Gantt, Computer Science Technology Instructor
Electronic Media Design and Support Homepage
http://user.icx.net/~pgantt/
mailto:pagantt@technologist.com?Subject=etech
http://horizon.unc.edu/TS/vision/1998-11.asp
Common sense is not common, and conventional wisdom is not
wisdom. But at least you can have conventional sense. ~~ Daily Whale
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 10:12:02 -0500
From: "P.A. Gantt" <pgantt@icx.net>
Subject: [netz] Telcos, Fed., and blackmail: Another Example
http://www.fcw.com/pubs/fcw/1997/1110/wp/wp-futuretel-11-1-1997.html
Source: FCW EDITORIAL SUPPLEMENT, NOVEMBER 10, 1997
FEDERAL NETWORKS: BUILDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Deciding the future of telecom
BY BRAD BASS (brad_bass@fcw.com)
"...The success of GSA's current strategy may hinge on
whether the agency is able to award the FTS 2001
contracts without further delays. Observers said the
current FTS 2000 contract will most likely be extended for
at least a year and potentially longer if many agencies are
forced to go through the timely process of switching from
one vendor to another. Cunnane said he believes
agencies will become frustrated if there are additional
setbacks, adding that agencies would embark on their
own procurements.
Suss said FTS must comply with industry's request to
eliminate all noncommercial aspects from the RFP or risk
higher prices that could drive customers away. 'If GSA
does not do that, everybody is in hot water,' he said..."
- --
P.A. Gantt, Computer Science Technology Instructor
Electronic Media Design and Support Homepage
http://user.icx.net/~pgantt/
mailto:pagantt@technologist.com?Subject=etech
http://horizon.unc.edu/TS/vision/1998-11.asp
Common sense is not common, and conventional wisdom is not
wisdom. But at least you can have conventional sense. ~~ Daily Whale
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 10:25:35 -0500
From: "P.A. Gantt" <pgantt@icx.net>
Subject: [netz] The Digital Divide will become a CHASM if the telcos have their sway
I do not appreciate the telcos holding our government
hostage. I do not appreciate seeing eRate being used
as a weapon to price out my student's home connection.
I do not appreciate corrupt politicians from *either*
side of the aisle.
I remain a staunch independent... hoping a praying
the deceit will stop.
Corruption at all level runs wide indeed and deep.
Telcos have deep pockets and obviously will use
this clout.
Money talks and consumers will be forced to walk.
Makes me furious that telcos greed will destroy
the Net as we now know it... all because they
want more money out of those who can ill-afford it.
CHASM!
- --
P.A. Gantt, Computer Science Technology Instructor
Electronic Media Design and Support Homepage
http://user.icx.net/~pgantt/
mailto:pagantt@technologist.com?Subject=etech
http://horizon.unc.edu/TS/vision/1998-11.asp
Common sense is not common, and conventional wisdom is not
wisdom. But at least you can have conventional sense. ~~ Daily Whale
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 13:05:39 -0500
From: "P.A. Gantt" <pgantt@icx.net>
Subject: [netz] Capitol Switchboard Number???
An FYI perhaps?
Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121
Found this on an anti-filtering appeal email
from ALAWON.
Hope it's accurate.
I'm stuffing it in a folder just in case ;^P
- --
P.A. Gantt, Computer Science Technology Instructor
Electronic Media Design and Support Homepage
http://user.icx.net/~pgantt/
mailto:pagantt@technologist.com?Subject=etech
http://horizon.unc.edu/TS/vision/1998-11.asp
Common sense is not common, and conventional wisdom is not
wisdom. But at least you can have conventional sense. ~~ Daily Whale
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 06 Mar 1999 15:47:56 -0500
From: "P.A. Gantt" <pgantt@icx.net>
Subject: [netz] Monopoly facing opposition
Source:
http://www.thestandard.net/articles/display/0,1449,3413,00.html?IDG.net
Sorry for the long URL.
You may need to do Ctrl C + Ctrl V
twice. Please excuse the crossposting
in advance.
February 08, 1999
"The Benefits of Monopoly"
Industry Standard
The NewsMagazine of the Internet Economy
By Jonathan Weber
"...As AT&T nears completion of its buyout of cable giant
Tele-Communications Inc., it's suddenly facing a
wave of opposition to its grand plans for bringing
high-speed Internet access to the masses. Critics,
led by America Online, contend that AT&T should not
be permitted to offer cable modem service
exclusively through AtHome Networks, which is
controlled by TCI. Rather, they insist, AT&T should be
required to allow other Internet service providers to
use the TCI cables..."
[Comment: we all know that Internet access must
be reasonably priced with unlimited service.
This pay-per-view scheme won't float. You simply
cannot ask users to pay more for less. If it's
not around ~$20.00 US unlimited it is doomed
from the start. Important that the ubiquitous
they understand.]
- --
P.A. Gantt, Computer Science Technology Instructor
Electronic Media Design and Support Homepage
http://user.icx.net/~pgantt/
mailto:pagantt@technologist.com?Subject=etech
http://horizon.unc.edu/TS/vision/1998-11.asp
Common sense is not common, and conventional wisdom is not
wisdom. But at least you can have conventional sense. ~~ Daily Whale
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 06 Mar 1999 23:23:39 -0500
From: "P.A. Gantt" <pgantt@icx.net>
Subject: [netz] Information is Power Quote
"In the new world the Internet is creating, information is
power. Our goal has always been to inform, educate, and
sometimes even inspire the most wired and enthusiastic
audience in the digital world."
~~Halsey Minor
Chief Executive Officer
CNET, Inc.
http://www.cnet.com/
- --
P.A. Gantt, Computer Science Technology Instructor
Electronic Media Design and Support Homepage
http://user.icx.net/~pgantt/
mailto:pagantt@technologist.com?Subject=etech
http://horizon.unc.edu/TS/vision/1998-11.asp
Common sense is not common, and conventional wisdom is not
wisdom. But at least you can have conventional sense. ~~ Daily Whale
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 08 Mar 1999 07:12:08 -0500
From: "P.A. Gantt" <pgantt@icx.net>
Subject: [netz] Re: [UA-C] Dynamic Public Broadcasting With a Future (Elsewhereperhaps?)
Do not sacrifice the first wave for the second.
Please excuse my cross-postings but I *still*
am not convinced nor are many others...
===============================================
The truth is pay-per-view digital won't fly
no matter the "ignoble" the reasoning if you
cannot guarantee consumers they may retain what it
is they already have with small ISPs.
Namely:
o unlimited hours
o ~$20.00 per month for Internet
connection via computer
It's a matter of dollars and cents and sense.
> Public TV Seeks 'Flexibility' In Money-Making Uses of DTV (Current)
Money making = gouge consumers
> Stations Producers Try Web TV Enhancements (Current)
Pay per view!
Guarantee this new wonderful web-tv will not kill
small ISPs with reasonable rates and this second
wave will fly. Destroy reasonable access to the
Net via home connection on PCs via ISPs, unlimited hours,
and all for $20.00 a month then this wonderful
new wave will fly.
Let's also remember small ISPs have employees.
They wish to continue to pay mortgages,
raise their children, and pay their bills.
Address these questions rather touting what this
wonderful new tech. will give us. Who can afford
pay-per-view? Sheesh! I thought public tv was
free.
Consumers want to know. How has the joint interests
of tv/telcos and other strange bedfellows, retained
plain old data lines, unlimited Internet connection,
and small ISPs then you *perhaps* you can have
your pay-per-views the rich can afford?!?
The CHASM created by pay-per-view vs. an affordable
connection is what we are talking here.
Address this... then you have my support.
Fail to address this... then prepare for my protest
and others who are *outraged* at the specter of our
services costing us more for far less than we have today.
We are not convinced. Convince us!
BTW we people remember the Net was bought
through our taxpayers' dollars via DOD/ARPA.
Do not give our Net away to strange bedfellows
we can ill-afford.
- --
P.A. Gantt, Computer Science Technology Instructor
Electronic Media Design and Support Homepage
http://user.icx.net/~pgantt/
mailto:pagantt@technologist.com?Subject=etech
http://horizon.unc.edu/TS/vision/1998-11.asp
Common sense is not common, and conventional wisdom is not
wisdom. But at least you can have conventional sense. ~~ Daily Whale
------------------------------
End of Netizens-Digest V1 #282
******************************
