Subject: Thurs.'s Meeting Report

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From: aa303@freenet.durham.org (Paula Wilson)

Subject: Thurs.'s Meeting Report

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Date: Mon, 26 May 1997 17:54:18 GMT



                                 REPORT ON: 

                             DFN Users Group Meeting

                                May 22nd, 1997

                        Oshawa Public Library Auditorium

    

    

    In attendance: 32 members/guests

    Being a small informal group, the agenda was handled as was best

    suited to the occassion.

    

    Norm Taylor from DREDAC was the first speaker of the evening.

    DREDAC is the Durham Region Economic Development Advisory Councill.

    

    One of DREDAC's mandates is to work towards a Community Integrated

    Network or electronic market place. The idea of a technological town

    square could include a freenet concept much like our own DFN.

   

    To advance the regional infrastructure, DREDAC is attempting to

    involve all sectors of the community: government, health, education,

    business and the public, in a system that creates mutual benefits and

    therefore, economic growth. Together, we can "build smart".

   

    June 16th at Durham College, there will be an envisioning conference,

    where ideas such as the need for freenets will be presented.

     

    TAP ( a possible funding source) will be accepting tenders on July

    15th - DREDAC will apply.

    

    Discussions with Norm Taylor entailed the following but by no means is

    meant to be direct quotes, just the general comments made:

    

    Member comment: Seen grand visions come and go. Seen them die at the

    roots. Astonished by the lack of involvement by government and

    industry.

    

    Norm Taylor: Agrees that the region, as a whole, are not moving ahead

    at lightening speed.

    

    Member comment: Our need for funding is immediate

    

    Norm Taylor: If the "DFN Users Group comes up with a game plan. He

    will communicate this to others as he is in contact with prime 

    businesses of Durham Region. The contacts, would act of their own accord, and

    perhaps decide to assist us, Norm will only go that far, in as

    much as passing our plans to others. No promises were made that any

    *one* contact would be approached to help us.  Just a general assist,

    as he is in contact with the businesses of Durham Region.

    

    Norm Taylor: Made mention of his next business meeting that is to be

    held Wednesday morning (May 28th), and referred to this as a prime 

    time to put our information/plan by these businesses.

    

    After the Q.& A./comments and the wind up of Norm Taylor's very

    positive and promising presentation, the assembled members were asked 

    to give a brief introduction of themselves.  This aspect of the

    meeting proved to be extremely valuable, as it was discovered that 

    there was indeed a wealth of skills that could greatly benefit the DFN

    in the people in attendance.

    

    Computer industry specialists, teachers, communications specialists,

    just to name a few.  Some of these individuals joined the Action Team

    that was formed prior to the end of the meeting.

    

    At this time in the meeting, the Chairperson reaffirmed the tone of

    the agenda, in that it was a solutions-based environment that was

    being sought.  From general observations, it was exactly that, in it's

    proceedings. Past and current problems were briefly presented only

    enroute to solutions.  The Chairperson also identified the people who 

    were unable to attend, as in key speakers/panellists, and offered up 

    their regrets and also made mention to the negative results that may 

    have been a direct result of his handling of initial requests to the 

    speakers/panellists. He appologized for this aspect.

    

    Paula Wilson spoke briefly on the history of the DFN. How and when it

    was formed, when the system went online to the general public, how the

    increase of membership affected the system, how this aspect was

    successfully dealt with and the unsuccessful membership drive that

    ensued, and finally where we are today, with regards to facing the 

    shut-down.

    

    Paula Wilson also spoke briefly on the financial aspects of the DFN.

    Where the initial funding came from, and identified just some of the

    sources of income such as Bell Canada's donations of the Alex

    terminals and the amount of income from them.

    

    Ian R. Desjardins spoke on his view of being a President of a

    cyber-organization, as best as he could relate it, with respect to the

    non-personal environment that is "virtually" the medium of reaching

    out to the membership, verses a "warm-bodied" encounter, as is the

    norm for most community organizations.

    

    Brett Philp spoke regarding the technical aspects involved with the

    DFN, and did a very good job of presenting information in generalities 

    and not going above everyone's head with technical terminology.  An 

    important factor he noted, was that the lease will be expiring at the

    end of May, for the Oshawa site of the DFN.  Also noted, was the

    actual number, that of 4000 for registered membership, does not

    directly indicate the current *active* users, of which it may be equal 

    to or less than half that number.

    

    After a refreshment break, the formal part of the evening's meeting

    was wound up with a positive thought provoking presentation by a

    guest in attendance. He gave the membership an idea of what was

    needed to survive, and offered some suggestions on how he could

    possibly help, in areas such as location.

 

    A general "think tank" followed, where ideas were put forward.

    priorities discussed and possible solutions tabled. Volunteers were

    called for to carry out an initial action plan, and the "action

    team" was formed to, pursue these ideas and offers of help, and to

    prepare a proposal.

        The meeting ended at midnight. 

   

  

 

 







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** Paula Wilson **  

aa303@freenet.durham.org