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Scott McKinnon- >Obviously as it appears here, you are working with other people to set up >a site on AOL. Sounds great for those connected to AOL. Is there a >connect to the internet from AOL? Since AOL is a commercial >organization, is someone trying to get people who are currently >connected to the internet, join up with AOL? AOL members can access internet mailing lists and newsgroups. In addition other internet services are becomming available. I think everything on the internet is available except FTP. Much of is is still being tested. I don't think any one is trying to make an effort to recruit internet members to AOL because of PD as yet. I had held off any official anouncement of the APDA-AOL connection until it was official. Several details are still being worked out. APDA has not been given a demo of the system yet. However I don't see any roadblocks ahead, it's just a matter of needing time to convert the materiel from print to a computer compatible form. I have converted about 1/2Meg of files and sent them to AOL, I still have a little under a meg to go. Once the PD area is ready and running, APDA will publicize it amoung its members. (Which should be everyone in the US with an interest in PD.) I think the AOL PD area can act as a clearinghouse of information. Right now I think the internet is growing faster than resources can be put to it. In the next few years we will see some tremendous changes towards a more commericial network. To duplicate the services AOL will provide to the PD community with a direct internet connection would require a not insignificient amount computing power and staff. >maybe in the >future there can be some (joining) without the trappings of some >commercial entity getting involved (re: $) I thing people must realize that information costs money, someone must ultimately pick up the bill, either you or your employer, or your school. Someone foots the bill. With a commericial service, I foot the bill, and if I am unsatisfied with the service I'll go elsewhere. This is the way it should work in a capitalist society. Greg Johnson [log in to unmask]