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In article "Ronald F. Vetter" <[log in to unmask]> writes: >I will subject the readers to little more this time. >I do cheer the expanders of internet Parkinsonism information exchange. >There is the consideration of whether better to establish multiple e-mail >lists or try to be all united with this first world-wide site. I >personally believe that eventually virtual libraries on all subjects that >are the central repository for the earth .. available to all .. is the >optimum method of having all knowledge available to all learners seeking to >know all there is to know about any subject worthy of study... Digital >version of libraries at Alexandria, Vatican, Library of Congress, et >cetera. The roadblock to this utopian dream is the "C" word(Copyright). Legalities and methods of paying those who own combinations of words are the big roadblock. Building databases is as labor intensive as building a house and the sense of accomplishment is not as readily apparent. It is just like the medicines, if there isn't enough demand it will not be invented, sold, and profits made. Universities, hang on to research papers like they were state secrets and authors even though some of the research may have been funded, directly or indirectly with tax dollars are still intellectual property owned by the authors. True, I may give in to my tremor and leave out a paragraph on a research study that I format for the archives but really, we need to know what is going on. Those interested in the complete work can go to the medical library and read and copy the journals, like I do, and see the complete work. Authors of studies would croak, if they had to proof my copies. I like the dream of having a central repository of things we are interested in, no matter what flavor it is. There are some high powered academians on the Internet which could really enhance our knowledge. I met one government neurologist at a seminar recently and I inquired if he was on the internet. He replied that if he was, he was concerned it would take all his time answering E-Mail. His sense of "community" was going to a Rotary Club meeting rather than sharing his knowledge and skill. What a pity.... We on the Parkinsn list have a sense of "community" and share a common goal. We have quite a few "lurkers" which include all types of physicians that treat and "feed" small support groups information that is developed and talked about on this list world wide. They are not noticed but their efforts in the "bucket brigade" are appreciated by many. We all recognize the soldiers in the fight that are working on solutions to the questions our conditions pose. Thanks. All we can do to further this little corner of the Internet furthers the quest for a just resolution. John Cottingham NEW ADDRESS: [log in to unmask]