🚀 go-pugleaf

AREA:INET.ICDECC-M
From: R.D.Mason@open.ac.uk
Date: Tue, 3 Nov 1992 09:32:32 GMT
Message-ID: <9211030954.AA18885@acs1.acs.ucalgary.ca>
Newsgroups: mlist.icdecc-m
 
Various contributors have suggested that the differences between
the developed and developing world are not as great as they may
seem in relation to the use of computer-mediated communication.
The telephone network in developed countries is still not completely
reliable and can cause serious barriers to cmc applications.  
The comfort level of users in developed countries is also 
not assured: cmc is somewhat of an acquired taste!  
The turmoil of government - a timely subject in several developed
countries as we write - is clearly a factor in the spread of cmc.
From outright suppression through to outright support and financial 
backing - governmental reaction can make or break communication 
technologies.  But cmc has always had a rather subversive reputation
- being relatively unsophisticated technically, highly user-driven 
and oblivious to authority, electronic written communications often
go where others fear to tread.  
 
It is my experience that cmc often works best where the need is 
strongest - either through real isolation and desire to communicate,
or through real motivation to access education.
 
So do we recommend the increased use of cmc in developing countries
- despite all the problems which we experience even in developed 
countries?
 
Robin Mason 



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