🚀 go-pugleaf

Nabil M. El-Khodari (falcon@torfree.net) wrote:
: I-Comm once again!!! IMHO, I-Comm is the way out for most of TFN's 
: current probelms that can be summarized as follows:

: - User unsatisfaction with the current interface.
: - Sponsors search for graphical-enabled, sound-enabled platforms to put 
: their ads. 

I don't know how you can support such a cheesy browser.  IMHO, I-Comm 
bites the big one, big time.  I've used it all of maybe two time before I 
got rid of it...it's the biggest waste of space I've had on my computer 
in a long time...

: THE USUAL COUNTER-POINTS:

: A- TFN does not have enough band width to allow its users graphical access 
:    to the WWW.

: The answer to that is the ideal situation is for the users to use this 
: browser within TFN. If we provide a 'graphical' menu system (which 
: coincides with the requirements of the information providers to use HTML 
: instead of the more difficult and less featured 'menu system'). The link 
: to such files would be a Lynx link. 
: Some of the users will however try to access sites outside TFN. This is a 
: self-limiting phenomenon, as most will discover that:

: a. It takes so much time to 'download' the html.
: b. The HTML is first downloaded to the user's computer which will 
:    eventually exhaust its resources.
: c. The TFN philosophy is built around competing for scarce resources, 
:    whether that be the telephone lines or the band-width. If too many people 
:    are using the bandwidth, all the connections will become slower.

: Solutions to TFN bandwidth problems:

: a. Discontinue not.torfree.net and all its afilliated sites 
:    (gts.torfree.net, etc.)
: b. Cancel all accounts outside the Toronto area (those people use telnet 
:    to reach TFN). They are most likely the least contributing members to the 
:    donations. They also must have other accounts to reach the TFN, so no 
:    harm will be done. Such approach has been implemented by one of the 
:    Finnish FreeNets. 

I'd love to see some proof of the statement made above.  I AM one of 
those who live outside of Toronto...I do not have another account with 
which I use to access the TFN.  This is the only access I have as a 
matter of fact.  As for us being the "least contributing members to the 
donations" I'd love to see some hardcore proof of that.  Don't go around 
generalizing like that.  So what if I don't make a donation!  It's not 
mandatory that I do, is it?  Think about it though...if this is my only 
connection, and I live outside of Toronto, do you think that I have the 
money to make a donation?  I certainly don't.


: B- The TFN does not have enough volunteer resources to implement new 
:    systems nor provide user support for them.

: Please read carefully the information listed below for the system 
: requirements regarding the server. Only one file need to be included in 
: the root directory. THAT IS IT.
: 1;2;c
: Support can be provided - as it usually is - by other users in the 
: newsgroups. May be we can also establish a new newsgroup just for that 
: purpose.

: WHAT IS NEEDED:

: 1- Provide the I-COMM browser in the public download area for the users 
:    to experiment with. It is an excellent 'terminal' for use even with 
:    current setting of TFN. This will avoid actually TFN users having to 
:    subscribe to such freenets as the Finnish Freenet to be able to download 
:    the software (by the way; why have the download feature been disabled in 
:    the new Lynx?).

To my knowledge they haven't...they work just fine for me...

: 2- Make the decision to use I-Comm as 'THE' TFN browser and install the 
:    server side file.

Perhaps you should ask the membership as a whole in the next election.  
After all, this would affect us all, wouldn't it? (Except for those who 
live outside Toronto, who have been presumably cut off by then, since 
they don't contribute enough $$$)

: 3- Make the information known to our users (asking them for donations, as 
:    we are improving the service).

Again, ask them first.

: 4- Immediate shift to HTML menues. Make this information known to our 
:    'potential sponsors' and of course users and above all Information 
:    Providers.

Which would mean that we would have no choice and have to switch over to 
I-Comm...:P

: C- GUI access would affect those users preferring text-only.

: Not at all. This approach is different than the PPP/SLIP alternative. 

: D- Most TFN users will not be able to use the new features.

: Again wrong. The browser only needs a 386. I have bought one from the 
: Goodwell (though I still have my Pentium) for only $35 (an IBM PS/2 Model 
: 70). Also all libraries that ar affilliated with TFN can install the 
: I-Comm browser for TFN users. The desk space required is minimal and the 
: browser is better than those currently in use by the libraries. Those who 
: cannot afford a second-hand 386 can always use the library. I have been 
: doing that - as I did not have a telephone line, now I have one - as at 
: least 2 persons that I happen to know closely ;-)

So, either get I-Comm or go and (presumably) wait in the library to log 
on to the TFN.

: In the current situation the TFN is in, and with the board's decision to 
: take the easy way by forwarding the bill to the users - something that I 
: basically do not agree with - we might as well show that we are 
: 'improving' the service for the users.

I have seen no bill...

In any case...if you want to respond, you'll have to mail me, since I do 
not frquent this NG...
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