At 07:21 PM 8/3/99 -0400, you wrote:
>>The router at our local public library, which is paid for by taxpayer
>>dollars and, therefore, is owned by the public (and there are many examples
>>of this).
>
>Ok, show me how, I as a memebr of the public affect policy concerning
>this router.
>
Ahhh, that is a different story! Actually, I could (as a taxpaying citizen
of my community) affect (to a certain degree) how this router is utilized,
when it is upgraded, etc. Again, though, your point is very valid. The
*significant* pieces of the Internet (large-scale routers, backbone
segments, *DNS servers*, etc.) are *privately* held and controlled. It is
by the good graces, good will, and good business practices of the *owning*
organizations that public access is allowed. I know of no law which
requires UUNET to maintain an OC-48 link between Cleveland and Chicago...
it is the desire of their customers to have such a link, and they provide it.
>
>
>This program posts news to thousands of machines throughout the entire
>civilized world. Your message will cost the net hundreds if not thousands of
>dollars to send everywhere. Please be sure you know what you are doing.
>
>Are you absolutely sure that you want to do this? [ny]
>
>
++++++++++
Gene Marsh
president, anycastNET Incorporated
330-699-8106
