[Becker] First off, many people can't afford a computer. Related to that is that many people could possibly afford a computer but simply don't have the technical expertise to run the computers that they have. My father has a computer and he can get into and out of e-mail and Word but beyond that, it takes some serious technical support from his kids to keep him going.
[Heller] The Library decisions we're making now will serve the public for the next 30 - 50 years. The next generation, those who will be paying for the $100 million glass palace, are very computer literate. Also, a terminal for internet access can be purchased for less than $200 now, and prices continue to fall. [Becker] There is no incentive for the publishing industry to move its intellectual property to a format that can be easily duplicated. Everyone in those industries keeps believing that they can create some sort of encryption system that will safeguard intellectual property but so far code breakers have proven to be much more clever than cryptographers. [Heller] I anticipate that public libraries will pay publishers for distribution rights so that everyone will have equal access to information. I hope that subscriptions to the Wall Street Journal and Investors Business Daily are included soon. Another point to remember is that Hennepin County has a wonderful library system. If memory serves, the U of M has (among other publicly funded universities) quite a collection of material. How many separate government entities do we need to accomplish the objective? Remember what the objective is: To get information to anyone who wants it, efficiently and cost effectively. Free meeting space is not the objective. We already have lots of public buildings for that purpose. Cedar-Riverside Business Association meets at the Holiday Inn in Seven Corners - for free. It's good for the hotel and it's good for our group. I must admit that my point isn't a good one because the Minneapolis taxpayers actually paid for the hotel. Darn, there really is no such thing as free. Someone always pays. Vicky Heller North Oaks REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
