Adam,
> In the interests of full disclosure, I should mention that I'm
>involved in LANRoamer, a for-profit GPL-compatible Linux-based access
>control gateway FTPable from ftp://ftp.lanroamer.net/pub/lanroamer/.
That would be a problem, because as far as I can see, that would be a
"conflict of interest". We've had two big companies steal an "Alpha
version" of our software, and that's why everything is being held under
"lock and key". It was originally an OpenSource project, but we had too
many WISP's, and commercial snoops (including Intel and Microsoft) that
we're just trying to steal the technology so they could line their
pockets.
> I don't know if it's my flash viewer or the nexttechwireless
>flash programming, but it takes a long time for the "skip intro"
>button work, even though I'm on a 1.5Mbps connection.
Yea, the website needs quite a bit of work. We've been concentrating on
development. Everyone has been whining about the website, and the "lack
of information". There's a reasoning for it. Just wait patiently, and
when it's stable, we'll release a version to each of the "founding
fathers" of the free community networks (for their use). Originally we
were going to release the software under a GPL license, but we decided
against that, because way too much sweat and work went into this project
to have a commercial company (RAINBOW PROJECT) just come in and steal
it... is criminal.
> When I got through, I couldn't find anything about their
>"89,000 nodes globally",
Yes, originally we were attempting to use NodeDB, and we were going to
create an XML file... <Laughing> Try keeping track of 89,000+ nodes (or
even mapping them). Our nodemapping project is a project in itself. It
will dynamically map all the nodes. So if you turn your box on, it will
automatically display your node on the map. If you shut your node off,
it will automatically remove your node from the map. If you move around
(a roaming user) it will dynamically update your location on the map
(via special triangulation software).
Yes, we're working on a "wireless instant messenger" as well, so you can
chat with members in your local area, etc.
>although perhaps the site would look better
>if I were to enable JavaScript.
Yes, that might help. We'll work on creating a more "friendly" website,
for mozilla and PDA users. Just give us time. We have been focusing
our efforts on the development (of the project), not the cosmetics of
the website.
>Under "STATS" on the front page it
>says, "Total members: 80", which, in my opinion, that would be ad
>respectable number too. Perhaps that is number of particpants in
>their web site?
Yes, those are just members of the website.
>I would like to know more about the "89,000 nodes
>globally" statistic.
Give us some time, and we'll release our MeshMapper. Which will show
you each of the mesh nodes on our global network. I'm sure there will
be bugs, but we're working on it. Please be patient... remember that we
are a completely VOLUNTEER group, and none of us are getting paid for
this.
> Anyhow, I would be interested in knowing if the software that
>nexttechwireless developed is GPL-compatible, and, if so, where it can
>be downloaded.
Yes, funny that you should ask that. 99% of the people that want the
software seem to be commercial companies, or WISP's. No, as of right
now, we're probably not going to license it under a GPL license, but it
will be licensed to free community wireless groups.
This is simply to keep commercial people (such as seattlewireless.com
who has been trying to ride on the coat tails of free networks such as
the great guys at seattlewireless.net), and other entities (I'm not
going to mention any names *COUGH* Intel *COUGH* from stealing our work.
So please be patient, as we get closer to being finished (possibly
around June) we'll release a Beta version to several of the "founding
fathers" of the free wireless community networks.
This software will slowly tie everyone together, and help us fight
against the big Telco's, and commercial companies that are slowly
banding together (RAINBOW PROJECT). It's going to be a battle for the
airwaves, but I do think we can win.
Once again, how can you sell something that we're giving away for free?
If you look at T-Mobile's pricing scheme, you'll realize that it's not
as easy to sell as you think. They started out at $89/month, and they
were charging per minute and per megabyte. They're slowly beginning to
realize that people aren't willing to pay that. Eventually they'll
begin to understand that there is no money in it. (Just wait for the
pricing wars). Our goal is to create a FREE global grass roots network,
and bring FREE wireless to rural and low-income areas. How can you
compete with something that is FREE?
Mark
On Tue, 11 Mar 2003, at 15:26:23 -0500, Simon Woodside wrote:
>Sorry, I didn't look at your site because of the annoying flash intro
>(with music, no less)
>simon
>On Tuesday, March 11, 2003, at 02:20 PM, Mark Malewski wrote:
>> www.nextechwireless.net
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