British Columbia Community Networks
Wisdom from a Vancouver Pioneer
Contact Info:
- Margaret Coates, Chair, Vancouver Community Network
- Telephone: 684-8171 (w)
- E-mail: mcoates@vcn.bc.ca
- HomePage-- http://www.vcn.bc.ca/vcn/
Interview Notes:
- Vancouver is currently re-writing their public documents to reflect the
name change from "Free-Net" to "Community Network" and the system interface
migration from FreePort to Lynx. Brand new User Manual and Information
Provider Kit documentation shou ld be available in June/96.
- System accounts are still free to the public, but people are encouraged to
become members: Low Income ($15), Individuals ($25), or Family ($40).
- If money is available, Vancouver would be pleased to write up a short
document summarizing key lessons learned.
- Vancouver began organizing in June/93 and became operational in
September/94.
- There are currently about 8000 people registered on the network.
- There are 1.25 paid staff positions and about 80 volunteers. A Human
Resource program plan has just been completed.
- There are over 100 information providers on-line and they all endorse the
service. Key sponsors/donors include the Vancouver Foundation and VanCity
Credit Union.
Margaret's Wish List is BC Government Funding to
Sustain Existing Community Nets!
- At least 2 years of sustaining funds are required for operational
Free-Nets.
- $100,000/year would cover key costs for phone lines and paid staff
positions for System Administration and Office Support.
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For further information:
EMail: bccna@bccna.bc.ca
Phone: (250) 727-2489
(in Victoria)
Toll Free (BC): 1-888-727-2226
Fax: (250) 727-6418
This file was last edited: May 15, 1996