[Ccil-user] Preserving CCIL services (fwd)

[Elgene A. Smith]

To all,

I would like to endorse and reemphasize the importance of Mr. Neal's
views of the place that the text access to PINE and LYNX should be
accorded in the continuance of CCIL's mission to the community. I
believe that a relatively simple (and safe from viruses?) introduction
to the wonders of current communication is of at least equal importance
as the provision of "state of the art" access.

I would like to see:

1. A clear public explanation of our mission and how we accomplish
it.(a few advertisements  in the local press?)

2. A modest annual membership fee (personal and family?) which might
(or might not) include "text only" access.

3. A "sponsor" fee of 100-150$ to include graphic access (part of which
might be tax deductible?)

4.? A "benefactor" category for those AOL, Comcast,or others not
needing internet access in whatever amount they would like to
contribute.

5. Arrangements made to allow applications for membership without prior
graphical access to the internet.

6. A fleshing out of the information available on the text access.
(Local news, weather,interactions,a weekly URL special to entice
newcomers to expand their interests.

7.A harmonious blending of the disparate abilities, capabilities,
mental sets, etc. which are inherent and all necessary if this venture
is to succeed.

Best wishes,

nElgene A. Smith.


---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 2 May 2002 14:50:18 -0400 (EDT)
From: Colin D. Neal <cneal@ccil.org>
To: ccil-user@lists.ccil.org
Subject: [Ccil-user] Preserving CCIL services


Dear CCIL friends:

To me, one of CCIL's greatest values lies in providing email and internet
access to people who cannot afford (or prefer not to use) expensive
computers.  Over the past few years, I have acquired many older computers
from friends, installed a communications program and a modem, and then
given them to (mostly) youngsters and retirees, to get them started on the
web.  The PINE email program and the non-graphical (text-only) internet
access available via CCIL work great for emailing and web-surfing, using
old 286, 386 and 486 computers, and early pentiums.  Thus I certainly hope
that CCIL's dial-up access for these older machines will be preserved.

I also have a suggestion about the suggested level of monetary
contributions to CCIL. For several years, whenever I got the request, I
have been making the suggested annual donation to support CCIL.  I believe
the last request was for an annual contribution of $75.00. I would be GLAD
to make an annual donation of $150.00 to help assure the continuation of
CCIl's fine services to the community, and I hope that CCIL will increase
its suggested donation to this level.  I believe that there are many CCIL
supporters who would be happy to support CCIL in this fashion.  $150 (or
even $200 a year) is still a bargain for internet and email service, and
it would provide an easy way for those of us who are not technically
oriented to help the organization.

Sincerely....Colin Neal




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