Re: Usenet, ISP's, and On-Line Services

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

ericlob writes ...
> 
> Rubywand  <rubywand@swbell.net> wrote:
 ....
> 
> >Small on-line services are the ones in a bind. With so much free to
> >net users, what do small on-line services have to offer?
> 
> A sense of community mostly. To alot of people the internet is a big and
> scary place. An online service offers a controlled environment.
>

     Yes; that is one of AOL's major attractions. There are always
events of one kind or another, news, places to go in AOL, etc.-- like a
walled city on the net. Things are very civilized and watched over. On
the other hand, after a while, it's hard to escape the feeling that
you're on the set of The Prisoner.

 
> As to the point made about commercial vendors not frequenting usenet, it
> wasn't too long ago that any kind of commercial activity was frowned upon
> and the perpetrators were viciously flamed (now of course we have all
> sorts of wonderful spam, but that's another story).

     Of course, there are tasteful ways to attract customers-- Louis
Cornelio's invite to view his 'old masters' game box picks is an
example. Occasional ANNouncement postings by major vendors would be
informative and not cause a disruption.

     One-shot posts by individuals advertising a system or component for
sale are a different matter. They obviously belong only on 'marketplace.
It may be time for Nathan to put on his Watchdog suit again.


 
Rubywand