Re: Genie...is it worth it?

[kindall@falcon.ic.net (Jerry Kindall)]

Jawaid Bazyar (bazyar@netcom.com) wrote:
:   GEnie's main benefit is that it has a large file library. It also
: costs $3/hour, which is totally outrageous in my opinion. Internet
: providers are much less expensive, averaging $20/mo for _unlimited_
: usage.

One thing some people tend to forget when comparing services like GEnie 
to the Internet is that online services provide you with a higher level 
of service than the Internet.  On GEnie, every program in the library is 
checked to make sure it works properly and contains no viruses.  Old 
versions of programs are removed when new versions are uploaded.  Message 
threads are forcibly kept on-topic and old message threads are archived.  
Digests such as GEnie Lamp are prepared.  Not to mention things that you 
can't get via the Internet, such as Grolier's Encyclopedia and Official 
Airline Guide, to name just two such services.

How much work is it for an internet provider to carry Apple II 
newsgroups and allow access to Apple II FTP sites?  Virtually none.  How 
much work is it for the GEnie A2 staff to do all the things they do?  A 
lot.

The Internet provides data.  GEnie and other services provide 
information.  You may pay $20 for your Internet connection, but the 
Internet connection is ALL you get.

: -- 
:  Jawaid Bazyar              |   Like UNIX? Like your Apple IIGS? Then ask

--
Jerry Kindall (kindall@ic.net) -- Manual Labor

I pay for this account myself and do not represent Quality Computers via 
this address.  For QC questions & info e-mail quality@genie.geis.com.