In reference to Mosaic, Eric Siegel writes:
 
Is this really what people are so excited about? I
          personally really prefer the speed and flexibility of text.
          But then again, I like a command line interface ("what good
          is it learning how to use a computer if it doesn't seem
          cryptic to the uninitiated?")
 
          I once read a *very* compelling editorial in Wired magazine
          by Negroponte, the director of the MIT Media Lab. In it, he
          says that transmitting huge bandwidth over the wires is a
          waste of computing power and infrastructure money. What
          should be transmitted are "clues" that allow the local
          computer to reconstuct full motion video or images, or
          whatever using its own computing power.
**********
 
You are absolutely right. Another problem with Mosaic is its
ONE-WAY nature. It can talk to you, but you cannot talk to
(talk back to?) it. (Unlike the MUSEUM-L, for example!)
 
Mosaic is an extended form of publishing, in my opinion.
It is not about having a dialogue with an audience.
It is a one-way transmission of information from those who
are "in-the-know" to those who are not. And, personally,
given the way it is set up, I do not see it evolving into
a dynamic platform.
 
(OK, flame me....)
 
Cheers!
 
Susan Jacobson
Interactive Telecommunications Program
New York University