I'm not sure why there is so much needless talk regarding the expense and
privilege of internet access.  I have a dial-up account on a Unix host
with a local number (available around the country, btw) that costs only
$17.50 per month.  For that price I have unlimited 24hr internet access
and 5 megs of disk space (that includes my ftp directory).  In my
neighborhood that is cheaper than cable TV.  The only exclusive part is
having the money to buy a used computer (it need not be fast) and a
modem.  There is nothing exotic about it at all.  If you can handle DOS
you can handle basic Unix.  Direct internet connections are also
available for quite a reasonable cost.  I think we would *like* to think
we are privileged, but the fact is anyone with some basic computer
hardware and software can easily get on the internet.  Whether people
actually do connect is another matter not related to privilege.  Heck,
there is even a restaurant and a cafe/laundromat here in SF where you can
go on the net between "bytes".
 
Sorry people but I guess it's late and I'm tired of hearing how great we
are to be on the net.  I think it all comes down to wanting to get on the
net, not being a member of *the club*.
 
Yours semi-apologetically,
 
Loren C. Pigniolo                                 | voice/fax: 415/665-1827
Photographic Preservation Specialist              | voice: 800/484-9808 x7841
Photographic Preservation Services                | i/net: [log in to unmask]
1044 Judah Street #1 San Francisco, CA 94122-2052 | Please call before faxing
 
Documents on photographic preservation and a list of our services are
available via anonymous ftp to ftp.netcom.com in the directory pub/PPS-info