I'm disturbed that they [ASTEC] have chosen this route, when the rest of us are setting up web and gopher servers to provide access to everyone. They're a fine organization, and I'd be interested in hearing why they went on compuserve. Unfortunately, the Internet does not really provide "access to everyone." In fact, we are a pretty elite bunch who do have the ability to take full advantage of all its possibilities. And it is an even more elite bunch who are able to actually _provide_ Internet services. The issue here, which few seem to have considered, is one of _audience_. It is not what is the best technology, but what is the best way to provide the services you want to the largest number of people who you want to reach. It is easy to forget that the vast majority of institutions (especially smaller ones) have no direct Internet connection and little likelihood of having one in the next few years. Sure, we can contract space on other servers and leach on to other institutions, but this requires a fairly sophisticated understanding of Internet services and of Unix. Few institutions have anyone on staff with that understanding. This will change, but for now services like Compuserve offer a convenient package of services, with lots of support for providers and users, at a relatively modest cost. Do remember that the Internet is not "free," even if the bill does not come to your desk. Sure, we _should_ be on the Internet, but for many of us it is the Holy Grail. Commercial Services are excellent way for some us to learn the benefits of online as we move up the on ramps. Experiments like this are the best way to find out how we can best reach our audiences. Why doesn't ASTC set up a listserv/newsgroup to echo these messages. Are they getting a cut from the Compuserve forum? This is an excellent idea. They would probably be happy to, if they had access to the technology and the ability to make it work. In te meantime, three cheers from me to ASTEC for finding a convenient way to reach a broad cross section of their membership. Guy Hermann | Mystic Seaport Museum | "Technology is lust removed [log in to unmask] | Mystic, Conn., USA | from nature." Don Delillo