Marcy at Camp Internet: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 10:58AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Camp Internet welcomes Harley Hahn to this special Meet-the-Author chat ........ button ....... and here are a few interesting ideas from Harley ..... "The Internet is the force behind the next stage in human evolution."............... "The business of the Internet is not business."............... "When you use the Internet, even in your own home, you should think of yourself as being out in public." ................... "The Internet gives all of us much more free choice that we can currently handle in a healthy manner. As individuals and as a society, we are going to have to grow and mature in order to thrive in a world that demands a large amount of judgment and personal responsibility"............

Marcy at Camp Internet: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 11:14AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Visit the authors web site at button and learn about his many books, distinctive ideas, and amusing anecdotes about the Internet ... enjoy !

Judy Dennington from North Verdemont: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 11:43AM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi Harley, Thank you for joining us at Camp Internet today. I do have one question. I haven't seen your Readme book for internet training although I hear it is an excellent resource. Do you think it could be used with elementary aged children? If not, do you have plans for a similar book which would be useful with younger internet users?

Sarah Jones: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 2:17PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I have read the Global Brain book by Petere Russel some time ago and am wondering if your thoughts on the Internet have any type of Gaian concept ... self regulating earth .. etc.

Roger Abrahms, RMS: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 2:37PM PST (-0800 GMT)
My students are just starting to grasp the global scale of the Internet .. can you give me a brief histroy of the Internet that I can pass along to them - where it got started and by who ? And, for my own interest, how did you first get involved with the net ?

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 6:51PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I'll be back at 7PM (I'm working on anew book now and I am taking every momont I can). In the meantime, I'll post an answer to Roger's request for a brief history of the Internet. This is taken from my book "Harley Hahn Teaches the Internet".

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 6:51PM PST (-0800 GMT)
What Is the Internet? The roots of the Internet go back to the late 1960s. At that time, a project called the ARPANET was funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (ARPA was the Advanced Research Projects Agency). The goal of the Arpanet was to connect a number of computing facilities around the country. In general, we connect computers together to share information and resources. When we do so, it is called a computer NETWORK. The Arpanet was a long distance computer network with a special requirement, one that would later turn out to be very important to the Internet. The late 1960s was during the Cold War, and the U.S. Department of Defense was particularly concerned with the possibility of nuclear attack. For this reason, the Arpanet was designed to keep working even if someone dropped a bomb on part of the network. If some of the communication links were destroyed, the rest of the network would still function. The project to create such technology was successful, and throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the network expanded and became the Internet. At first, the Internet connected only military and university computers, but gradually, more and more companies and individuals joined. Today, millions of people around the world have access to the Net. Thus, in a single generation, the Internet grew from an experimental project to a global network that has permanently changed our culture. By any standard, the Net has been fabulously successful. But why did this happen, and how did it happen so quickly? The answer is twofold. First, the original technology developed for the U.S. Department of Defense has proven to be highly reliable. Although no one has ever dropped a bomb on the Internet, it is common for computers and communication lines to stop working temporarily. When this happens, the computers that run the Internet automatically re-route the flow of information around the broken links until they start working again. So one reason the Internet has grown so large is that it is so resilient. When a computer or a communication line stops working, we say that the computer (or line) is DOWN. Similarly, when a computer or a line is working, we say that it is UP. The Internet is vast and at any time, there are bound to be some computers that are down. Regardless, the Internet as a whole is robust enough that it never goes down. Think about that. For the rest of your life — and for many years to follow — there will be an Internet and it will always be up. In fact, the Internet is so large and so complex that there is really no way to turn it off. The second reason the Net grew so quickly has to do with the nature of human beings. We are a species that loves to communicate. To participate in the Internet you need a computer, but it was not until the mid-1990s that personal computers became both powerful and inexpensive. However, once the average person could afford a PC, it didn’t take long for tens of millions of people to buy computers and join the Net. The history of the 20th century shows us that people have always used new technologies to communicate faster and better. There is something in our biological blueprint that makes us want to talk to each other and to share information. To be sure, everything is not perfect on the Net. There are dishonest people who will be glad to cheat you out of your money and lie to you if it will help them get what they want. And there are individuals who are willing to use the Internet for anything — legal or not — in order to make a buck. But this is life, and any group of people is going to have its share of dishonesty and deceit. However, as you learn more about the Internet and how it works, you will come to a marvelous realization. The Internet provides a safe way for people to gather, and, when people feel safe, they have a natural tendency to share and to help one another. The Internet is a wonderful system, and in a very real sense, it reflects our biological destiny as a species.

Hilda Zacahrias: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:00PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Do you talk to families when you go out on any speaking engagements ? If so,what concerns do they have about the Internet and what do you explain to them ?

Tim Johnson: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:01PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Does being a well known author make your life different ? Do you have privacy problems ?

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:01PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hi, I'm here now. Presumambly, everyone is now an authority on the history of the Internet :-)

Ray Miller: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:01PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Are you a member of the Internet Society or any other professional organizations ? If so, what are their missions ?

Ray Miller: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:03PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I am thinking about joining CPSR - computer professionals for social responsibility .. they seem to be addressing some foresighted issues about freedom of information access and responsible social consciousness on the Internet ... are you familiar with them ?

Hillary Simons: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:04PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Do you teach classes anywhere or just write books ?

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:04PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Tim asks, "Does being a well known author make your life different? Do you have privacy problems?" Yes, life is different. I have a real sense of being able to contribute to our culture and help people, because I know that I can publish whatever I write with a major publisher and get it distributed around the country (and the world, in various translations). I do my best to avoid privacy problems, although it's not always possible. Today, I had someone call me and ask if he could fax me plans that he has developed for broadcasting over the Internet. I told him I don't have a fax, could he email it to me instead, and he said that he doesn't have access to email.

Richard Amos: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:05PM PST (-0800 GMT)
We are having trouble with a daughter who has been using the Internet chat rooms as dating searches - rather than finding local peers who share her other interests. Any suggestions on ways to curb her use of those rooms ?

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:07PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hillary asks: "Do you teach classes anywhere or just write books ?"... Mostly I write books. From time to time I will give a speech or a lecture, but I don't teach regular classes. I also do radio (I will be doing a lot in early December) and TV (on Thursday, I am going to Hollywood to tape an interview for a program on The Learning Channel.) Mostly, I stay at home, try to keep from getting distracted, and think of great ideas.

Hillary Simons: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:07PM PST (-0800 GMT)
What langauges are your books translated into ? Do you travel to those countries to promote the books ? If so, what is your read on how people in different countries see the Internet ?

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:08PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Does anyone know how to embed a blank line (for spacing) in a reply?

Richard Amos: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:09PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Richard Amos - speaking of getting sitratced - this election brouhaha is quite something ... why do you think Gore was so reticent to use the Internet and his role in promoting it? Just that sorry comment about inventing it ? Or is there more to it ?

Marcy at Camp: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:10PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Harley - the best this software can do is divide paragraphs by using .............................. to space out ideas and comments.

Richard Amos: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:11PM PST (-0800 GMT)
That was supposed to be "getting distracted" - too distracted myself about it to type right I guess ....

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:13PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Richard asks... "We are having trouble with a daughter who has been using the Internet chat rooms as dating searches - rather than finding local peers who share her other interests. Any suggestions on ways to curb her use of those rooms ?" I assume this is a teenage daughter, and they require special handling. What would you do to curb any behavior of hers that was not in her best interests? I don't think it will do you a lot of good to lecture her on how Internet relationships are not real (they are Relationships Without Responsibility"). The way to solve this problem is to use the only things that works with teenage girls: patience, good communication, patience, firm rules that you enforce, patience, helping help get involved with outside-the-house social activities and patience. I assume you have noticed by now that the cute little girl who used to look up into your eyes so adoringly has turned into an alien. It's normal, and it will pass. Your job is to keep her out of trouble, even if she screams and yells, for her own good, until she matures. In this case, you need to restrict her time on the Net and her activities. Remember, reason alone (or scaring) won't work, so you need to be patient.

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:16PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Richard asks..."Why do you think Gore was so reticent to use the Internet and his role in promoting it? Just that sorry comment about inventing it? Or is there more to it?" .............. As you all know, understanding the Net is not easy: it requires intelligence and experience and a lot of time. Politicians have *very little* time, and the plain truth is that none of them, including Mr. Gore and Mr. Bush, really understand the Net in any detail. They depend on other people to help them with that (as they do for most things). Gore, as all politicians, has people who study as best they can what people really care about the most, and they address themselves to these issues. For most people, that is not the Net.

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:20PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Judy asks... "I haven't seen your Readme book for Internet training although I hear it is an excellent resource. Do you think it could be used with elementary aged children? If not, do you have plans for a similar book which would be useful with younger Internet users?" -------------------- My book "Harley Hahn's Readme First Guide to the Internet" is a small, short intro to the Net. By itself, it isn't enough for kids. However, if you get a copy for yourself, you can use it as a teacher's guide, and that would work well. I think the best thing for the kids would be to got a copy of "Harley Hahn's Internet and Web Yellow Pages" and have them explore many of the children-oriented resources I have compiled. I have a lot of great stuff for kids, and a *lot* of stuff for teachers and parents.

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:23PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Sarah asks... "I have read the Global Brain book by Petere Russel some time ago and am wondering if your thoughts on the Internet have any type of Gaian concept ... self regulating earth .. etc."................... I have a lot of thoughts along the lines of a global network that ties together hundreds of millions of minds and computers, and that, is actually a live thing itself (the Net). This is not the same as the Gaian concept. I think that the Net is a new life-form though. It is going to take some time for this to be recognized.

Marcy at Camp Internet: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:23PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Reagrding Gore - I heard that Vincent Cerf has spoken up about the many people who deserve recogntion for 'inventing' the Internet - and that it is an ongoing invention by all of us who are using it. Harley, in regards to your web site's ponderings about God - the Interent is a great example of something we are creating in our 'own image' ... if it is only used for business and sales, that is the form it will take. If it is used for education and knowledge sharing that is the form it will take. I think this is why projects like Camp Internet are so important as they stake out a corner of the net that is devoted to education and knowledge sharing .... in teh spirit of the original NREN ...

Russ Harris: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:24PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Harley - Are you talking about the neural net ? can you explain your view of this idea ?

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:25PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Marcy comments "Vincent Cerf has spoken up about the many people who deserve recognition for 'inventing' the Internet - and that it is an ongoing invention by all of us who are using it... the Internet is a great example of something we are creating in our 'own image' ... if it is only used for business and sales, that is the form it will take. If it is used for education and knowledge sharing that is the form it will take..." ------------------ What you say is insightful and very important. I put it thus: "The business of the Internet is not business." We get too sidetracked by the money, but the Internet is not about money: it's about people and communication and, above all, sharing.

Charles D Ross: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:27PM PST (-0800 GMT)
What was the speed of the first modem you ever had ? what speed do you run at now ? I ran into an old 25mz computer of mine over the weekend .. really made me think .. 9600 baud I think ...

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:28PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Russ Harris asks... "Are you talking about the neural net ? can you explain your view of this idea?" .............. Russ, a neural net is a completely different thing. It's a collection of computers or processors that react locally to non-linear input and, as such, naturally exhibit certain behaviors that are weakly related to reasoning. The Internet, and the overall idea of it as a global organism is completely different. Don't get the terminology confused.

Marcy at Camp Internet: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:29PM PST (-0800 GMT)
How do you see women's use of the Internet changing ?

Russ Harris: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:30PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Global organism? With a life of its own? What signs do you see of this to support this concept?

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:32PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Charles asks... "What was the speed of the first modem you ever had? I ran into an old 25mz computer of mine over the weekend..." ................. The original IBM PC ran at 4.77 MHz (millions of cycles per second). This was August 1987. The newer, fastest PCs are now at 1.2 GHz (1.2 billion cycles per second). The first modem I used was an acoustic modem running at 300 bps (bits per second).

Ron: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:33PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I was recently at a big computer users conference and was struck by all of the flashy monitors and neon signs flashing .. felt like a car showroom really .... of course hardware is important .. but what about LEARNING - the Internet offers us new ways of learning that have never existed before .... are people writing about how the Internet is changing our minds in many different ways ? Do you have a philosophy book ? Or is it too early for there to be an audience for that ?

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:35PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Marcy asks... "How do you see women's use of the Internet changing?" ................ Yes, I do, even in the few years since I first started to work with you. Women have now embraced the Internet as a normal part of life and, I believe, there are now slightly more women on the Internet than men. Moreso than men, women tend to use the Net for more practical purposes. Both men and women use the Net a *lot* to stay in touch with friends, to chat and to meet people, especially people of the opposite sex.

Tara Lawrence: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:36PM PST (-0800 GMT)
As a teacher, I am thrilled everytime I see that spark of knowledge thirst go on in my students when they are out on the Internet. With all of the misc garbage out there, I really appreciate a resource like Camp Internet that focuses my sutdents on gaining kowledge that helps them become better human beings. Have you ever featured Camp Internet in your books as an example of a positive safe harbor online ?

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:36PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Russ asks... "Global organism? With a life of its own? What signs do you see of this to support this concept?" .......... This is a lot topic and hard to discuss, because it is still so poorly understood. Look closely at the Net *as a whole* and you will find some of the characteristics we associate with life. It's hard to say more now. (You'll have to keep reading my books :-)

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:40PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Tara asks... "Have you ever featured Camp Internet in your books as an example of a positive safe harbor online?" ......... Yes, I have, but it's not in the current book. You will, however find alot of resources and ideas for your kids.

Marcy at Camp Internet: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:42PM PST (-0800 GMT)
For history's sake ... Timothy and I met Harley at the first public opening of the RAIN Network when we opened in 1993 ... we had been developing the groundwork for public access since 1991 and with hindsight have found our project was one of the first in the world to open this global net to local people .. AOL didn't even provide Internet access then .... Camp Internet is a natural outgrowth of our original desire to help people find new ways to learn and grow by having access to more information and resources than their local library could provide .... Harley has been a guest speaker at RAIN events a few times since then, and he has a link to the Internet through our network .. having watched it grow from a dream to become one of the distance learning pioneers ... thanks for participating tonight Harley .. it has been a long 10 years .. with a lot of gray hair ... !!

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:45PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hilda asks... "Do you talk to families when you go out on any speaking engagements? If so,what concerns do they have about the Internet and what do you explain to them?" .......... Generally, no, I don't talk to families when I speak. However, I do understand their concerns, and they are not the same everywhere. Mostly, parents want the best for their kids and they want them to stay out of trouble. Lately, I have been hearing from parents who are concerned that their male teenagers are looking at pornography on the Net. This is unavoidable, and they are struggling how to deal with it. You saw earlier, a father concerned about his daughter meeting guys on the Net for dates. Basically, we all need to adjust to life with the Net, and parents have the extra considerations of looking after their kids in a situation they themselves have trouble understanding. As always, the key is to establish and maintain good communication with your children, set firm but reasonable rules (and enforce them), and learn about the Internet yourself. We are in a time of great flux, and there are no easy answers. Similarly, there are no great global issues: just a lot of parents who want the best for their kids.

Marv Sibulkin: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:45PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Harley, The Internet has become more "user friendly" over the years but still has a way to go. What do you envision might me some of the steps to be taken to make the Internet truly a consumer's dream?

Marcy at Camp Internet: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:45PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Curent 'history' - Camp Internet won a Smithosinian Innovation Award in 1999 in recognition for its educational technology innovations, and is part of the project that has won two AOL awards in 1999 and 2000. The director is invited to present papers and speak all over the world now, and this kind of recognition is helping the project grow to meet a national and international user base over the next few years. Great things get started in California - just like the Internet itself !

Marv Sibulkin: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:47PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Harley, This question is for the benefit of those of us who are stock-predictor challenged. What companies do you see as becoming the future giants of the industry?

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:48PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Marv... "The Internet has become more "user friendly" over the years but still has a way to go. What do you envision might me some of the steps to be taken to make the Internet truly a consumer's dream?" ........... I don't think I want it to become a consumer's dream. I think I would like it to become a smart person's dream. Remember, although we do use the Net for buying and selling, that's not it's main purpose. "The business of the Internet is not business."

Laura Rodgers: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:49PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I would appreciate hearing your view on the rumor that we will soon be seeing $60 mo access fees from providers under new pricing schemes on the market ... these are non-partisan pre-election rumors from what I can hear .. do you think it is heading that way ? pricing at cable levels? Do you feel your Internet costs are overpriced now ?

Janice Ross: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:50PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Harley, just signing on to say hello. I have read one of your internet books and it helped me get a much better understanding of what this was all about. Question - what do you see as the biggest leap facing the internet legally within the next year?

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:52PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Marv asks... "What companies do you see as becoming the future giants of the industry?" Those companies that are well-positioned to take advantage of future opportunities, that are adequately capitalized and (*very important*) and well-managed. The future giants are mostly the current giants who will adapt, slowly, to new conditions, as they always have. This is not the same as predicting which stocks will go up. Basically, you can invest in two ways: as a short-term speculator, and as a long term investor. There is no easy way to speculate successfully. Anyone who tells you different is trying to sell you something.

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:55PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Laura asks... "I would appreciate hearing your view on the rumor that we will soon be seeing $60/month access fees from providers under new pricing schemes on the market." ............ It's not true. There are a lot of false rumors about the Net. There is enormous competition in the ISP market and costs are coming down. However, if you want DSL (first choice) or cable access (second choice), it will cost more (from $40-$60/month) than a simple dial-up connection, but even that price will come down. Just remember: "Friends Don't Let Friends Use AOL!"

Laura Rodgers: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:58PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Harley - How do you get your Internet access ? lines ? satellite ? from some big carrier? or cable ?

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:58PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Ray asks... "Are you a member of the Internet Society or any other professional organizations? If so, what are their missions?" ............. I don't belong to any such organizations. The mission of the Internet Society is (from their Web site) "To assure the open development, evolution and use of the Internet for the benefit of all people throughout the world." At a regional level, they have helped various areas, especially in developing countries, get started on the Net. At a national and international level, they are irrelevant.

Marcy at Camp Internet: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 7:59PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Great question Janice - Harley - before you sign off tonight - please do give us some insight to the legal feild ahead ....

Sue Baca Oceano: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:02PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I just got on after a hectic day. I have been reading through some of the questions, answers and comments. Harley...thanks for coming on and chatting with us. Lots of good stuff.

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:02PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Ray asks... "Are you a member of the Internet Society or any other professional organizations? If so, what are their missions?" ............. I don't belong to any such organizations. The mission of the Internet Society is (from their Web site) "To assure the open development, evolution and use of the Internet for the benefit of all people throughout the world." At a regional level, they have helped various areas, especially in developing countries, get started on the Net. At a national and international level, they are irrelevant.

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:02PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Ray asks... "I am thinking about joining CPSR - computer professionals for social responsibility .. they seem to be addressing some foresighted issues about freedom of information access and responsible social consciousness on the Internet ... are you familiar with them?" ............. The CPSR has been around for a long time and is well known. They are involved in privacy and related issues, but alot of other stuff. They are a very active group with lots of local chapters. Look at: button (Probably a good place to meet babes :-)

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:04PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Sue remarks... "I just got on after a hectic day. I have been reading through some of the questions, answers and comments. Harley...thanks for coming on and chatting with us. Lots of good stuff." .......... You are welcome. Please take a look at my Web site when you get a chance. You'll find a *lot* in interesting and thoughtful and provocative stuff. www.harley.com button

Marcy at Camp Internet: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:06PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Harley - as a maverick Internet-entreprenuer, you may think the int'l Internet organizations are 'irrelevant' to your life as you say, but many other people see tham as a chance to raise awareness of the Internet's pressing issues - to not just get developing countries online, but to address the threats to our freedom of information access. These groups are a means for people to speak as a group about the important issues of our time - people who don't publish books, but who share a concern for the individual human being's need to not get lost on the far side of the 'digital divide' ... I think many people would object to your comment of them being irrelevant, and while I do not belong to any per se, I can certainly see that they are an empowering force for people and that seems VERY relevant to me ....

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:07PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hillary asks... "What languages are your books translated into? Do you travel to those countries to promote the books? If so, what is your read on how people in different countries see the Internet?" ............ My books are translated into all different languages, and it varies depending on the book: at one time or another, all the European, Arabic and oriental languages. I don't travel to promote them. (I stay at home and think of new ideas, and play with my cat :-) People in all countries (as in the U.S., see the Internet as an extension of the culture in which they live. Everyone, everywhere, is still struggling to see and understand the longterm, global changes the Net is bringing.

Sarah: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:09PM PST (-0800 GMT)
What is your cat's name ?

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:11PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Hillary asks... "What languages are your books translated into? Do you travel to those countries to promote the books? If so, what is your read on how people in different countries see the Internet?" ............ My books are translated into all different languages, and it varies depending on the book: at one time or another, all the European, Arabic and oriental languages. I don't travel to promote them. (I stay at home and think of new ideas, and play with my cat :-) People in all countries (as in the U.S., see the Internet as an extension of the culture in which they live. Everyone, everywhere, is still struggling to see and understand the longterm, global changes the Net is bringing.

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:11PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Janice asks... "I have read one of your Internet books and it helped me get a much better understanding of what this was all about. Question - what do you see as the biggest leap facing the Internet legally within the next year?" ........... There are no big issues that threaten the Net, it is now at the point where it can take care of itself. However, some of the most important legal issues involving the Net are (1) sharing copyrighted information (e.g. Napster-type distributed file sharing), (2) sales taxes for interstate commerce over the Net, (3) the Microsoft antitrust case.

Marcy at Camp Internet: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:11PM PST (-0800 GMT)
You all are welcome to stay on longer and cover more questions and answers. We decided to keep this chat room open through the week so other teachers can come by and read the postings .... enjoy ! I myself will be looking back in to see the answers to Janice's question about the legal future for the Internet ... signing off for tonight ...

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:16PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Sarah asks "What is your cat's name?" ............ My cat is named "The Little Nipper". He is 9 1/2 years old. He was born an April 6, 1991 (gifts are accepted until the end of May). Take a look at his Web page (www.harley.com/nipper/) button He was the first cat in the world to have am email address and a URL (Web address) on his identification tag. In England, the term "Little Nipper" is an affectionate way to refer to a kid (like "rugrat"). For example, if you are talking to the Queen, she might say, "Come over for tea on Sunday, and bring the little nipper with you." Here is a picture of him.

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:19PM PST (-0800 GMT)
It looks as if the picture didn't come through. (Does anyone know how to do that?). You can see him The Little Nippor on Web page (button and you can see both of us together on my Web page (button You can also see him on the front cover of "Harley Hahn Teaches the Internet" and the back coveer of the new (2001) Yellow Pages. Like me, The Little Nipper makes very few personal appearanaces :-)

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:27PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Marcy remarks... "...you may think the int'l Internet organizations are 'irrelevant' to your life as you say, but many other people see than as a chance to raise awareness of the Internet's pressing issues..." ................ I see the International organizations, like the Internet Society as being irrelevant to real social progress. On the Net, the most important work is, and always will be, done locally and, sometimes, regionally. That is why, for example, RAIN has always been so important (hence, your well-deserved Smithosinian Innovation Award). National and international organizations are not that important to the Net because the Net itself is not a large thing: it is a large collection of small things. Large-scope organizations tend to be hierarchical and top-heavy: the antithesis of the Net.

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:27PM PST (-0800 GMT)
I am caught up. Does anyone have any more questions?

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:33PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Thanks for having me as your guest. It was a great discussion. Thanks to Timothy and Marcy and Michael at RAIN for arranging it. Please visit me on my Web site: www.harley.com (button

Harley: . . . . Tue, Nov 14, 8:34PM PST (-0800 GMT)
Sorry, the URL was bad. Try this one to visit my Web site: button