Re: CP-CDROM

Rick Walker (walker@jr.hpl.hp.com)
Thu, 18 Apr 1996 18:26:07 -0700

Dear Michael,

> > several bucks an hour. Anyone that has a machine capable of using
> > a CDROM, can incrementally add WEB access for very little extra money.
>
> Talking about a fraction of the world population, right ?
> Next time somebody asks me if he/she could watch those pictures/texts
> at home I will ask them to rent one of those cheap machines from Kinko's
> Copy Center. Note: there is life outside the borders of the US, even
> on this list. :-)

Yes, I am talking about a small fraction of the world population - but
I think you are too. Anyone that can make use of a CDROM is only a
hair's-breadth away from WEB access. They have a multi-media computer,
probably a color display, etc. All they need is a $10/month ISP account
and they are running. If we are really concerned about getting CP info
to Bhopal, then we should focus on making cheap paper printouts - not
CDROMS.

The comment about Kinko's was simply to point out how rapidly WEB access
is becoming commonplace. The fact that this listserv list has members
from 30+ countries shows that the U.S. has no monopoly on technology.

> > Please let me know if you think I'm "off base" here, or if you want
> > to volunteer to do the work... :-).
>
> Does the smiley indicate that this question (no questionmark !?) is rhe-
> torical, or what?

The smiley was only to indicate that I was replying in good humor, not
trying to be confrontative, or to belittle your position. Sometimes
it is hard to tell, from just email, what emotional state is intended.

I really *do* want your feedback if you think that "we" should do a
CDROM right now. I also really *do* want to work with you in any capacity
that you may wish to contribute.

> > Sorry, no, it is just an idea of me that something like CD-ROM is
> > nice. I am not going to get involved in struggle for honour and
> > glory on this subject. You have done a great work so far and I
> > guess we are all thankful.

Please don't take my commentary as being negative. I'm very much in
agreement with you that a CDROM is a good idea. I just wanted to convey
why I'm not doing it right now with my free time. If anyone else wants
to do it with *their* free time, I consider all the data to be owned by
the CP community at large, and am happy to ship the latest copy of the
DB and images to whoever wants to work with it.

I really appreciate your offer of contributing some photos... Thanks!

kind regards,

--
Rick Walker