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The Internet has become widely known as a communications network that demonstrates how truly interconnected we are. It has become a global network that embodies the principles of democratic society.
Many people, including the print media, have begun to try to understand the phenomenon of the Internet. A public policy debate is currently raging over the most appropriate role for the U.S. Government vis-a-vis the Internet. This debate goes beyond who has Internet access or how the Internet is used today; it touches on the Net's potential power to bring about enormous shifts in the political, social, and economic landscape of the future. It suggests a new era of enlightenment that is already changing the way we work and play.
The premier issue of GNN Magazine assesses the public interest in tapping the potential of the Internet. The U.S. Government seems to be looking at the Internet as the model for a National Data Superhighway. This infrastructure can work for many people, including businesses, but just how will it work and who will pay for it?
In "The Whole World is Talking," Kevin Cooke and Daniel Lehrer provide an informative introduction to the Internet that emphasizes its global scope and outlines some of the policy issues. Robert Wright, in "Mitch Kapor, Data Superhighway Guru," profiles former Lotus founder Mitch Kapor as an advocate and lobbyist on behalf of the citizens of the Electronic Frontier. Michael Bauer's "Toll Roads" article discusses the many ways businesses are using the Internet today and how that might change in the future.
In Andy Oram's "Leaders of Community Networking," some well-known community networking figures outline how and why they want the government to increase Net access at the local level. Howard Rheingold's article on virtual communities sheds light on why people are so fascinated by the Internet. It is, he believes, a good place to hang out. His explanation of virtual communities helps explain why many are so protective of this electronic turf.
Valerie Quercia's "Dear Mr. President" is an amusing look at the the Internet's most touted connection -- to the White House. Sure, we can send email to the Clinton White House, but a form letter reply is just one indication that President Clinton isn't exactly reading each online missive. (Given Clinton's penchant for diving into the details, he might become consumed by email if he used it. One could imagine him delaying meetings with foreign dignitaries because he had to catch up on his email.)
Speaking of the Clinton administration, this issue's "Technopolis" article provides some essential context for the technology policy initiative put forth by the administration since Clinton took office. It provides the full text of the initiative, an excerpt from remarks by Clinton and Vice President Al Gore on the occasion of the policy's public release at Silicon Graphics, and Congressional testimony on behalf of the policy by Dr. John Gibbons, Clinton's chief technology policy advisor.
Larry Detweiler's "Online Activism in California" gives a behind-the-scenes look at the intense online lobbying that accompanied the development of California bill AB1624. When passed, this bill will ensure that a huge array of state government documents, such as information about upcoming bills and proceedings of the legislative bodies, will be available for free on the Internet.
In addition to our feature articles, check out the Go Find Out section, which contains articles demonstrating unique ways to use the Internet. You'll find lively coverage of diverse subjects there, ranging from hand-made pasta recipes with links to sauce recipes on the Net, to an in-depth look at the current basketball newsgroups, complete with sample statistics and commentary.
Our columnists reside in the NetHeads section. Here, Ed Krol takes a wry look at the here-today-gone-tomorrow nature of many Net resources, and the mysterious "Odysseus" quizzes readers about the religious fervor that surrounds the Net. This issue's editorial "Getting to Work in This Place" is found in the Hot Air section. Check out the Gallery for online viewing of works from artists around the country in a variety of mediums.
As you browse through GNN Magazine, you may notice we have gathered information from three sources:
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