Wisdom from a Vancouver Pioneer

Contact Info:

• Margaret Coates, Chair, Vancouver Community Network
• Telephone: 684-8171 (w)
• E-mail: mcoates@vcn.bc.ca
• HomePage-- http://www.vcn.bc.ca/vcn/

Interview Notes:

• Vancouver is currently re-writing their public documents to reflect the name change from "Free-Net" to "Community Network" and the system interface migration from FreePort to Lynx. Brand new User Manual and Information Provider Kit documentation shou ld be available in June/96.
• System accounts are still free to the public, but people are encouraged to become members: Low Income ($15), Individuals ($25), or Family ($40).
• If money is available, Vancouver would be pleased to write up a short document summarizing key lessons learned.
• Vancouver began organizing in June/93 and became operational in September/94.
• There are currently about 8000 people registered on the network.
• There are 1.25 paid staff positions and about 80 volunteers. A Human Resource program plan has just been completed.
• There are over 100 information providers on-line and they all endorse the service. Key sponsors/donors include the Vancouver Foundation and VanCity Credit Union.

Margaret's Wish List is BC Government Funding to Sustain Existing Community Nets!

• At least 2 years of sustaining funds are required for operational Free-Nets.
• $100,000/year would cover key costs for phone lines and paid staff positions for System Administration and Office Support.