[MLB-WIRELESS] grumpy people - get a move on

[Adrian Close]

On Wed, 9 Jan 2002, Alex F wrote:

> There are about 18 nodes "operational", let's say 20 to count those who
> haven't updated their status.

Two of those are mine and I'm not linked to anyone.  I have a number of
people close by, but the areas in question are rather hilly and LOS
non-existent.

Except:

Swinburne Lilydale - I can see you.  I can hear you ("swinade") but I
haven't been able to make contact with any people as yet.  Perhaps I
should do the Vernor Vinge "Fire Upon The Deep" style
first-contact-via-network thing...

I have a potential site in Sunshine, which is noticeably flatter.  If
there's anyone in the area who's interested, please let me know!

> cycle just with this.  Some people probably wouldn't even fork out $50 for
> an antenna or go to the effort of setting up, even if you gave them a
> wireless network card for FREE, in the chance that there won't be anyone to

Yup.  In my case, I connect to me (notebook to base station) which is
plenty useful.  This might be good motiviation for some people to deploy
wireless.

I know people with very little interest per se who could host nodes in
strategic places (tops of hills) who would be willing to provide power but
little else.  These ones we simply need to fund for the good of the
network and I will do them as and when I can.

> Now let's say that every node becomes "operational", there are still plenty
> of nodes on the fringes who would out of range to someone.  What's the
> motivation for these people to get set up?

Local wireless access for one, as I mentioned.  The promise of future
connection (minimal motivation, I realise).

Don't forget, we can always run wired links to strategic places.

> We have to find a way of achieving critical mass and moving forward.

Absolutely.  More press coverage would help.  Local papers are probably a
good place to try and place articles (they print most anything anyway and
are generally interested in community-related stuff).

Nick Sibbing and I also had some positive vibes out of Yarra Ranges Shire
when we met with Elizabeth Jenkins there (unfortunately now departed).  A
couple of angles:

- Youth+gaming.  Keep them off the streets by putting wireless gear in
youth centres so people can game.  Community training aspect of this: run
workshops where people learn how to make Pringles antennae as well as
all about computer networking technology (a very saleable skill).

- Community "portals".  Wirelessly-available local community BBSes,
effectively.

- Linking council "service centres".  Yarra Ranges has a bunch of places
from Lilydale out to Warburton.  Video-conferencing to provide services to
these communities definitely generated council interest.


Bottom line - get out there and do something.  At the very least, stick a
wireless card in your PC and create an operational node.  :)


Adrian Close			email:	adrian at close.wattle.id.au
1 Old Gippsland Rd.		web:	http://www.close.wattle.id.au/~adrian
Lilydale, VIC, 3140, Australia	mobile:	+61 412 385 201

Echelon teaser: MD5 RX-7 SSL Kiwi TRD DEADBEEF Bubba


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