***  Haus der Kulturen der Welt: Forum1 Archive  ***
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
   [Date]: Sun, 10 Oct 1999 14:31:39 -0400
   [From]: Christy Sheffield Sanford <christys@gnv.fdt.net>
     [To]: Cultural Exchange via Internet <forum1@hkw.kbx.de>
[Subject]: Re: [forum1] Re: The Shrinking Web and What to do about it.

Hi, Chris and everyone,

> This conscious choice is more
> likely to occur when the artist is introduced to a computer early and/or
> when the artist has easy access to the equipment and software. 

You might be surprised by how many of us took this up when we were
"mature"!  I was in creative writing for 16 years before I found the
web.  This has been fun, discovering that some of the wildest, most
creative types on the web are over 45 and many are in their 50's or
beyond!  

> Then we will seek out volunteer like
> yourself to teach the software. Do you think we will have success find them
> because of the love of the mission or will they expect high fees for their
> rare skills?

I wouldn't know how to teach software, although I can answer many
questions.  Visiting classrooms either online or in real life is a
pleasure.  Visiting through MOO* or any of the other free chat software
programs is a fast-growing activity.  This year, online, I've visited
the New School, Santa Fe Community College, New York State University at
Syracuse and DA2 (a Digital Arts Organization in Bristol). 

Naturally, to receive payment is great, but I am often a volunteer. 
Universities and organizations are finding it cheaper to set aside an
honorarium for someone who visits online than to spend money for plane
fare and hotels!  Two of the four I mentioned were paid events (one $50,
the other more because it will include a live visit later).  Obviously,
there is no "standard" payment.  Has there ever been for
artists/writers?  My motto this past year has been "Yes."  

I KNOW many people would volunteer.  Probably several on this list.

I've taught myself software and I think this is the case with most of my
contemporaries.  A very frustrating activity.  But there are lists,
tutorials and many kind but often grumpy programmers who will help.  You
know, I'm a tech dope, I just have a lot of tenacity and purpose.  Many
schools, community programs and libraries in the U.S. offer cheap
education for those who want to learn software in an educational
setting.  But I think you are telling me that there is still a large
segment of the population left out.  Even in Chicago, where in my
imagination there are abundant opportunities.  Not true?


Best wishes, Christy

Sue Thomas, Director of TrAce, is an afficionado of MOO.  She loves to
introduce people to this interactive environment.  I am certain if any
one on this list wants to contact her she would be happy to formally or
informally deomonstrate how to use that program.  The basics can be
learned in half and hour, shorter if you use the web version rather than
the telnet interface.  sue.thomas@dial.pipex.com