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Subject: Re: ADMIN POST: Future of MAPUG list ?
From: Scott M. Hinnrichs
Reply To: mapug@shore.net
Date: Wed Sep 13 00:44:42 1995
Traditionally these lists are maintained by enthusiasts, usually more than
one person per list, and any expenses are kept to a minimum due to the lack
of revenue from managing the lists.
When someone gets tired of maintaining the list (or for some people, lists), they pass the baaton to the next willing victim. This has been going on for many years.
The Internet is going commercial, and I hope we don't lose the benefits of freely available discussion groups. The Internet has been a great benefit to mankind because we have all been sharing our knowledge, without barriers to entry, like subscription fees. This will all end if list maintainers think they can start making a business out of running the lists.
It isn't like a magazine, where someone can go to a public library and read the information for free. If you charge for access, everyone must pay for access to the information.
I am sure there are plenty of people that would make their site available to handle the ftp/www/list services if you need a break. Or, perhaps you can get someone to help you maintain this list?
Either way, I vote a big *NO* on a for-pay list.
If you want to offer other services on your WWW server, like you currently have started charging for advertisemnts placed in the vicinity of the for free services, I think that is a good way to go.
BTW, I paid my dues by maintaining UUCP to Internet news/mail/list gateways in the early 80's, so I am not volunteering. ;)
Thanks, Scott
At 4:20 PM 9/12/95, Robert Fields wrote:
>ALL:
>
>The expense and time committments in running the MAPUG list, and
>MAPUG related services, has grown beyond my expectations.
>
>Do people consider the MAPUG services valuable enough to be a subscription
>service ? I'm think of something on the order of $7.50 per quarter. Just
>about the same as magazine subscription rates.
>
>Lets discuss this one openly on the list.
>
>-Robert