BKNCOMNT.RVW   961212
 
"New Community Networks", Douglas Schuler, 1996, 0-201-59553-2, U$26.85
%A   Douglas Schuler douglas@scn.org
%C   1 Jacob Way, Reading, MA   01867-9984
%D   1996
%G   0-201-59553-2
%I   Addison-Wesley Publishing Co.
%O   U$26.85 800-822-6339 617-944-3700 Fax: (617) 944-7273 bkexpress@aw.com
%P   528
%T   "New Community Networks: Wired for Change"
 
Schuler's overview of community networks, "freenets" (the "Free-Net" spelling
is a registered service mark), and information systems has very good coverage
of press and media effects and activities, but is less insightful in other
areas.  The chapters are primarily anecdotal reports of varied projects
conducted on local nets.  There is some analysis included, but overall it is
lacking in depth.  There is some mention of negative impacts but little
critiquing, and no discussion at all of such topics as the "hidden" types of
censorship behind Internet filtering software and Usenet newsgroup selection.
 
The material is not technically challenging.  There is, however, a different
type of jargon used in the book, and one which can be even less penetrable to
the reader.  Terms such as "third place" start to occur early in the book with
definitions, if there are any, only given later.  The lack of entries in the
index doesn't help.  Nor do the definitions, which don't provide much
enlightenment regarding the meanings of the terms in the context of the book,
or the significance of the foregoing discussions.
 
This volume does have one overwhelming advantage when placed against the piles
of "cyberspace" books currently flooding the market: a thorough grounding in
reality.  Although I am very critical of its weak areas, all of the content
comes from real systems in real settings.  While those setting out to implement
a community network may find that the books paints the world through a slightly
rose coloured monitor, it does, nonetheless, show what can and is being done.
 
copyright Robert M. Slade, 1996   BKNCOMNT.RVW   961212

======================
roberts@decus.ca           rslade@vcn.bc.ca           rslade@vanisl.decus.ca
              Ceterum censeo CNA Financial Services delendam esse
  Please note the Peterson story - http://www.netmind.com/~padgett/trial.htm