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Readers Write
Edited by Bill Ritchie: 
writchie@bigfoot.com
From: Earl Dallas:
[Webmaster's Comment: Earl makes some interesting suggestions below, some of which are within the art of the possible, and some which, to my mind, simply are not currently practical - nevertheless I am very grateful to him for taking the time and trouble to put his ideas together. I have commented on each suggestion in turn below. Bill]
Dear Brian,
Like you I am no expert on the Internet, but I have a suggestion that might be of use. Since I am no expert my idea may be impractical, any way here is my suggestion.
Instead of you or someone else editing every article submitted for publication, and publishing the news letter as if it was a paper document. An alternative could be the following:
An Internet site could be set-up where any body with Internet access could access any article that has ever been posted, if the articles are limited to just text space should not be a problem. [The site is already set up to give everyone access. Bill] Some sort of search mechanism could be provided so a user could for example enter a key word and be presented with articles that contain it. Regular users could search by date to review the articles submitted since their last visit. [That is certainly within the art of the possible, although the mechanics of exactly how to do it are beyond my ken at the moment. Bill]
Users who have agreed to abide by certain rules (no swearing, maximum article size, use of spell/grammar checker, etc.) could be issued with a pass word that would allow them to post articles on to the site. [I don't think this is a starter for a number of reasons, the main one being security of the site, and control over exactly what is being uploaded and when. Not only that, how would articles be cross referenced and hyperlinked together?Bill]
The editor's work load would then be reduced to responding to e-mail's from user’s who would report any transgression of the rules; the editor would have the ability to remove articles. [On balance I think the Editor, and myself, would prefer, for the time being at least, to have control from the outset. I think the type of thing you are suggesting is currently more akin to the activities of a News Group! I don't discount it totally, however, as it may have some future relevance. Bill]
A member who continues to break the rules could have their password withdrawn, and so would be unable to post further articles.
If any costs are involved in setting up such a system, Internet users who wish to post articles could be charged a fee to cover these costs. For the fee as well as the ability to submit articles any member would have the facility to post messages in a problem area, where other members could respond if they have a solution. [Getting people to write articles may well be difficult enough in the first instance. I have a feeling that if they had to pay for the privilege they would be even less enthusiastic! Bill]
Well that's my idea, I hope it's has been of some use. I will keep checking the ICPUG web page for news of the new news letter, and I hope to submit articles in the future. [As I said earlier Earl, I am very grateful for your suggestions. The one about searching for key words, is certainly worthy of further research, and your other ideas may well be worthy of a brainstorming session - many thanks. Bill]
Regards,
Earl Dallas.
From Bill Wood:
[Webmaster's Comment: Bill Wood sent this letter to me by e-mail stating that it had originally gone for publication in the last copy of the paper Journal. We will have to assume that somehow it disappeared in hyperspace. Never mind though, it has finally made it into print! Bill]
THE DEMISE OF ICPUG
It was a surprise to learn in Vol 20 No 5 that the Group is to wind up at the end of the year. Congratulations for steering the Group through twenty years, although I have only been a member for the last eight years - and been one of silent ones.
The Journal was always looked forward to. There have been many critics over the years complaining about it being too technical. If they taken the time to browse through their back issues they would have found that many of the articles thought to have been too technical suddenly make sense - it is a learning curve steep at times but a continual learning process.
Some deserve more than a passing mention: Bill Ritchie for his Communications Corner and items on HTML, Brian Grainger's many interesting articles over the years also Betty Clay for her infrequent mentions of Genealogy.
As Bill Ritchie mentions, in his latest letter, an electronic Journal would have saved scarce resources. It is a pity that we are to lose a source of a wealth of expertise.
Bill Wood
