http://www.infi.net/pilot/press.html (World Wide Web Directory, ~04/1995)
FREE NEWSGROUP FORUMS OFFERED TO LOCAL
COMMUNITY GROUPSNORFOLK. Hampton Roads' community groups can bring their members into the Computer Age with their own online Community Forum, a free service offered by The Virginian-Pilot and InfiNet.
The Community Forums are an easy way for local non-profit clubs and organizations to establish a presence on the Internet, the world's largest network of computers.
"We want to give Hampton Roads the ability to establish an electronic community, much as the Internet has made a community out of the world," said Tom Manos, President of InfiNet.
InfiNet is Hampton Roads' largest provider of home Internet connections. The Virginian-Pilot publishes the Pilot Online through InfiNet, offering classified ads the night before publication, reprints of selected local stories and easy-to- use pointers to the vast resources of the Internet.
The Community Forums will let civic groups post timely information for their members, hold discussions about their area of interest, and field questions from the community.
"The possibilities are limitless," said Chris Kouba, Managing Editor of Online Services. "Little Leagues and other sports groups can post game schedules and scores. Self-help groups can announce meeting times and offer online support. As a public service, professional associations can share their expertise by answering questions from the community."
The Community Forums will be part of the Internet's popular Usenet discussion groups. They will be available to other local Internet providers.
In addition to the free Community Forum, InfiNet is offering a discount off its sign-up fee to members of any participating community groups. Also, groups with more than 10 members joining InfiNet will receive a free InfiNet account for its chief account-holder. To participate, groups need to designate a chief account-holder to coordinate discounts and to monitor the forum.
For an application form and a list of guidelines about the Community Forums, call Infoline's FaxPlus service at 640-5555, category 4638 (I-NET). Have a fax number or mailing address ready. For questions about the Community Forums, call Chris Kouba, Managing Editor for Online Services, at 446-2991. Or send e-mail to kouba@infi.net.
For more general information about InfiNet or the Internet, call 640-5555, category 2000. Or call the InfiNet sales and support center at 622-4289.
For more information about this press release, call Chris Kouba, Managing Editor for Online Services, 446-2991.
Who is eligible: Any non-profit, local community group in Hampton Roads.
What you get: Presence on the Internet through a local Usenet discussion group. It will be accessible to InfiNet customers, and will be made available to other local Internet servers. It will be accessible to members of the general public as well as members of the community group.
InfiNet will also provide your members with discounts worth $10 off InfiNet sign-up fees. (Sign-up fees are $25 or $50, depending on the type of account.) Groups that sign up 10 new subscribers will receive one free account for the chief account-holder.
Current subscribers to InfiNet (and those who have canceled service within the past 60 days) are not eligible for the discount, and are not counted toward the free account.
The chief account-holder for the organization will be responsible for maintaining the Usenet group and providing InfiNet with an approved member list (for discounts) using the attached form. The chief account-holder may request a moderated discussion group, in which any messages on the group are first routed through that person for approval.
Are there restrictions on the information that can be posted? The community bulletin boards may not be used for advertising or commercial information. Common uses would include announcements and press releases about group events, online discussions about issues of interest, questions and answers about the group, and membership information.
How long will information stay online? For a standard group, 30 days. The period may be shortened if there is a high volume of messages.
What do I do to start a group?Send a letter identifying your group and your chief account-holder to Community Forums, InfiNet, 801 Boush St., Norfolk VA 23510. This letter should be signed by the same person whose signature will authorize discounts for the group's members. To sign up new members, enclose copies of the attached Non-Profit Account Application form.
How can another Internet provider gain access to the newsgroups? Call Chris Kouba, Managing Editor for Online Services, at 446-2991 or send e-mail to root@infi.net.
1) InfiNet retains sole discretion over approval or rejection of any request to establish or discontinue a Usenet discussion group. Discussion groups may be discontinued if they become inactive or if inappropriate content is posted.
2) The intent is to allow non-profit community groups to use Internet as a communications tool. No solicitations, transactions, advertising or other commercial intent will be allowed without prior approval of InfiNet.
3) Information posted on the Usenet group will contain the online "signature" and name of the user who posted it; the user will therefore be responsible, legally and otherwise, for that posting.
4) The chief account-holder for the organization will be responsible for the maintenance of the Usenet group. This person will be InfiNet's chief contact with the group. The chief account-holder will be responsible for providing InfiNet with an approved list of members, for monitoring the Usenet group and for communicating the rules and guidelines to members. In the event these guidelines are violated, the chief account holder will be responsible for calling it to InfiNet's attention immediately.