CompuServe Messages

Laurie, <<They have obviously more than just "two markets on a desktop" (PC and Macs on desktops). There is a richness/strength from haveing the varied platforms we all use here. The place is nicely flexable for us all.>> Well put. It seems to me that CIS is playing into the hands of Microsoft by making HMI a PC/MAC only protocol. Currently, CIS represents a clear alternative to MS Network and AOL. But, the impending, restricted use, HMI policy puts them in the AOL/MS Network clone category. The entire state of the comms industry is in flux. In five to ten years, we will all, probably, have some type of device that will allow us to transfer and recieve data; be that sounds, words and/or images. I don't know what this device will be, but it will most likely replace the home computer, phone and television as we know them. You can bet that Mr Gates and crew will be doing everything in their power to control the development and access to that technology. The US Federal Government broke up the Standard Oil monopoly because it was not in the national interest. IMHO, the Microsoft monoply is a much more dangerous threat to that interest, and, left unchecked, may literally give one man control over the way information is transfered in our culture. Cheers, Marty ProActive Images Inc.