Msg: 2950 *Conference*
08-01-92 19:27:29
From: RICHARD HANSON
To : DAVID FIRTH
Subj: REPLY TO MSG #2947 (DOWNLOAD/CSIS?)
----- Yes, David, I remember CP/M. Used to teach its use to beginners, way back when... the old days... but learning to PIP was the key, as I recall. We concur that a text-based information service must be complex, and that one just has to learn to "deal" with it. I still, to this day, strongly feel the isolation of not being able to see the bigger picture of "what's there," "how to get at it effectively," and "what are the values." Online service use is like having a large black barrel of black marbles in which you know there's a bright yellow cat eye in there someplace but are frustrated as to where it is and how to get at it without spending all day; access is via a small hole. Then, if found, what is its value, and are there any other bright yellow cat eye's in there, related to the first? I am curious: Without prying, may I ask, What do you do within those 30 minutes you spend on CIS and GEnie? What sort of information do you gain, how do you find it valuable, and what is your measurement? Also, are there "overwhlem" factors you encounter and how do you deal with those? My curiousity is due to the guide/tutorial I am currently writing for use of this BBS. Thanks... -Rick-