ENA Update
by Lisa Kimball

ENA F-T-F CONFERENCE
====================

Attention everyone with experience of an interesting
application of computer conferencing, new research findings,
opinions on telecommunications issues, and ideas about the
future development of the medium! Plans are underway for
another ENA f-t-f conference to be held in Philadelphia in
Spring '88. You can follow the action in NETWEAVER.

Networking is probably the best way to develop a valuable
program and attract a lively group of participants. YOU are
invited to join the conference team. Stan Pokras has been
scouting out a conference site and is currently working with
ENA's treasurer, Ed Yarrish, on a proposed budget. People in
the Philadelphia area could be particularly helpful with
conference logistics. Others can participate online. Leave a
note in the ENA conference on your home system about your
interests and ideas.

PICA HOLDS CONFERENCE ON ACCESS FEE ISSUES
==========================================

The Public Interest Computer Association (see profile in this
issue of NETWEAVER) held a conference, Communications and
Information - New Access Fees?, in Washington, D.C. on
September 9th to air a range of viewpoints on the proposed FCC
rulings concerning access fees for packet networks. Speakers
included: Robert Loeb of the Telecommunications Cooperative
Network; Len Kennedy, legal assistant to FCC Commissioner
Patricia Diaz Dennis; Sam Simon, an attorney whose views have
been printed previously in NETWEAVER; Joseph Perez representing
Pacific Telesis; and Stephen Bell from Squires, Sanders, &
Dempsey who serve as counsel to Tymnet. A number of ENA
members attended the conference and participated actively in
the question and comment periods.

The complexity of the issue was amply illustrated by the
presentations about the pros and cons of the proposals under
consideration. You can get information from the FCC by
contacting Ruth Milkman (202-632-4047). Some printed
information is available from PICA. We have published several
articles about the issue in NETWEAVER. The comment period has
been extended to September 24th so you can make your opinions
known to the FCC. Formal comments must be typewritten, double
spaced on 8 1/2 by 11" paper, and refer to FCC Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, CC Docket No. 87-215. Mail to Secretary,
FCC, 1919 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20054. You can also write
informal letters to the FCC Commissioners: Chairman Dennis
Patrick, Commissioners James Quello, Mimi W. Dawson, and
Patricia Diaz Dennis at the above address. You can also
contact your Congressional representatives.

It's important for decision makers to have as much information
as possible from people who are *using* the technology which
will be affected by the proposal. Take some time out of your
online schedule and use your word processor to help shape the
future of this medium.

In This Issue
=============

This month we begin with an article by Peter Keen which puts
communication technology in the larger context of business
opportunity and competitiveness. We have two articles based on
first hand experience with cc applications in the educational
arena - one for students in a management program and one for
executives. You can also read about the Public Interest
Computer Association and an alternative view of the impact of
the medium on democracy. And, just so you know we're not ALWAYS
serious, read a "surreal" service called TeleZAP!

Enjoy!