Managing Community Networks By Natalie M.J.Roth Realtime Online Ottawa 4:00pm August 15, 1994. Speakers on the panel about managing community networks were John O'Hara of the South Bristol, England, Learning Network, Kyla Huckerby, NCF Office manager, John Hall, Project Manager, Metropolitan Edmonton (MEIN), and Rick Broadhead, Executive Director of Toronto Freenet. Managing freenets is about managing PEOPLE not computers, was the resounding tone of the `Managing Community Networks' panel. The four panel members, representing different networks, spoke about their experiences in the launching and building of computer networks. All their networks face common challenges and obstacles, plus a number of unique considerations based on the community that each freenet springs from. Crucial to the construction of a freenet or computer network is the establishment of a vision of why your community needs such a service, what are the expectations of the technology and, realistically, what you are capable of providing the public. Contrasting opinions were held by the panel speakers on a number of subjects, such as user fees, which are now being discussed by Toronto freenet. And the Edmonton freenet is planning a $15 membership fee. The question of fees is related to the issue of sustainability, which should be addressed early to avoid building financial vulnerability into the system. The role of professional management and its necessity for frrenet success was under debate, specifically between Edmonton's John Hall and John O'Hara of the Learning Network. Hall strongly advocated professional management, while O'Hara recalled the success of the Learning Network which was built by beginners to the field. Who should be involved with freenet was also discussed by several of the panelists. Volunteers were unanimously acknowledged as a vital resource to freenets; one which must be harnessed effectively in order to allow the administration to move from the reactive to the proactive stage in the networks' development. A Board of Directors was also listed as crucial by several of the panelists, although the definition and compostion of a board differed amongst the speakers. -30- -- Realtime Online - Professional Conference Reporting Team Rosaleen Dickson, Ottawa ac174@freenet.carleton.ca. Pierre Bourque, Michel Careau, Shady Kanfi, Charles King, Andrea Kujala, Jules Lafrance, Bruce MacDonald, Robt Rattey, Natalie Roth, Michael Silvestrini, Stephen Toy.