Canadian Community Networks Conference Mark Surman pleads for "no gatekeepers" By Pierre Bourque Realtime Online Ottawa, 10:00 a.m., August 15. Mark Surman, writer, media critic, community television production teacher and information activist was the first keynote speaker at the Canadian Community Networks Conference held on the Carleton University Campus, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, August 15-17. He stressed that the electronic Commons should have a built-in two-way communication feature. There should be no gatekeepers. Orgnizations available to build the movement include Freenets, EFF, EFC, Telecommunities Canada,etc ... There seems to be only one flaw, only the computer literate are so far included so the messgae needs to continually be brought to the masses. Via radio, tv, even t-shirts, that Freenets, the electronic commons exist, and should be utilized, that interested people from all walks of life should be encouraged to join into the debate, the dialogue. Mr. Surman felt there should be a new paradigm of regulation. A way that this new society's principles are adhered to. But conference participants should watch the Information Highway Advisory Council's deliberations. Decisions and recommendations flowing from that body will impact freenets and the online freenet population. Make sure that comments are brought before all regulatory bodies whenever possible. He concluded by saying that the idea of asking for support to build freenets is not too much to ask for. People have the right to communicate. As the electronic infrastructure continues to be developed, so too should the development of electronic parks. We need parks. The electronic commons is about humans and their right to communicate. Not about technology. There should be a future where people feel comfortable. Dave Sutherland, conference chairman, took the podium to state that this really sets the tone for the rest of the conference. -30-