Are FreeNets really free? It's a matter for debate By Charles King Realtime Online Ottawa, 1530 hr Aug. 15, '94. The methods of funding FreeNets in Canada made for some lively discussion Monday in a committee session at the Canadian Community Networks Conference at Carleton University. "There's nothing free in FreeNet except for the people who use them," declared Larry Geller of Sprague, Manitoba, a tiny farming community southeast of Winnipeg near the U.S. border. A former schoolteacher, Geller described the problems he has experienced seeking funding for a FreeNet in his area. Sprague, with a village population of only 90, has no industry to support a network. But such a service is vital to the surrounding community since radio and television signals are inaccessible. "We're talking rural survival," he explained. "FreeNet has the power to intensify the dynamic of our whole culture." Other committee members warned that FreeNet operators should beware of links with cable companies in order to maintain their independence. The soon-to-open Toronto FreeNet has a contractual link with Rogers Cable, but a spokesman said the network has received assurance that it will have full control of its content. Another committee member posed the question whether FreeNets could develop into revenue-generating networks through sponsorships or other means. The Toronto FreeNet is considering an annual levy of $5 for each user. But other FreeNets are against making charges of any kind, depending instead on voluntary donations and government funding help. -- 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.