pic microcontroller discussion list <> wrote on Friday, August 01, 2003
1:31 PM:

>> I would be happy to setup and run good PHP based bulletin board such
>> as http://www.phpbb.com/, and I think the bandwidth would be far
>> less than an email list. We could log on once a day, check only the
>> forums that interest us - IE: EE, PIC, etc. or simply click on a
>> users name to see all posts by them...
>
> One thing I like about the PIClist is that it comes at me without me
> having to "log on" or do anything else.

I agree with that, I wouldn't bother reading if it was on a web page.  I
typically download email offline and read it when I get time, I wouldn't be
even slightly interested in reading it on a web browser.

>> But the bandwidth does cost $$$ and I think that a user pays system
>> would have merit. $1 per month sounds more than reasonable for all
>> the great help on this list.
>
> Reasonable yes, but not pratical.  $12/year certainly wouldn't break
> me, but I'd be outta here immediately (and I suspect many others too)

Again, I'd be the same.  Piclist has undoubtedly saved me time and effort
over the years, but it has cost me time and effort too.  If I was being
charged to contribute, I would lose interest overnight, even though I would
miss most aspects of it, a lot.  Like Olin, I realise that may be
irrational, but it would tend to penalise those who answer more than they
ask, and they are among the most valuable list members.

I'm not sure why this discussion came about, I seem to have missed some
messages somewhere, but I would be surprised if there wasn't a piclist
member (or even microchip- this must get them at least some sales?) who
could provide list hosting services if/when the kind folks at mit.edu
can't.  Alternatively, it could move to usenet, even 'stealing' space on
one of the groups with [PIC] headers etc would be preferable.

There are lots of good ways to run discussion groups (and most have been
around for decades!), 'the web' isn't one, at least not yet.

Nigel
--
Nigel Orr, Design Engineer                 nigel@axoninstruments.co.uk
Axon Instruments Ltd., Wardes Road,Inverurie,Aberdeenshire,UK,AB51 3TT
               Tel:+44 1467 622332 Fax:+44 1467 625235
                   http://www.axoninstruments.co.uk

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