Free Net A Big Hit In Panhandle
Our family entered cyberspace this spring when I purchased a new computer.
Chief among our cyber joys is the Panhandle Free Net, which received national recognition in the June 19 Newsweek as a pioneer in the rural electronic link system.
As I prepared to leave the computer store on that April day, owner Mary Lantrip asked if I’d like software for the Free Net. “Sure,” I said. “That’ll get me started.”
With the slip of a disk and a few clicks of the mouse, I had my own copy of “First Class Client.”
After setting up the operation near our telephone, I registered for Free Net, which had gone on-line in February. Later that week, my friend Cathy Hagadone brought out her America Online (AOL) disk and helped me install the program.
Three months and one $165 telephone bill later, the local Free Net remains our web of choice. Although we do send AOL e-mail around the world, we avoid other features. Valuable telephone time sneaks by all too quickly while waiting for AOL graphics to download, or entering chat rooms with too many people gabbing at once.
When Sandpoint gets toll-free access, we may change our ways. For now, however, we have plenty to do on our Free Net, a brainchild of the local Solutions group.
These days, I have to fight for computer time because my daughter checks her mail and reads the new entries in all the conferences several times daily. She also puts her two bits in, and asks me for punctuation or spelling tips while composing comments on movies, music groups or books for all 250-plus users across Bonner County to see.
Meanwhile, my son has been stirring up basketball aficionados like Jacob Gormley and Robert Patchin with opinions on who’s the best NBA player or the coolest college team. I enjoy reading e-mail and having private computer chats with friends or local people I’ve never met. It’s fun to browse conferences, ranging from “Local Color” to “Public Square,” where Walmart discussions (“Is one really coming to Bonner County?”) and pizza disputes inspire lively banter from regulars.
I also like to learn how folks’ gardens are doing, although I’m jealous of Linda Lovick, across town. She planted hers June 2 and already has a ripe tomato. Her corn has ears, and her bush beans are blooming. But I don’t envy her grasshopper dilemma. It’s nice to know, however, that Sandpoint’s Cindi Pree may have an organic solution to her cutworm problem. Jim Durham suggested sprinkling rye flour around and on the base of plants.
Overall, it’s great entertainment. As content administrator Melody Martz puts it, the Free Net can change your life.
Melody lives on the outskirts of Elmira, 20 miles northwest of Sandpoint. “I can stay connected to people and not feel so isolated,” she says, “I get mail several times a day, and I can stay informed of what’s happening locally from the arts to government to youth car washes.” Melody also works long hours to keep the Free Net organized and stimulating.
The only problem we have encountered with the Free Net is logging on, since only two telephone lines exist for it. That won’t last long though. Organizers have launched a fund drive to install two additional lines. Users can send donations to Panhandle Free Net, 206 North 4th Ave., Suite 101, Sandpoint, ID, 83864. Free Net software is available at the East Bonner County Library. It’s quick to install and easy to join the fun. See you on-line.
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