[sllug-members]: UTOPIA rebuttal in Tribune

[John Havey]

This Utopia thread shows the need for a solid base of information on the
project, and reveals a strong interest in ways to support and promote
it. A wiki devoted to Utopia could be a useful way to collaborate on
these goals. It could provide a permanent, updatable reference, down to
the pros, cons, and details you would like to know if you are making
arguments for it. It could provide a way of coordinating and tailoring
political efforts in each of the relevant jurisdictions. And it could
provide a place to suggest, evaluate, and work on ideas:

* Pointers to computers that could be used to get a Utopia experience?
These might be in libraries, computer stores, or ISP offices. It would
be fair to simulate the experience with a high speed line, even in areas
not served by Utopia.

* Provide petition pages by jursidiction? Let people sign up in support.
Categorize by registered voter, I will register if I get to vote on
this, old enough to vote in 2010, etc.

* Reservations for service in the future, backed by deposits? A way to
show you are serious. Vote with your deposit. 

* Collect enough deposits in an interest-bearing escrow account, and use
the interest to produce and run a TV spot to demonstrate Utopia?

* Produce a longer demo on DVD? Distribute it through libraries and
downloads. Show it at city council meetings. 

* Organize an interview hour on KRCL's Radio Active?

* Work collaboratively on applications that have local value and
showcase Utopia's unique capacities, as suggested by Michael Place?

John