National Public Network developers should encourage the entry of as many new parties as possible. Just as personal computer companies started in garages and attics, so will tomorrow’s information entrepreneurs, if we give them a chance. Their prototypes today, small computer networks, electronic newsletters, and chat lines, are among the most vibrant and imaginative “publishers”{ in the world.
Predictor: Kapor, Mitchell
Prediction, in context:In a September 1991 submission to the Network Working Group’s Request for Comments (Request for Comments 1259), Mitchell Kapor, co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, writes: ”On a network in which the local switch is open to information providers – because the platform itself is so rich and well-designed – creativity and quality triumph over monopoly power. Instead of restricting information providers, the National Public Network developers should encourage the entry of as many new parties as possible. Just as personal computer companies started in garages and attics, so will tomorrow’s information entrepreneurs, if we give them a chance. Their prototypes today, small computer networks, electronic newsletters, and chat lines, are among the most vibrant and imaginative ‘publishers’ in the world.”
Biography:Mitchell Kapor founded the Lotus Development Corporation and also founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation with WELL (Whole Earth ‘Lectronic Link) members John Perry Barlow and John Gilmore in 1990 in direct response to a threat to free speech. He was an outspoken supporter of open access to the Internet, and was asked to speak in many venues about the issue, including Congressional hearings. (Pioneer/Originator.)
Date of prediction: September 1, 1991
Topic of prediction: Information Infrastructure
Subtopic: Open Access
Name of publication: Requests For Comments
Title, headline, chapter name: Building the Open Road: The NREN As Test-Bed for the National Public Network
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.eff.org/Publications/Mitch_Kapor/nren_npn_nii_kapor_eff.rfc
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney