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Newsletter No. 48


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                             Free Pint
         "Helping 26,000 people use the Web for their work"
                    http://www.freepint.co.uk/

ISSN 1460-7239                                21st October 1999 No.48
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                           IN THIS ISSUE

                             EDITORIAL

                        TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
         "Notes on the Net: A trawl around the Music Sites"
                        By Carey McIlvenny

                             BOOKSHELF
   "The Caring Economy: Business Principles for the Digital Age"
                     Reviewed by Crystal Sharp

                          FEATURE ARTICLE
   "Unblocking the Web: digital technology and the telephone line"           
                          By Richard Wilson 

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                      >>>  ABOUT FREE PINT  <<<

Free Pint is a free newsletter with help on using the Web for your 
work. It is published by email every two weeks and free copies can be
reserved at http://www.freepint.co.uk/. The site also houses a full 
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                             EDITORIAL

Do you know anything about building Web sites on the cheap? How about
hosting, registering names, or finding out who's behind a site? Have 
you ever wondered who is responsible for telling us when British
Summer Time ends? Are you an expert with Microsoft's Internet 
Explorer 5? Does your company have a published Internet policy? Would
you know where on the Web to find information on setting up primary 
education in Africa, the problems of Internet use in university
libraries in India, or how to find accounts for Scottish charities?

If you've answered "Yes" to all these questions then you can have a 
job at Free Pint today! Actually, these are all real questions and 
discussion topics which have arisen at the Free Pint Bar over the last
two weeks, alongside many others.  As you can probably see, the most
popular cocktail available at the Bar is now the "Searcher's 
Serendipity Special". Happy hour is all day every day ... especially 
if someone answers *your* Web-related query ... why not savour the
menu today at http://www.freepint.co.uk/bar.

In today's issue of Free Pint we bring you lots of links to music 
resources on the Web, and a review of the latest book from NUA's CEO 
Gerry McGovern. This is followed by a super introduction to ADSL
technology (bringing digital technology and greater speed into your
home), followed by a summary of the latest postings to the Bar.

I hope you enjoy issue forty eight, and do send me an email if you 
have any feedback - good or bad. Remember to visit the Web site also
as this is now a major resource with ninety six articles!

All the best,
William

William Hann BSc MIInfSc, Managing Editor
e: william@freepint.co.uk
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t: +44 (0)1784 455435
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                        TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

         "Notes on the Net: A trawl around the Music Sites"
                        By Carey McIlvenny

The Internet has created a wealth of new opportunities for all those
in the music industry, be they musicians, bands, promoters, venues or
retailers.  So it's hardly surprising that entering 'music' into any
popular search engine can reveal thousands upon thousands of site
references.  The best way to start breaking down a search is by
including the musical genre and then (if appropriate) the particular
name of the act that you are looking for.

Some of the most important beneficiaries of music site information 
seem to be the fans themselves. Many have set up unofficial band 
sites, which are fast replacing the traditional 'fanzine' as a forum 
for band news, pictures, interviews and of course swapping gossip.  
A search for your favourite band or act will generally reveal a heap 
of unofficial sites - go ahead and give them a go.  You may find out 
a scintillating piece of news that's not to be missed!  Teenyboppers 
will delight in 'Jill's Backstreet Boys' Heaven' 
http://www.execulink.com/~wmgp/Default.htm with rumours,
pics, forthcoming appearances, and even a survey about the USA teen
dreams.  Or try out a very informative 'Steps' site
http://www.gensteps.co.uk.

It's good to see the enthusiasm, time and energy being taken to
produce these unofficial sites.  A useful arena for sourcing different
bands (both for official and unofficial sites) is The Ultimate Band
List http://www.ubl.com, which provides thousands of links to assist
you in finding information on your favourite artists.

It's also now easy for die-hard fans to find obscure and limited
edition CD titles at reasonable prices.  Instead of trawling round
the country to find those must-have CDs at import price, you can now
find them online.  Most will have already heard of giant online music
retailers such as CDnow http://www.cdnow.com and IMVS' new 'all
singing all dancing Website' http://www.yalplay.com, but for those
of who prefer to support smaller independent businesses, try
Websites such as Rough Trade http://www.roughtrade.com, Changes
One http://www.changesone.co.uk, or Sister Ray Records
http://www.sisterray.co.uk.

Just as the way in which we purchase music has changed with the
advent of new technologies, the way we listen to it will too.  There
has been much controversy in the press recently about a new format
which you may have heard about called 'MP3'.  MP3 is a file
format that compresses audio and then stores a song in a manner that
uses a fairly small amount of space.  Unlike previous digital formats,
MP3 sound is of CD quality.  All MP3 files have the suffix '.mp3', and
the MP3 Website http://www.mp3.com is the place to go for further
information.  The MP3 format means that songs can be downloaded from a
Website or a newsgroup or sent by e-mail.  The files can then be played
on a computer or on a portable MP3 player (about the size of a
Walkman).

This of course has huge implications for copyright issues,
(as much MP3 music on the Internet is currently unlicensed) and for
the way in which music is sold using traditional formats such as CD
and vinyl.  It may also swing the balance of power between record
labels and artists, as artists can distribute their own music
using a format such as MP3 via their own Website.  However, many
record labels utilise the Internet to provide information about new
and established acts to a global audience and to sell product and
merchandise in a variety of interesting ways.

Creation Records http://www.creation.co.uk, home of Oasis, Super
Furry Animals and Primal Scream, use trendy linear design to inform
the public about their acts and also feature a 'webcam' direct from
Creation Records' HQ.  Ultra-hip club label Ministry of Sound
dedicate their site http://www.ministryofsound.co.uk to 'clubbers
online' and include some top animation and informative content about
their releases and the Ministry of Sound Club itself.  Alternative
music Website, The Knowledge http://www.theknowledge.com is an
umbrella site for a wide variety of record labels such as Skint
(Fatboy Slim), Jeepster (Belle & Sebastian) and V2 (Stereophonics).

If you've spent years getting your hands dirty with inky music
papers when reading about acts from record labels such as those
above, you'll be pleased to hear that many now have online versions.
The 'NME' Website http://www.nme.co.uk has up-to-the-minute music
news, message boards and includes a 'Website of the Week' that has
been nominated by an NME reader.  Monthly music 'glossies' such as 'Q'
http://www.qonline.co.uk and 'Select'
http://www.selectonline.co.uk also have informative sites.  Don't 
forget online versions of music-based TV programmes such as MTV
http://www.mtv.co.uk and Top of the Pops http://www.totp.beeb.com
which are both bright, bold statements for the youth market.

Those who are interested in finding out more about the music
industry in general may find the British Phonographic Industry Website
useful http://www.bpi.co.uk, or the site of the trade paper 'Music
Week' http://www.dotmusic.com. Composers and publishers in the
making will do well to check the Mechanical Copyright Protection
Society Website http://www.mcps.co.uk and The Performing Right
Society Website http://www.prs.co.uk. The PRS is the UK association
of composers, songwriters and music publishers that administers the
'performing right' in their music.  The Musician's Union
http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk is also an interesting reference
point.

If, after all that music-related surfing, you fancy your chances as
being the next Jackson, Morisette or Gallagher, then the BRIT
school, a Performing Arts & Technology School where all places are
free, is a good place to start http://www.brit.croydon.sch.uk/. Of
course, not everyone wants to be a rock star, and for those with more
mature aural tastes there are plenty of classical music references
available.  Try the New York Philharmonic's site
http://www.newyorkphilharmonic.org or blighty's own London Symphony
Orchestra http://www.lso.co.uk. Both are comprehensive and
well-designed sites offering a wide range of news and forthcoming
events information.

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Carey McIlvenny, BA(Hons), MA undertakes freelance writing and is
Website Manager for http://www.theknowledge.com, an alternative
music Website.  The site contains news and information about record
labels, their bands, discographies, new releases, soundclips,
reviews, links and gigs.  The Knowledge has also recently launched an
online merchandise sales section and a guide to careers in the music
industry.  Please e-mail any comments or queries to
tellitlikeitis@theknowledge.com.

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Our autumn seminars include an introduction to Sources of Healthcare
Information, Consumer Healthcare on the Internet, Making the Most of
MEDLINE and two other courses on MEDLINE. Spare one day out of the
office, and come back to save time on your research. The British
Library, St Pancras, Central London. Contact Maureen Heath,
Tel: 020 7412 7470, e-mail maureen.heath@bl.uk
Web: http://www.bl.uk/services/stb/seminars.html

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                        FREE PINT BOOKSHELF

   "The Caring Economy: Business Principles for the Digital Age"
                     Reviewed by Crystal Sharp

As the Internet rapidly embraces e-commerce it has become essential
for a business to have a presence online.  A recent survey of Business
and the Internet in the Economist quoted the following forecasts of
Forrester Research: inter-company trading of goods will go from 43
billion US dollars last year, to 1.3 trillion dollars in 2003 (not
counting value of services exchanged or booked online), and business
to consumer trade, from 8 billion dollars to 108 billion dollars. Even
so, the digital economy is still in its infancy. Change is the only
constant, it is taking place at a breath-taking speed and on a
tremendous scale. Most businesses still have no clearly defined
internet strategy, however, even as they scramble to be present on the
Web. 

The Caring Economy is a book which is not about the economy but about
business principles for the digital age. Its author, Gerry McGovern,
is the CEO of NUA, an Irish Internet consultancy that is steadily
making its presence felt both on and offline. The central thesis of
the book professes that the Internet is not about technology but
about people. Technology is only a useful tool inasmuch as it
facilitates human communication and interactivity. Business in the
digital age requires new ways of thinking (from that of the industrial
age) and new ways to communicate - by networking, establishing
community, and establishing trust through sharing information. 

The book is 400 pages long. The chapters are a series of lectures -
quotes mingled with philosophical musings, anecdotes, personal
experiences and lexicographical deconstruction of words (like network
and information) to make a point. The book is not about methods -
while it mentions meta data and search engines, it does not talk
about how search engines work or how to create or index a website,
for example.  It discusses principles to help understand how the
Internet works, why networks are important, what Internet branding
means, what information is, how it can be used to advertise,
generate goodwill and establish trust, and why it is important to
facilitate interactivity and use the cyberspace medium to
communicate with people.  NUA itself is known for its informative
newsletters, and analyses of Internet surveys and statistics that are
available free at its site. The newsletters and surveys have created
brand recognition for NUA, they offer value and communication with the
internet community, and credibility to their target market -
developers of large websites.

McGovern, quoting research and experience, maintains that for a
business to be successful on the Internet, it should focus on the
long-term view and on people (through informing, communicating and
networking), rather than on cutting costs.  He goes back to the
fundamentals of what made the Internet so popular to begin with -
communication; co-operation and community; open standards; and
long-term vision - and feels that those fundamentals should be
upheld. Anyone attempting to formulate an Internet strategy should
at least have a look at the chapters entitled The Three Properties
of Information, Understanding the Internet, Think Network: People
are the Network and Building Brands Online (NUA's main expertise).

The Caring Economy is a very readable book and a useful contribution
to the development of business principles for the digital age. While
some points are belaboured and certain opinions debatable, its
general point of view makes business sense. In 1753, Adam Smith, in
his treatise The Wealth of Nations stated that "it is not from the
benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect
our dinner, but from their regard to their self-interest. We address
ourselves, not to their humanity, but to their self-love, and never
talk to them of our necessities, but of their advantages." Likewise,
success in business depends on how well it can serve the self-interest
of its consumers, staff and suppliers and other members of its online
community. In digital space that means quality information, good
communication, reliable goods, and excellent service. The internet
facilitates communication. It is our best marketing tool.  If we show
we care - we establish trust. That is good for business. 

In the steady churn of new software, enterprise network systems,
multimedia, myriad web site management tools, e-commerce solutions,
and the need for constant hardware and software upgrades, it is so
easy to lose the focus of why we are doing what we are. The Caring
Economy helps put things into perspective. 

    Find out more about this book on the Free Pint Bookshelf at
          http://www.freepint.co.uk/bookshelf/caring.htm

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Crystal Sharp is co-director of CD Sharp Information Systems, a
business research and consulting company in London, Ontario, Canada.
She specializes in business research, especially Canadian business
research, and technology's influence on business and social practices.
She has three main research interests: social, business, and economic
issues concerning women, new models of operation and management of
libraries, and the effect of information technology on economic
development.  She can be reached at crystal@cdsharp.com.

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Related Free Pint links:

* Free Pint Bookshelf - see reviews of other books we're reading
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/bookshelf
* Interview with the book's author, Gerry McGovern, Free Pint No.46
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/issues/230999.htm#feature
* NUA can be found on the Web at http://www.nua.ie/

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   FREE SEMINARS AT ONLINE INFORMATION 99 The Online Information 99
exhibition offers a specially designed programme of free seminars that
will give valuable insight into new skills, new techniques and new
approaches that information professionals and end-users can put
straight into practice. Seminars include Working the Web by Free Pint,
Technical Tutorials by Intranet Focus and MarketingBase and
Destination Internet Economy by Intel. For FREE tickets and further
information visit www.online-information.co.uk

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                          FEATURE ARTICLE

   "Unblocking the Web: digital technology and the telephone line"           
                          By Richard Wilson 

The Internet is, as we know, a vast knowledge reservoir of use to all
information professionals. Unfortunately, getting at that information
can be slow and frustrating. For many of us access involves making use
of a computer plus modem which in turn attaches to a telephone line.
The modem's purpose is to send and receive signals along the telephone
line, converting them from digital computer signals to analogue
telephone signals, and acting as a conduit between the computer and
the Internet itself. Unfortunately the Internet is a victim of its own
success. Gridlocked by enthusiastic users, all too often connections
fail, the system slows and downloading files takes an eternity. And,
with the continuing growth of the Internet, these problems seem likely
to worsen. But help is on the horizon. A new development in digital
encoding for use over telephone lines looks as though it might solve
the problem for home and business users.

That new development is the Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line or ADSL
for short. Digital technology in the main telephone network is already
with us. Digitising phone signals has enabled more information to be
transmitted more quickly and with fewer errors than the analogue
technology it replaced. But so far this transition has been limited to
links between the main telephone exchanges. What has been lacking is
the availability of this technology direct to the end user. Up to now
the only digital telephone-based service obtainable has been the
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) line. ISDN offers
advantages of speed compared to conventional modem links, although at
greater cost. Additional lines need to be installed at the
subscriber's address and extra line rental paid. The customer's
computer must also be fitted with an ISDN card as well. 

Yet ISDN has not been widely taken up nor has it received an
enthusiastic endorsement from its mainly business users with some
arguing that ISDN stands for 'It Still Does Nothing'. Speeds along
ISDN lines are not always high. Delays also occur in making the
dial-up connection to get access to the line. Plus, it is costly. As a
solution to the speed and access problem it has not been ideal.

This is where the ADSL comes in. Its main advantages on offer are the
high speeds it can support, at least ten times faster than ISDN, and
its ability to make efficient use of the 'local loop', the wires that
run from the telephone exchange to the home or business premises. One
of the current bottlenecks in Internet access is this local loop. Made
from conventional copper wires the loop is ideally suited to
transmitting voice analogue signals for telephone purposes. Up to now
it has not been usable for digital signals. To upgrade this part of
the network telephone companies have been faced with the prospect of
replacing local loops with newer fibre optic cables, a very expensive
and time consuming prospect. And with over 700 million copper-based
local loops in use throughout the world, a very wasteful exercise as
well.

For a telephone company one of ADSL's features is its use of a digital
coding system which can be supported by the local loop. It effectively
transforms the entire line, from the computer in the home to the
Internet server and back again, into a digital line. Much higher
transmission speeds can then be achieved all the way. At present, the
best analogue modems available can work at up to 56 kilobits of
information per second. But the fibre optic cables which form the
backbone of the Internet are considerably faster. They transmit
information in Megabits per second. This high speed in the backbone is
subsequently lost because the signals have to slow down to a crawl for
the last few miles of the local loop. By using ADSL technology it is
possible to overcome the 'slow lane' crawl. Speeds of up to two
Megabits per second can then be achieved along the local loop. This
compares very favourably to the 56 kilobits per second of the analogue
modem and the 128 kilobits per second achievable with an ISDN line.
ADSL is many times faster than any other currently available
alternative, including cable modems.

And this is not all ADSL can do. Unlike its rival, the ISDN, an ADSL
allows conventional telephone calls and digital computer signals to
mix on the same line. The ADSL user could surf the Web and make a
telephone call at the same time using the same line. Making this trick
work comes down to the digital encoding system used which can filter
off the telephone speech signals from the computer data signals. The
two are kept separate by being split into different frequencies and
then recombined when they arrive at their destination. Another
attractive feature of the ADSL, especially to users, is its 'always
on' capability. Internet derived digital data signals are continuously
available from the ADSL. It is not necessary to dial up an Internet
Service Provider to obtain access to the Net. With ADSL the subscriber
is online 24 hours a day without the need to make a phone call.

It sounds almost too good to be true. So, are there any downsides to
ADSL technology? There are a few. Firstly, it will not suit every
user. Videoconference users, for example, will not like ADSL. The
reason here lies in the asymmetry of ADSL. ADSL is called an
'asymmetric' digital subscriber line because there is a difference, or
asymmetry, between the transmission and reception speeds. An ADSL can
achieve a speed of two Megabits per second but only 'downstream', i.e.
from the Internet to the desktop computer. Moving information from the
desktop computer back to the Internet, going 'upstream', is slower.
Upstream speeds here are around sixty four kilobits per second. While
this might sound slow compared to downstream, it is still faster than
speeds achievable with an analogue modem. Since most file transfers
for Internet users are downstream the relatively slow upstream speed
is less important. Realtime videoconference users though want upstream
and downstream speeds to be the same no matter how fast or slow they
are. ISDN is a symmetric digital line system and offers this facility.
As such it will probably remain the system of choice for this
application. And while we are talking of speeds remember that ADSL on
its own will not correct deficiencies in other areas of the Internet.
There will still be heavily used connections elsewhere in the system
so download speeds will still vary, sometimes faster, sometimes
slower.

Secondly, there is availability and pricing to consider. ISDN has been
very slow in making it into the UK marketplace and there are fears
that ADSL will be equally tardy. However it does seem that ADSL will
not suffer the availability problems that seem to have dogged ISDN. By
its very nature ADSL is an overlay network and does not require
expensive equipment upgrading by the telephone company. It is
therefore cheaper and faster to implement than ISDN and is already
starting to appear in the UK (ADSL has been available in North America
for some time). British Telecom has announced that a number of major
British cities will have their exchanges enabled for ADSL by March
2000. 

If availability is less likely to be an issue with this service, how
costly will it be? This is still an uncertain area. In recent trials
BT were charging 30 pounds per month to subscribers. At this level 
the cost might be too high for private individuals to pay. However, 
this may change. In July 1999 the UK telephone regulator, Oftel, 
announced its intention of making BT 'unbundle' the local loop. In 
other words BT's monopoly of service, control and pricing on the 
local loop will be removed. What this will mean in practice is the 
possibility of other telecommunication suppliers offering services 
on the loop, including ADSL. There are many companies capable of 
providing this type of service and the resulting competition should 
drive prices down.

And what of the impact on the end user, the individual who uses
Internet facilities to broaden their knowledge base and search for
information? From their point of view they are likely to see a faster,
more seamless operation of the Internet and the World Wide Web. As
pages are accessed they will download more quickly and could therefore
contain more information, especially graphics and sounds. The improved
access rates offer the possibility of placing more information into
our hands, thus making us better informed and more effective
practitioners.

Finally, it seems likely that as Internet users and subscribers we are
all going to be affected sooner or later by this latest development in
digital technology. What is important is that we understand what it
is, how it works and remain aware of its shortcomings. ADSL without
doubt will change the way we access the Internet and may help to
overcome some of the bottleneck problems. It will not though be a
miracle cure for all the Internet's ills.

For more information this technology try visiting the following sites:
http://www.rad.com/solution/whitepap.htm
http://www.3com.com/solutions/dsl/
http://www.eto.org.uk/
http://www.adsl4me.com/
http://www.adsl.com/
http://www.bt.com/ADSL/

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Richard Wilson is Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Health
Research & Evaluation in Edge Hill College of Higher Education,
Ormskirk, Lancashire, England http://www.ehche.ac.uk/~wilsonrd/. In
his role as researcher he has come to appreciate the power and
benefits of the Internet, especially the World Wide Web, as a
knowledge resource for information professionals. He takes a keen
interest in IT and how it applies to research as well as general
developments in Web technology and access. 

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Related Free Pint links:

* Chat to the author now at the Bar
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/bar
* Read this article online, with activated hyperlinks
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/issues/211099.htm#feature
* "How to select and optimise your PC Internet modem" Free Pint No.24
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/issues/151098.htm#tips

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                           FREE PINT BAR
                   http://www.freepint.co.uk/bar

The chat and assistance have been flowing freely at the Bar since
the last issue two weeks ago.  Since then there have been over 80
messages posted, and more than 500 people now subscribe to the Bar 
Digest email summary. 

Remember, when you visit the Bar you will only see the last week's 
worth of messages by default. To change this, click on the "Set 
Preferences" option on the main listing page, and you can choose a
longer or shorter time frame.

Here follows a quick index to the major new topics being discussed. 
Remember, if you've got a Web-related query or comment then do pop
along to ...

                   http://www.freepint.co.uk/bar

Want domain name & Web site on the cheap
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=792
  Lots of tips, including discussion of the "uk.com" namespace.

Changing domain
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=793
  Leave a Web site & email with one provider, forward from another

FrontPage's failure to verify external links
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=796
  Anyone know how to get FP98 & 2000 to verify links from intranet 
  pages to sites outside a firewall?

Launching a site, choosing a host - help!
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=799
  Considerations, tips and provider suggestions

Computer security
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=801
  Free advice on offer on marking IT equipment for theft deterrence

Mailing lists
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=804
  Thoughts and tips on how to get off junk email lists

Managing large bookmark files
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=810
  Suggestions welcomed for sites or software

Information requested on educational Organ & charities
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=817
  Can anyone help in setting up primary education in Africa?

The e-commerce conference
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=820
  Details of this forthcoming conference from the British Library

Financial/charities
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=822
  Can one access the accounts of charities (Scottish) on the Web?

Free directors' names
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=824
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=850
  Where can these be found on the Web?

Freelance Research - Contacts Wanted
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=826
  Anyone know of good contact/forums in which to market oneself?

Where is it best to register a ".com" address?
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=834

Producing an email & Internet policy for a company
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=838
  Anyone willing to share theirs or suggest what it should cover?

Win prizes in free competition - take the EEVL Challenge
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=839
  PS: EEVL is a non-profit, free guide to engineering information

British Summer Time
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=840
  Where one finds the definitive statement about when it ends

Groups of domain names
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=842
  How to register/claim/copyright sub domains - explanation given

Results of the Bar Digest frequency poll
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=843
  A decision on how often the Bar Digest is sent by email

Problems/prospects of Internet use in university libraries
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=847
  Information/articles needed (especially relating to India)

Reviewers wanted for CD-ROM and Online databases
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=848
  Where can one get URL's or contact information?

Domain names for sale?
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=849
  Do you have these? Would you like somewhere to list them?

Cutting a deal
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=855
  Anyone have experience of producing/editing eCommerce sites?
  How do you finance a deal, share commission, etc. ? 

Comparative review of trading systems
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=857
  Looking for independent survey (e.g. of Bloomberg, Reuters, etc.)

Insurance sites
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=858
  Anyone know of useful addresses, other than interactive sites? 

Receiving search results by email
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=859
  Sites which will email Web pages selected by some criterion.

IE5 favorites
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=866
  Can you add favorites without actually visiting the page?

Authority of Web sites
  http://www.freepint.co.uk/cgi-bin/webbbs/config.pl?read=867
  How to find out who owns a site, where it is located, etc.

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Please note: It is likely that responses will have been posted to 
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Thanks for taking time out to read Free Pint - I hope you've picked
up a few tips.  If you'd like to pass it on to anyone else (in its 
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                           Kind regards,
                   William Hann, Managing Editor
                      william@freepint.co.uk
                    http://www.freepint.co.uk/

(c) Willco Limited 1999
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                        CONTACT INFORMATION

William Hann BSc MIInfSc, Founder and Managing Editor
e: william@freepint.co.uk t: +44 (0)1784 455435 f: +44 (0)1784 455436

Rex Cooke FIInfSc FRSA, Editor
e: rex@freepint.co.uk t: +44 (0)1784 455435 f: +44 (0)1784 455436

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Free Pint (ISSN 1460-7239) is a free newsletter written by information 
professionals who share how they find quality and reliable information
on the Internet.  Useful to anyone who uses the Web for their work, it
is published every two weeks by email.

To subscribe, unsubscribe, find details about contributing, 
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Please note: Free Pint is a trademark of, and published by, Willco 
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