wfn.org | 'PresbyNet Lite' is proving popular with computer communicators

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Note #6326 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

10-January-2000
01006

'PresbyNet Lite' is proving popular with computer communicators

Sign-up rate for introductory service is encouraging

By Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Since Thanksgiving, nearly 300 Presbyterians have taken
advantage of a free offer to sample what PresbyNet, the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.)'s computer communication and electronic conferencing system, can do
for them.

	Dubbed "PresbyNet Lite," the promotional offer provides access to as many
as seven PresbyNet "meetings" at no cost to the subscriber.

	"This is designed to offer people direct experience of the advantages of
electronic meeting and conferencing," said Frank Voegtlin, associate for
computer communication in the Office of Communication of the General
Assembly Council here.

	All that is required to subscribe to "PresbyNet Lite" is World Wide Web or
e-mail access.

	Those who try "PresbyNet Lite" will automatically be joined to BULLETINS,
the meeting that provides updates on the technical aspects of the system. 
They will also be invited to join PRESBYNEWS, the meeting to which all
Presbyterian News Service stories are posted daily; PRESBYNET, which informs
users of new meetings and other programmatic information; and PRESBYTEL
ONLINE, the question-and-answer meeting operated by PresbyTel, the PC(USA)'s
toll-free telephone information service.

	PresbyNet Lite subscribers may also join three additional meetings of their
own choosing.  There are currently hundreds of active meetings on the
system.

	"We're glad people are attracted to this offer," Voegtlin said. "We believe
there's so much on PresbyNet that people will want a full membership once
they've tried the introductory meetings."

	The free offer is especially attractive right now, the Office of
Communication's coordinator for communication assistance and consulting,
Barry Creech, told the Presbyterian News Service, because after March 31,
PresbyNet users will have to pay $17.95 per year for the service.  However,
anyone who signs up for a full PresbyNet membership by March 31 will receive
their first year free.  The post-March 31 charge will be the first time in
PresbyNet's 12-year history that participants have had to pay a user fee.

	"We've tried to keep the cost down so there's no barriers to
participation," Creech said.  "We think a buck-and-a-half a month (plus the
user's telephone charges) is a great deal and will enable us to expand the
system to more users."  The PresbyNet Lite offer is funded out of
PresbyNet's existing budget.

	An example of how PresbyNet Lite can help congregations communicate
electronically, Creech explained, is for the pastor (or a member) to take
out a full membership (free for one year if done by March 31).  "Full
PresbyNet members have the right to start a meeting," he said. "So the full
member starts a meeting for session members, or committee members, then
those session or committee members sign up for PresbyNet Lite and as one of
their optional selections pick the church's meeting."

	To enroll in PresbyNet Lite, visit the PC(USA) web site, www.pcusa.org,
click on "PresbyNet login" and then go to the sign-up screen for new
subscribers. For more information about PresbyNet, call PresbyTel at
1-800-UP2DATE (872-3283).

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