Scott Dier wrote: > After being off the list for a while I decided to read the archives a > bit for this month. I've read the thoughts about the network and I'm > pretty worried about this secnario: > > ISP sets up VPN server on network. > ISP offers pay-for-access model to anyone, but doesn't mention TCWUG, > just makes a pretty map. > Users have no knowledge of TCWUG and what the network is coming from > TCWUG gets -$0- and falls fast into disarray with glut of new users. > > I've also done some thinking on how to mitigate that situation and I've > come up with a bunch of blanks. Most of them revolve on how to provide > open access to individuals while denying abusive access. I think the > situation might be best worked out with the following: > > Two access levels, Supporting and Freeloader: <snip> After the last meeting, it struck me that others may have dollar signs before their eyes, and as with linux, will gladly build upon the work - the donated, <free> work of others, becoming the Redhat of Twin Cities wireless. If the cloud is successful, then commercial interests, whether individual or corporate, or a combination of the two, will use the network. This fact will transform the network into a de facto commercial entity. That incurs liability. Once any thing of value is exchanged, this project will be a commercial enterprise. This group really should consider the ramifications of this: once commercial traffic is allowed on the cloud, and such traffic is transferred to the Internet, this group will become a wireless backbone supplier, and anyone running an AP, an ISP. Considering the above, I strongly suggest, at the very least, incorporating as a non-profit. That way, any work that is done can only be used for the TCWUG wireless network, and any work: siting, propagation estimates, development methods and data, antenna configurations, et. al. would be proprietary, and could only be used if TCWUG, as a non-profit corporate entity, gives permission, in return for a fee, for the use of such facilities or proprietary methods and data. The moneys would be re-invested into TCWUG. Call it a cooperative. I am <not> going to give anyone the benefit of my knowledge of and experience in urban radio propagation if that knowledge will be exploited for <their> enrichment, but I will gladly donate it as a volunteer for a non-profit, as long as the work is protected. Neal: nkras at nkras.dsl.visi.com