
                                        Ŀ
                                        
        Ĵ Ŀ Ŀ     Ŀ           Ŀ Ŀ Ŀ
  The            Ĵ          Ĵ        Ĵ       Network
                             

      ۳      
                              ۳      
   Health Related:        ۳         Available Via:
 -------------------      ۳     ----------------------
   Message Forums               The HealthCare Network,
     File Echos               ۳        Planet Connect Satellite
     Networking                        & The File Dist. Network
                        


     First off, we wish to thank you for your interest in the "HealthCare
Network" and we're really looking forward to having your participation.  One
of the most important aspects of all of this, which I would like to put
forward first, is that this network is for "you" and your "users".  What it
ultimately becomes and what can be done within it's boundries is up to those
who participate in it.  Sure, we have a goal in mind and a plan on how to
get there, including what to do, how to do it, etc., but that is NOT etched
in stone by any means.  A network, as with most any other organization, is
a "living" entity which grows and changes with time and we're here only to
guide it along, proding it forward and stepping back as necessary.
Obviously it is important to have your participation and by joining it now,
you help not only to get things going, but even more important is that you
participate in it's growth, offering criticisms, solutions and ideas.

     Above all else, the "potential" for what this Network can accomplish
and provide it's users is tremendous.  We have contacted numerous
companies and organizations concerning what we are doing and the response
has been quite favorable.  With few exceptions, everyone contacted has seen
an opportunity to participate and as we get things rolling, they will come
on-line and add some rather interesting features to the Network.

     The Network itself will encompass a wide range of topics, everything
from specific medical conditions through technical (equipment) concerns.  It
is also intended, as has been said, to offer a whole slue of services, some
not available before and others spread out so much that they were difficult
to utilize.  By bringing all these together in one place, we hope to meet
the needs of as many people as possible, in the easiest way we can think of.
As previously discussed, we have planned for a number of echo areas to allow
for many discussions on a wide range of subjects.  The current listing is
far from complete and if there are ever any you'd like to see included, just
ask.  The databases being put together along with the text files and other
information will be made available, in general, to all who participate.
Some selected ones, due primarilly to size, will have limited dispersal, but
the information in them will be readilly available to all.  For those who
are interested, a CD-ROM will be produced on as regular a basis as necessary
to house any and all information available on the Network.  This will be
made available at "cost" (somewhere around $25.00 give or take) to those
systems participating in the Network.

Are we excited?? YES! :-)


The HealthCare Network Policy Document

     If you haven't already done so, I am sure you are going to be going
through the policy document "HCN-POL.001" at some point soon.  If for no
other reason than I'm sure you are interested in knowing something about how
"I" think...  Of course, we'd like you to know there are particular policies
on the various activities within the Network, but human nature will always
reign supreme.:-)  Anyway, there are a couple of things I'd like to mention
about it.  One; it's NOT written in stone.  It is a starting point, a place
to begin and be used "when" necessary and most of all, something had to be
written so it's there.  Two; as the HealthCare Network is new, many of the
policy points will be overlooked, if doing so will be helpful in getting
things going.  At some point in the future, when conditions warrant, the
administrative nodes will start to follow it a bit more formally, but it
will be a gradual process.


Echo / Message Areas

     We have included a preliminary echolist for the Network with this file.
The listing is simply the "short description" version of the list and is, as
of this moment, considered incomplete.  This has been done purposely for a
number of reasons.  One, and possibly most important, a number of Networks
have come and gone over the past years and some of that has been because of
having too many echos in the beginning.  Too many, with little in them,
causes confusion for some and the belief that nothing is going on, so they
stop using it.  The second most important reason relates back to the very
first paragraph of this file; this Network is for the users of it and you
and your users should make the final determinations as to what echos are
carried.  Obviously, there are certain administrative ones which are
necessary, just as obviously, "we" would like to see some particular ones
get going, but other than that, it will ultimately be up to you.

     If your BBS currently has message areas which are "medical" related and
you'd like to see them incorporated onto the Network, please let us know.


RC's, NC's and HUB's in general

     If you are interested in becoming an administrative node for the
Network, please let us know.  We are in the process of contacting a number
of systems throughout the country who run medical related BBS's, but we know
those contacts are very limited and will not meet our needs.  If you have
any interest in handling the mail and performing the other various
administrative duties involved (nodelists, etc.) please feel free to ask
about it.

Concerning "Planet Connect"

     We thank you for your interest in the HealthCare Network and
look forward to your participation.  As always, should you ever have any
questions, coments, etc., feel free to direct them to me in any convenient
way available.

Thanks

John Bierrie
The HealthCare Network

