information needs to be accessible, to be of value
I couldn't agree with you more, poetdowns.
Personally I have none of the "access" problems you describe. I have a fast internet connection, a superfast computer, etc..
But when building websites, I do my best to ensure that they are accessible to all. NO flash, NO video, NO huge photos ( bit size wise), NO music, and on and on. Accessibility also means sites accessable by all browsers and full W3C compliance. For example, there are 29 validation errors on this page alone!
Some (apparently most) think building accessible sites = boring sites.
But just what is wrong with giving users a choice? A choice of selecting text, video, audio, etc.; that is what I do with the links on my site(s). As a common courtesy, I advise users in advance that they may not be able to view the (linked) sites if they do not have the correct hardware.
FSTV, give your users a break! No everyone is fortunate enough to have all of the bells and whistles that have been foisted upon the internet in the name of "Giving the user a good experience". You are "giving it" to your users instead.
On another note (for FSTV). There are many Forum software packages out there that are not only FREE, but do an excellent job of keeping out spammers. Seems that spamming is a huge problem in these forums. Do something constructive about it. Keep the spammers out in advance instead of wasting untold hours of your time deleting their useless "messages".
MZ
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Those who think it's important to spread the truth, need to take into account the poor and the low-tech. E.g., here at Freespeech i come across many things i'd like to follow-up or find out about. I can't play video. I'm on dial-up access, i have a computer most of you would get rid of and replace with something faster. In fact, that's how i got it -my former flatmate gave it away when she upgraded. I think it's a pentium II.
It's ironic, that even as people talk about the fading of the Middle Class population, or the importance of getting the truth out (especialy in the face of corporate media domination); they themselves seem to forget about the poor. I'd love to buy Aaron Russo's dvd but i don't have $15. I really don't, that's grocery money. I'm not chastising anybody, i would like to remind EVERYONE that not all of us can play streaming video, or buy a dvd. I can download a video file and then my comp can play it. But practicly nobody gives you that option. Don't have an ipod, cell phone, car, i don't even have a chair i'm sitting on the floor. And i don't care, (except sitting on the floor and trying to type really kills my back) it is the grace of God and the kindness of others that i even have a comp and online access; and i'm grateful for what i have. When there's only a streaming video link and i can't download it or read a text version of the video file or sound file; i feel forgotten and left behind by FSTV.
FTW vexes me, they have teasers about this really important stuff you need to know, but you have to pay for it -to say that it's important for people to know what's really going on but you'll only tell them if they pay you, sorry but that sounds hypocritical. Truth is either important or it's not -but it should never be only for those who can afford it 'cause that's just a different class of elite.
Anyway, the tech aspect is my main point. 'Cause i see it spreading more and more. But if we don't have an alternate access for the low-tech, aren't we losing sight of the whole purpose?
Poet
It is the weak who are cruel; gentleness is to be expected only from the strong.