This session presented the experiences of the Calgary and Niagara Peninsula Freenets in seeking to serve the interests of their members.
The Calgary Freenet recently asked member to complete an online survey. The survey attempted to determine the kinds of equipment members were using, what services they used on the freenet and their opinion of the present services.
They were very pleased with the response to the survey and have found the information gained from the survey very valuable for them as they plan future developments of the freenet.
Shawn Henry distributed copies of a "Resource List for Determining Community Needs" which described resources related to survey design and community network discussion.
The Niagara Peninsula Freenet is a fairly new freenet and has not yet completed a formal survey. However, it, like the Calgary Freenet, is very interested in getting feedback from it members as to their satisfaction with present services and their desire for the future.
To assist their members they have an active computer recycling program. They have done a series of 1/2 hour programs for a local television station on the freenet and its features.
They are relying on member queries and comments to the helpdesk to gauge and respond to members. They also offer numerous training sessions for members and track comments from those sessions as well.
Their recommendations for other community networks are to: