Reporting on the months of January and February, 2005 For the months of January and February, expenses are expected to be close to budget at approximately $46,000 for the period. However, donations in the period were approximately $5,000 below budget (donations in Jan/Feb were $47,231 as compared to a budget forecast of $52,394). Although there was a small improvement in the period over the previous year ($47,231 compared with $44,928 last year), I am concerned with the shortfall. Looking forward this trend will result in continued financial difficulties for the NCF. A significant number of members are identifying themselves as people for whom contributing (either by donating or volunteering) would be a hardship. Although many other members are contributing more than their share, the funding shortfall indicates that it isn’t balancing out. The membership level is stable at approximately 8750 members. Of those: - 4242 members have read mail in the last month. - 5083 members used a modem this month. - 7759 members have seen start page at least once. - 1222 members currently use SpamFilter. There is a substantial turnover of members – there are new members coming to the internet for the first time or migrating from ISPs, while an equal number of members are leaving the NCF, in a large part to move to some form of broadband access. Most new members come to the NCF citing word of mouth or the library as where they first heard of the NCF. A significant portion of the new members are also new to the Ottawa area. Our volunteer numbers have greatly rebounded with over 30 members currently helping in the office or waiting to be given a task. Once again we have a member that has offered to provide us with French translations. All of the technical systems are working well, though modem usage is nearing capacity. The modem sharing software is a valuable asset to NCF in that it ensures fair use of this important resource. The email and office systems are also working effectively. The design of the office tools is helping the volunteers to offer the better help desk support. As they are all browser-based it should allow us to extend the help desk hours with volunteers working from home. The Ottawa Public Library has started its trials of its new computer systems at three branches (Beaverbrook, Alta vista & Cumberland). Our training was very well received by the library staff and I am confident that the trials will be a success. The head of marketing for the libraries has endorsed our marketing materials, and distribution will begin in April. We’re finding that NCF is not on radar screen of most mainstream families in the Ottawa area. NCF is viewed as internet for those that cannot afford internet, and as such a lower quality service. That NCF offers only dial-up access service reinforces this impression. Higher-speed broadband access (such as DSL or cable) has been offered by Ottawa ISPs for several years and has become commonplace -- many members have been asking if NCF could provide it. Offering broadband access along with dial-up would help NCF to remain relevant and of interest to broader range of local residents, helping NCF better accomplish its purpose. Therefore I am exploring means for NCF to offer high speed internet access. I will be surveying the membership to determine their interest in high speed, as well as looking further at the means of offering such a service, and will report prior to the next Board meeting. Looking forward to seeing you at the meeting. I have confirmed room 302 Dunton Tower. Cheers John