National Capital FreeNet Administrative Coordinator's 1994 Annual Report Michael Anderson (bc574) 1.0 Introduction I'd like to begin this Administrative Co-ordinator's 1994 report by saying that you never know what exciting opportunities you can create for yourself by volunteering for a youthful and inspired organization like National Capital FreeNet (NCF). In August 1994 I decided to devote my background in media relations and marketing to assist NCF in gaining publicity for its first online auction. Helping in the acquisition of goods and services for the auction was a creative extension of this role. This event was a great success (see section 2.7 below) and I was subsequently hired in October 1994 as the new Administrative Co- ordinator. 2.0 Initiatives Defined My main function as Administrative Co-ordinator is to supervise the operation of the NCF office. I am responsible for supervising the processing of registrations, co-ordinating the helpline and volunteers, depositing and processing donations, supporting the operations of the Executive Director and Director of Development, and designing and implementing public relations initiatives. My public relations duties include: keeping in regular contact with the media responsible for covering high technology issues; proposing stories about NCF to the media; writing and disseminating press releases (distributed via e-mail and fax); coordinating coverage and interviews; and co-ordinating the media on-site during events. 2.1 Registrations In January 1994, NCF had 15,000 users. At the end of December 1994 NCF had over 36,000 registered users. The office is currently receiving between 75 and 100 new registrations each working day. Whereas in October 1994 NCF had a three-week backlog in registration processing, the current backlog is between two and four days. 2.2 Helpline and Office Mail The helpline [at 520-9001] has been handling between 30 and 40 calls a day, with questions ranging from 'how to register' to 'how to configure computers and modems' to 'password problems and technical requests'. Questions are answered promptly by our very competent volunteers (with a one or two-day turnaround depending on the office workload). The helpline volunteers have been very professional and have contributed immensely to the success of this service. Questions are also answered by staff through the office e-mail [ncf@freenet.carleton.ca or office@freenet.carleton.ca]. 2.3 Staffing Originally, NCF utilized the part-time services of David Petite as Registrar until November 1994. Then Marcus Hooper was hired through the Futures programme to work full-time (until February 1995) in the same capacity. Currently (and until June '95) we have the services of two co-op students, Jordan Sabourin (from St. Matthew's High School) and Jordan Ross (from Confederation High School). In the near future we will also be examining the options such programmes as 'Challenge 95' and 'Section 25' provide us in terms of staffing opportunities. 2.4 Donations Donations have averaged $5,000.00 a week. We are grateful that this is the case given our anticipated future needs. Donation amounts vary, oftentimes according to our funding initiatives. Whereas the average donation per individual user in November 1994 was $15.70, it rose slightly to $16.92 in December 1994 (as a partial consequence of our on-line auction). January '95 receipts averaged $15.69. Previously, donations were processed offline using FileMaker Pro and then uploaded back on FreeNet. This system has, however, proven inadequate for our specific needs. NCF therefore anxiously awaits the implementation of the Oracle database which will effectively integrate the registrations and deposits into one program. This will streamline operations and, in addition, offer more flexibility in terms of data retrieval. 2.5 Information Providers NCF now has over 250 Information Providers (IPs) online. These IPs provide much of the content of FreeNet. There has been a steady flow of requests for information and setups from organizations of various sizes. The embassy IP programme has been going very well, with the U.S., Japanese, Indonesian, German, Uruguayan and Kenyan missions going online to join those embassies already active. Some of these embassies have also become line sponsors, including the Uruguayan, Japanese, Israeli, French and Spanish missions. Other IPs who have become line sponsors include the Public Service Commission, Human Resources Development, the Humanist Association, the Right to Die Society, and the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton. The success of the IP programme has been made possible by the efforts of volunteer IP consultants. David Millman, Bethann Burton, David Petite and Dana Echtner have been invaluable in providing this service. 2.6 Volunteers The office has been well staffed by volunteers who handle both the opening and processing user registrations, and the helpline. Without their commitment, enthusiasm, and patience, NCF could not run as efficiently as we seek to do. We therefore extend our warmest thanks for their praiseworthy efforts. Office Volunteers 1994 Jim Bench aj020 Bethann Burton ba918 Jessica Cohen aa724 Francoys Crepeau aa996 Dana Echtner al300 Dan Gallant af891 Erik Haines ah985 Leo Molina ag587 Wojtek Peszko aj672 Seline Herz-Fischler as370 David Smolkin as820 Carolyn Miller am583 Nadja Roy ak643 Rick Chartrand ab440 Jonathan Wouk av767 If you see them on-line why don't you say 'hi' :) ! 2.7 Special Events There have been five special events for NCF in the past year: (1) the first anniversary birthday party in February 1994; (2) the FreeNet picnic in August 1994; (3) the Great FreeNet On-Line Auction in November 1994; (4) the Hardware Canada Computing (HCC) reception in December 1994; and (5) the second anniversary birthday party in January 1995. In organizing the latter three events I booked venues, arranged catering and logistics, handling volunteer tasking (in conjunction with NCF volunteer coordinators) and handled publicity and marketing of these events (see section 2.8 below). Quite happily, the Auction was a great success with over $20,000 raised, and excellent exposure for FreeNet in the media. The HCC reception (which recognized Hardware Canada Computing's donation of two SPARC stations) received media attention from CJOH, CBC, CBO Radio, the Ottawa Citizen, the Sun, and Ottawa Business News. The second anniversary birthday party attracted approximately 200 people to City Hall on January 31, 1995, and raised over $900 in donations. 2.8 Publicity and Marketing Given my background in communications, media, and marketing for non-profit organizations I have been able to contribute to the ongoing development of NCF in some unique and positive ways. I have endeavoured to ensure that events such as the HCC donation, the on-line Auction, and the FreeNet birthday party drew the attention of the local media. As a partial consequence of such initiatives, FreeNet also figured prominently in a large series on the Internet in the Ottawa Citizen. We have also been featured in publications such as 'Chatelaine' and 'Canadian Fundraiser', and on CBC's Prime Time News twice. The opportunities for future coverage in these media outlets are assured. Interestingly, NCF has also been invited to a number of conferences in 1995, including the Ontario Translators and Interpreters Association conference (in April 1995), and the Canadian Public Relations Society's national conference (in May 1995). We will share the outcomes of these exciting events as they become available. 3.0 Summary & Conclusions Upon reflection, 1994 has provided some very positive and hopeful signs for the growth and development of the National Capital FreeNet. While it goes without saying that we have been experiencing some growing pains (due to the high user demand versus the limited number of lines, and the necessity of debating issues such as time limits, telnetting, censorship and acceptable use of the system), we proudly acknowledge that NCF has become one of the most popular networks on the freenet circuit ! While we can boast 10% to 15% of user registrations from outside Canada (from such places as the U.S., England, Australia, and Slovenia) the very high response from the National Capital Region comprises the vast majority of our membership. And a friendly and discerning community it is ! I am very pleased to be a part of it, and l look forward to continuing to experience the rewards and challenges my duties as NCF Administrative Co-ordinator quite happily allow me to enjoy. Best regards for 1995 ! Mike Anderson bc574 Ottawa February 14, 1995