So, What's Next?
You're Plugged In and Logged On, But What Do You Do Now?
Out there in cyberspace is a brave new world -- a revolution, some say
-- that's waiting to be explored. Let us show you how to begin your trekking.
1. The Net is your cyberspace companion, with a user-friendly, step-by-step
approach that will enable you to get involved in the rapidly changing universe
of the Internet. Each month, you'll find:
- The Net's Blue Pages, which point you to a host of exciting FTP,
Gopher, and Web sites.
- Special features that highlight the ins and outs of e-mail, newsgroups,
mailing lists, and real-time chats.
- Regular columns showing you how to conduct business on the Internet,
have fun in cyberspace, and find some of the best software around.
- Reviews giving you rated opinions and buying advice for software, hardware,
books, CD-ROMs, videos, services, and resources.
2. This is your magazine. We
want to hear from you about your views on the Internet, and your insights
into its evolving culture. Make suggestions for the Blue Pages listings,
query our experts, and provide us with hot tips.
3. Point your browser to http://www.thenet-usa.com,
The Net's evolving Web site. You'll be able to send quick notes to
our staff, download software and demos, and watch for what's coming up.
So, don't let the revolution begin without you -- and without The Net.
-- Launch Editor
Polite Sites
At this point, you're probably eager to take all this knowledge you've
newly acquired, and venture out into the world of cyberspace.
To help ease your initial journeying, we've put together a list of exceptionally
"polite" sites in which you can frolic while you get acquainted
with Internet culture and learn the rules of this information revolution:
1. alt.tv.x-files -- This group is devoted
to Fox TV's "X-Files" series chronicling the adventures of FBI
agents Dana Scully and Fox Mulder as they investigate the realms of the
extraterrestrial and the supernatural. This superb series has attracted
many literary and witty fans. Discussions range from UFOs to vampires and
forensic pathology, not to mention how great David Duchovny looks in Speedos.
2. alt.folklore.urban -- It debunks
urban legends -- those tales we've always believed in, although they've
yet to occur. This group's FAQ will keep you from asking dumb questions,
as well as shatter long-held misconceptions about stories that happened
to a friend of a friend.
3. alt.fan.cecil-adams -- If you like
a.f.u. (above), then you'll love the fans of the irascible Cecil Adams,
knowledgemeister of "The Straight Dope," a weekly newspaper column
that seeks to solve all the mysteries of life. You'll learn what happens
if you flip on your headlights while you're driving at the speed of light,
as well as the calorie and fat content of sperm. This is education at its
most fun.
4. news.newusers.questions -- If you
want to ask a dumb question, this is the place to do it.
5. news.answers -- FAQmania! Answers to
questions you haven't even asked.
6. rec.arts.wobegon -- A meeting hall
for the residents of Lake Wobegon, where all the women are strong, all the
men are good-looking, and all the children are above average.
7. rec.humour.funny -- Be warned that
the humor here can get very ribald.
8. alt.music.lyrics -- The question: "How
did that song go?"
9. alt.fan.letterman.top-ten
-- Postings updated daily.
10. alt.cuddle -- When the going gets tough,
drop in here for a digital hug from a professional cuddler, at no charge.
Remember, even in the comforting cyberspace of these groups, wipe your feet,
be polite, and ALWAYS read the FAQ.
-- David Allen
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