John Bartley (tel. 503-BAR-TLEY)
is preparing to operate the Internet Cafe once more. We provide a
room with multiple computers, connected to the Internet, so members may
check and send e-mail and have general Internet access. You are welcome
to bring your own laptop (as long as you can configure it for fixed IP
addressing), or to use our equipment we provide.
Donations
Equipment donated or loaned to Orycon can result in a tax credit, as Orycon
is operated by OSFCI, a 501)(c)(3) non-profit corporation. If you
or someone you know might be interested in donating or loaning equipment
or services, please contact John Bartley (see above) for details. The convention
regrets that it cannot provide insurance coverage or any guarantees on
equipment provided, but we will make sure to provide a letter for IRS verification
on donations.
Facilities
We expect to have six Windows PCs, two Linux PCs and two stations
for member laptops, as well as a color printer. Given the underutilization
of the Mac at the past two cons, a Mac does not now appear justified, especially
since we can get two PCs for the price of one Mac. However, should an OS9-capable
Mac be donated in working order, we'd be happy to attach and support it.
Support to other departments
We will support other Orycon departments (e.g., Office, as we have done
for the past two cons) if they request a feed and we can practically provide
one.
Volunteers
Please email John (see above) if you would like to volunteer. The mininum
requirement for volunteers is the ability to create and use a web-based
email account, plus convention membership. We also need
a) One person on the day before the con to prepare cables &
to help with connecting and testing hardware,
b) two people on the day before the convention to assist with
software installations,
c) one or more persons to assist with installing Linux on donated
PCs
d) one or more volunteer for every hour of operation to assist
users, and
e) two volunteers for one hour after closing to assist with breakdown.
Hours of Operation
Fri: Noon - 9 PM
Sat: 9AM - 9PM
Sun: 9AM - 5PM
Connectivity
We expect that a 1.544 mbps downlink and a 31.2 kbps uplink will be provided
by WantWeb. For more information on
the theory behind the 'MMDS' transmission scheme used we have used for
the past three Orycons, see WIRED
7.12. However, Sprint (which now owns WantWeb) has yet to announce
when they will convert to their new Broadband
Direct system. When they do, WantWeb will likely be discontinued by
Sprint. Unfortunately, cable modems are not supported by the hotel,
and the hotel is too far from the nearest central office for DSL, so our
options for cost-effective high-speed service are limited. We will actively
investigate alternative options for cost-effective bandwidth (e.g., StarBand)
and post further developments here as they become known. Your suggestions
and experience are welcomed.
Acceptable Use Policy
0. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
1. The Internet Cafe is open only to members of this convention in
good standing.
2. Use of the facilities is at your own risk.
3. Members must be courteous to others, both volunteers and other patrons.
4. Members will limit use to 20 minutes per session when others are
waiting.
5. Adults will not access material restricted to adults with sensitive
or controversial content when minors are present.
6. The convention and its sponsoring organizations are in no way liable
for what happens with your account if you do not delete your username,
password, cookies or any other personal data from the system you use.
7. We require you to delete your username, password, cookies and all
other personal data each and every time you use our system.
8. The Internet Cafe is governed by the same rules as the rest of the
convention, and you will adhere to them at all times.
9. Food and drink may be limited to safety zones within the Internet
Cafe in order to protect sensitive and expensive equipment.
10. If problems occur, speak to a volunteer on duty, and gently, politely
ask for help.
11. The laws of the state and the nation will be observed and, if need
be, enforced, as will convention rules and hotel requirements.
12. Volunteers on duty do have the responsibility to ask persons to
remove themselves from the Internet Cafe if problems arise, and will make
referrals to the convention committee as appropriate.
13. Violations of the above will be referred to the convention committee
for action, including, but not limited to, revocation of membership.
14. If you have any questions in the Internet Cafe, please don’t be
shy about asking for help from the I-Cafe volunteers.
Thank you for your interest in the Internet Cafe.
John Bartley