Accomplishing So Much . . .

1
Accomplishing So Much . . . With So Little!
2
A Free Net

• Mission To keep all people informed through an
  on-line community.
• Vision Every citizen has access to community
  information and e-mail.
• Purpose SURVIVE to serve the underserved.

3
Sinn-Free Resources

• A free room in the Rockford Public Library
• 2 Pentium Computers 24 modems
• one to serve e-mail, one to serve web site
• 1/2-time Secretary
• 30,000 annual budget
• Volunteers, Volunteers, Volunteers

4
Sinn-Free Survives 2 1/2 Years

• Despite competition by Chamber of Commerce
• Despite assault by hackers
• Despite competition by commercial ISPs
• Despite unreliability of volunteers work
  schedules

5
Successes

• Free e-mail service on request, low cost text
  Internet access
• Active web site
• Active user group
• Prosecuted hackers and won compensation
• Added park district to library and city as
  partners

6
Lessons from a Rocky Start

• Start with a broad base of support
• Prepare for long-term sustainability