NEW GEOGRAPHY
As web-based communication develops, not everyone on the planet
needs to be wired. Those who are Internet Savvy need to be aware
of how to bridge the 'digital divide.' This is tricky as old
orientations do not work. For example, exactly where is 'South'
in an online world?
AN OUTLANDISH IDEA
Travelers, policy-makers, conservationists and students alike
use fairly low-tech technology -- such as Email.
Likewise, Websites
do not need to be terribly complicated or expensive. In Latin
America, for example, Bibliotecas Virtuales (Virtual
Libraries) is a fancy name given to cyercafes.
Too often, however, the simplest elements are ignored. Foundations,
development agencies and banks rarely provide project evaluations
or budgets. Too often environmental
groups use the Internet as another glossy brochure instead
of a means to provide in-depth reports. Travel agencies make
potential clients wade through page after page of java-pumped
scripts. There ought to be a better way of making this information
accessible to interested readers.
As consultant John
Shores says, "It's almost funny ... we spend billions of
dollars globally to set up the Internet, then we're not supposed
to use it."
Once I was asked why it's important that information be shared.
Initially, I found it difficult to explain what I consider an
evident truth. But there are clear advantages. Making useful
information accessible in a timely manner facilitates success
for everyone.
WHO BENEFITS?
The Web is a virtual commons
used by national tourism boards and local communities alike.
Web surfers have access to small-town news -- from soccer scores
to weather. Migrants review what is taking place back home and
travelers learn as much as they'd like to know about a place
before make the trip.
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