Changes between Version 4 and Version 5 of aboutus

Timestamp:

May 5, 2008, 4:23:07 AM (17 years ago)

Author:

alfredo

Comment:

--

aboutus

@@ -4 +4 @@
 
 As an organization, we believe that the Internet is critically important to the future of humanity and therefore must be a priority for the progressive movement in this country. For that reason, we are involved in many activities and campaigns to improve access to the Internet, enhance its function as a tool for mass communication and organizing, develop new technologies and uses for it, and help progressive movements use it effectively to communicate with each other and with the world.
+
+Because of the kind of work we do -- which appears to closely resemble that of a commercial provider -- people often initially see us that way. Nothing could be further from the truth. A commercial provider is most interested in one thing: your money. And that provider will do what's necessary to get it but, in order to survive, must limit it to that -- only that which is necessary. Maximum profit for minimum service.
+
+As long as you pay your dues, we don't care about your money but we know that, in order to build the society we all need, you have to be able to function well on the Internet. This means assuring maximum capability. We are committed to providing each other with everything we need to work on the INternet effectly. Period.
 
 Two principles drive our work: the principle of equality and the principle of collaboration.
@@ -11 +15 @@
 The concept of equality if almost a cliche in our movement and we prioritize bringing into every aspect of our work  the vitally important notion of equality among people as a way of combatting racism, sexism, classism and all other group-specific oppressive thinking.
 
-But within the Internet equality can mean a lot more. 
+But within the Internet equality can mean a lot more. For our organization, equality means that all members' work is of equal importance so that the work of our techies and their organizations (as members) is as important as, say, the work of a community group specializing in housing...as important and no more important.
+
+This radical thinking about members' work affects and changes not only the way we plan and execute our daily work but the way we relate to each other in that work: for example, in technical support situations. Nobody in MF/PL works for anyone else. Nobody is anyone's boss. Nobody's wish is anyone's command.
 
 == Collaboration ==