The Internet

Comment by Ted Janes in Hallmark May 1999 :-

On another subject, can I say how much I agree with the contents of Michael Hardy’s letter regarding Hallmark on the Internet. Personally, I have already had enough of the “w, w’s, dots and slashes etc., but we have to accept this is the modern form of communication, but surely not for a small village magazine that goes into every house in the Village, 80% of which like me have no idea of the system, or any likelihood of having the availability.

I trust that when the new Halli is up and running the practice of putting up notices on the notice boards or telegraph poles to invite us to such and such a function is not forgotten, and we do not have to “surf the Net” to find out what is on and order our tickets; if so I am afraid the dedication, commitment and support the Hall has received over the last 75 years will not be forthcoming.

Letter in Hallmark May 1999. by James Moorcroft. (click James & ? Moorcroft for more about James)

Dear Sir,

Turning to “Letters to the Editor” I was very sad to see a much different, personal attack on someone I admire...Mike Robbins. Quite apart, from his invaluable contributions to past LGP productions (he has raised the quality hugely), his efforts in putting together and maintaining our village website, thereby bringing us into the 21st century, deserve hearty congratulations. At the very least they deserve a bemused “good for you”.

What is totally undeserved is the line by line demolition of Mike’s well intentioned article on the Internet, written so that others could benefit (free of charge) from Mike’s considerable knowledge and experience of computer-related topics. Turning (or surfing!) to the site itself, the writer would find that Mike Robbins is totally dependent on the co-operation of local organisations and residents to feed him news and information. He doesn’t make things up or attempt any journalism, merely acting as a “posting board” for items of local interest. He has succeeded by skill and effort in making it a visually attractive and lively site, well worth visiting time and again.

The website will not replace traditional media like Hallmark for many years. Hallmark is a great magazine which I (having Internet access both at work and at home) would not be without. The Internet adds a different dimension. Who knows - one day the Hallmark may read itself out to partially sighted folk.

I hope I have avoided making the kind of attack I am lamenting. I know Mr. Hardy plays an active part in our community for which we are very grateful. Maybe if the “Tele Cottage” in our new Village Hall comes to fruition there will be a chance for him, and all villagers, to visit our website. Then I think we could all agree to give praise where praise is certainly due.