These are forums devoted to specific topics of interest and are usually moderated. To join a discussion group, you must subscribe using the protocol described in the handout. The CD4URBAN list receives a lot of "traffic" (numerous postings) and is relatively free of "noise" (unrelated information).
Both of the first two categories of planning information are ideal for queries processing (answering questions, requests, etc.) and sharing ideas and information. Some conventions for this communication are developing and the attached InfoTEXT handout has a somewhat humorous article on "netiquette." Also related is the concept of providing "emoticons" to convey emotional information. Within a short period of time, e-mail will be blended with voice mail, and ultimately video to improve communication and reduce the need for written conventions, but require new communication "etiquette."
Two additional categories with more limited accessibility are gopher, Archie, Veronica and ftp (file transfer protocol) sites; and private on-line services such as Compuserve's LAWSIG Forum Message Area 10, and AOL's PLACES. As Internet usage increases, there will be larger markets to allow "pay-per-view" services. National APA is considering this opportunity in providing web site information on a subscription basis.
The national APA site <www.planning.org> is rapidly growing and just recently opened an area devoted to State Planning Statutes. The site has many downloadable documents and provides e-mail connections for feedback. One of the finest planning sites is the California Chapter APA homepage <www.rain.org/~calapa/index.html> by Dev Vrat. This was the first APA homepage and recently won a statewide award for technology.
The Planning Commissioners Journal site <www.plannersweb.com> has information on a variety of subject relevant to city officials and practicing planners. In January it will open a site devoted to RFPs and RFQs.
The most ambitious sites for California planning and the environment are those being developed by the California Resources Agency: CERES and LUPIN. They are located at <ceres.ca.gov>. The ultimate goal is to have virtually all environmental and planning resources available. This will includes everything from the California Planners Book of Lists (currently on-line) to all state General Plan texts and maps.
The Web dynamics change daily-"cobweb sites" are becoming more rare-and the web has taken on characteristics of a neo-biological system. Internet directories and lists are obsolete before they are printed. Sites are developed, evolve and sometimes become extinct in Darwinian fashion. Information ecology is a new field spearheaded by people such as Lorelei Brown, Nancy Straus (APA webmaster or web editor), Dev Vrat, Hari Srinivas, and others.
The answer to navigating the web for planning information is to use "search engines" such as Alta Vista and Yahoo. If you are interested in a specific aspect of planning, you could use key words to locate web pages from around the world, then follow links to other related areas, or e-mail to the web contacts.
"As a net is made up of a series of ties, so everything in this world is connected by a series of ties. If anyone thinks that the mesh of a net is an independent, isolated thing, he is mistaken. It is called a net because it is made up of a series of interconnected meshes, and each mesh has its place and responsibility in relation to other meshes."Buddha