Week Seven

21.6.99

Greetings people !

It's been a while since I last reported back, based on having to make a living. As I ponder the future regarding the Internet, I realise that time and procrastination are always there to make it harder for me. It's been an interesting period, as I have observed the reams of features and reviews around the new OFFICE 2000, and was struck by how far removed from the average punters pocket, is the price range. I know it's all about profits, but I feel it is also about accessibility. Not everyone can afford it, which will invariably lead to people paying money, yet again to go on a course, and spend even more money. I started to wonder, if poor people, people with low incomes, people who have no money let at the end of the week, and so on can take advantage of computers and what they have to offer. As someone who works a lot in prison, I am struck by how many inmates would love to get involved with WEB DESIGN, INTERNET, etc, but are prevented from doing so, for obvious reasons. Once again it set me thinking about issues of access. For every new group who does get access there is another one who doesn't. I would be interested to know how the technology works for people who disabilities. I am thinking about people with different levels of eyesight. Ranging from poor sighted to the blind.

I have also visited many schools recently, where the Internet is fast replacing textbooks, in terms of the kids interests. This is frightening, as they are turning off the written word, in schools where the motivation in the school is low, and teachers have an escape route.

The past few weeks have been quite interesting, in as much as I have been working on a screenplay, and have been using the Internet to look at Sites dedicated to screenwriting. There are quite a few, which gives you full copies of well know screenplays which you can download. I have also been noticing the abundance of Sites from the African/American community, and the lack of distinct Black British Sites.

It has also been a good time for accessing information regarding European Arts initiatives. I am trying to network with people in other parts of Europe with the view to possible collaboration, and have found Sites like the British Council's very helpful.

In concluding, I have found myself drifting somewhat into a surfing mode, and less creative. Probably because I am scripting and don't want to get side-tracked. Whatever the reason, I hope to get back to the creative part soon.

A new poem

He paces outside the headmasters office, waiting
To be punished.

He paces up and down the street
Corner, pushin' 'n' sellin'

He paces inside the bookie, waiting
For the race to end.

He paces outside the pub, with
With a can of Special Brew in his hand

He paces up and down, outside
The cab office, waiting to go to the club

He paces up and down nervously waiting, for
His victim to emerge from the club

He paces up and down his prison cell, trying
To ignore his sentence.

If only he had stood still for a while !

Martin Glynn (JUNE 99)