Maybe they rented the computers (entirely possible for a conference venue) and thus had no control over the software available? Or maybe they were so busy with the logistical elements of running a large conference that they just didn't have time to check to see if specific Web browsers were available?

Even though I use Open Source software and support Open Source software developement, I guess I just don't see why it's such a big deal if NCTE provides computers without it, especially if those were the only computers they could get. Or, if it is a big deal, perhaps people in the Open Source movement need to volunteer to provide computers with open source software at conferences like Cs, or to use the Computer Connections forum to draw attention to these things.

Yes, I remember when ITS issued sticks and dirt trays and we were GRATEFUL.:)

Seriously, in public venues I miss Mozilla also, but the last conference I was at had a single computer in a small room behind the hotel counter for what they called "courtesy" email use. There was the timed for-pay access available in the hotel rooms, but I'm naturally cheap and won't do that. At least there is something available at C's so you can "keep on bloggin'." Hope to hear from you again about the great presentations you see.

Actually, there's been a lot of discussion among 4 C's officers and NCTE staff on the best way to approach technology. NCTE has engaged in a major overhaul of its approach during the last two years, but the more leaders hear from members, the better. I left the leadership rotation last November, so I'm not clued on some of the decisions made for this conference. But most of the Tech Center and the net connections in meeting rooms are supported directly from Urbana. NCTE loads a lot of stuff on trucks and brings it to each conference, as well as renting some stuff locally. The view was that hotels charge so much for equipment rental, that NCTE and CCCC would make out by owning their own equipment.

Dickie Selfe is the new Chair of College Section and he's a good person to lobby on technology matters. The officers have had a number of concerns about the new format of the NCTE web site and how CCCC is represented there. The more specific critiques and issues that are brought to the attention of the le adership, the more likely a good solution can be found. If you are at the conference, find anyone with an Executive Committee ribbon, and offer suggestions. Send emails to Kathi Yancey and Doug Hesse and Paul Bodmer.

I'm not aware that anyone at NCTE r esists Open Source approaches. I'm also not aware that it's ever been discussed by the Executive Committee, unless that happened yesterday. The organization needs the insights and suggestions of those of you who are breaking ground in this area of electronic rhetoric. So take it to the leaders, including the chairs of the 7 C's (the computer committee) and Intellectual Property committee.

Now I feel like a troll after all of these comments.

But seriously, the more I dive into the IP issues, the more I believe that we need more sensitivity to alternatives to proprietary software when possible. And as it is, I don't buy into the renting argument since all the machines were customized with NCTE branding, such as a splash screen that had to be entered to reach the OS options. And the machines were carefully configured to *only* have IE--nothing else.

Now I don't want seem like I'm not thankful for the access. But NCTE and CCCC are careful about sensitivity regarding other issues, and I think it's time for IP to also be considered if we expect to affect positive change regarding the current IP crisis. Or maybe I'm only one of a few expecting to make changes?

'Nuff rant :) I'll take John's suggestion and contact Dickie.

Couldn't you have brought linux-on-a-CD and used that instead? :-)