23/3/97
Two months ago the evictions started at the Fairmile road protest. I think we got our point across. Where does one go from here? We decided that before we go anywhere we should be more prepared so as to be totally efficient on arrival at a new site. Having spent the last month studying the options, we find baffled. It would be easy if there were one or two scandals to expose there's loads. We've decided narrow down our field and something major. If anyone knows of any big scandals exposure please let us know. Multinationals are coming in for a lot scrutiny. One of our aims is make good use of contacts in the media and provide research material for investigative journalists.
We aim to be as honest as we possibly can, reporting fact rather than hearsay.
There's been talk of cake! It seems not only the media are interested but the police have been asking questions. At this time all that can be said about cake is "it's an essential part of any campaign."
Is it normal when setting up a computer system to find yourself back at square one, wondering why you didn't just stick to pen and paper?
PP3 is trying to set up a mobile office. One of the reasons for being mobile is that issues regarding the environment take place in the countryside and are short term. As modern technology becomes more sophisticated, it should become possible to link people working on the land with the cities. There's a large and growing number of people trying to live a more holistic way of life. Most people haven't a clue about different alternatives on their doorstep. By setting the quest of taking the latest communications technology into a field you run into dilemmas; how do you power it? You could use a generator, but at what cost in pollution? You can't complain about fossil fuels and oil slicks whilst filling your jerry can at the local garage. The best solution is to get a windmill and some solar panels. If you thought setting up computer systems was awkward the complications with running stuff off Alternative Technology adds a whole new dimension.
At PP3 we have the experience, determination and will to make this project work. We have very little money and are looking for donations or sponsorship.
PP3 has moved again! At present we're running tests to see if we can power our equipment off of the elements. Results so far have been promising. We've managed to link the Psion 3 to the PC which enables us to type documents on the Psion {runs on 2 rechargeable AA batteries}, transfer it onto the PC {runs at 10A on 12v}, tidy it up, put it on to floppy disk and send it off to be put on the Internet. The process is long and drawn out, but unfortunately, it's the only way we can do it at present.
To enable us to send information direct we need to purchase a Data card {£200}, an Internet server {£10 a month}, a modem {£150} and possibly a new computer as ours is a tad outdated. We can't fund these on our present budget. If anyone can help by either making a donation or informing us of any cheaper alternatives then please give us a call. Your help would be much appreciated. Our system does work though, it is just very slow and not 100% reliable.
I'm not impressed with the so called 'professionals.' It seems very few people know enough about new computer technologies to help with setting up hybrid systems. If it doesn't plug into the mains or you want value for money, forget it! We've had a lot of help from a friend who has been linking everything up, a lot more than the computer shop who gave us a virus causing 2 weeks of nightmare hassle. One day I may write a book about computer viruses and their effect on the human psyche.
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