The Not Just Gumboots and Scones network started out with an idea to use the Internet to link isolated rural women. Anne Eliot and Kate Wilson enthused their families and friends, and involved them in a project that provides two-way discussion and debate opportunities as well as recent and relevant information. The website is now an extensive and growing resource for rural women south of the Rakaia River. It's not all plain sailing. As with any activity involving members of the community getting together, there are challenges to be confronted.
Community networks are just one part of the picture to creating local content online.
Also important are digitising library collections, schools publishing resources and creating space for students, information about hospital, transport and welfare services, and council minutes, regulations and forms. Enthusiasts are quick to point out that we should not get too hooked on the electronic world of websites and email. The heart of community networking is about people, not computers. It's about creating from within the community the information and tools required for local economic and social development.