We thank those of you who supplied these data. They have been informative and useful. We asked about computer technology, experience with computers and Internet applications, and about how and why the Web is used. The responses provide information on the adoption and diffusion of Internet applications, and will help AIC and others design improved Web sites of more use to patrons. Survey respondents are well-educated leaders holding responsible positions in all sections of California agriculture.
Most respondents work in relatively large organizations.
A small set of questions probed the computer literacy of our respondents. Popular uses of the Web are to retrieve reference material and research reports. Accessing newsgroups, information about commercial services, financial information, or finding addresses are infrequent uses. The most frequently listed causes for frustration when visiting Web sites are having to wait for a slow page to view or download, followed by broken links, and not being able to find the information one is looking for. Other causes of frustration, such a losing one's orientation on the Web or having difficulty navigating a site, are not as frequent.