But never before have so many people been able to communicate with one another so intimately and instantaneously. That was one of the original goals of Charlotte's Web, the award-winning community computer network based at the Main Library in uptown Charlotte. Cared for and fed by an army of committed volunteers, it has grown from a lofty idea to an important communications medium in Charlotte. And the network has also been an innovator in bringing computer access to those who might not otherwise have it, placing donated computers in homeless shelters, community centers and the homes of neighborhood leaders. Today, more than 7,000 people have accounts that let them dial directly and free of charge into the Charlotte's Web network.
Thousands more collect information and participate in discussions via the Internet.
On Tuesday, Fox agreed to delay action to give the network's supporters time to draft plans to make Charlotte's Web an independent, nonprofit organization. That action came in part because of the flurry of discussion on the Internet and Charlotte's Web, mostly in opposition to the move. Notably absent from the conversation about Charlotte's Web's future have been comments from supporters of the county manager's decision. Fox and other county officials say the move is the best way to ensure the survival of Charlotte's Web, which has run out of grant money and faces an uncertain future otherwise. Meanwhile, here are some of the voices I've heard over the past week.