The following is a message that Peggy Schultz attempted to post from OPC smtp gateway, but the e-mail server collapsed mid message and didn't reach the York U. list-server (out-of-memory it said and went on strike). Since I'm trying to use the same server, but through web.net, I may experience the same problem. It is one of the difficulties that we have in trying to promote health with the chronically ill [technology]! - Alison <[log in to unmask]> ************ First of all - good luck, to our facilitators, Alison Stirling and Liz Rykert as they soon head to the CPHA conference in Vancouver to deliver their workshop on computer-mediated communication (CMC) in health promtoion. I found myself identifying with much of JM Pupont's discussion about virtual and real time - especially as it relates to the discussions of this list-serv. I wonder if "time" is the issue or whether the discussion topics have limited relevance to participants, since the volume of response seems to have lessened. But if we, as health promoters, are to consider our place as "knowledge workers" - to become more "intelligent and responsive" we need to be able to have meaningful conversations via computer. How do we know or, ensure, that there is listening and understanding (much of which we have to do as health promtoers - but often face-to-face etc)? How do we pay attention to what is not spoken? I think this will take practice (as does dialogue in the real world) and I still assume there is a powerful vehicle here which health promoters can take into the 21st century. I hink that is the challenge - that we must figure out how to use this technology with its potential - rather than being swept along by it. Sam Lanfranco's work helps to bring focus to this "transforming" capacity through the use of virtual space. The technology can amplify the opportunity or it can reflect the dysfunctional patterns. Health promoters will live, work and communicate in the virtual and real world. AND, then there is the question of access and equity in cyberspace... this is not assured, and I will end here. Peggy Schultz [log in to unmask]