[1]                   Introduction

This year, 2003, is the 10th anniversary of Michael Hauben's
posting of his research paper "The Net and the Netizen". Also, on
May 1, 2003 Michael would have been 30 years old. With the
continued growth and spread of the Internet and of the concept of
the Netizen, it seems appropriate to look back and to reflect on
the impact that not only the Internet has had, but also, and
perhaps as importantly, that the emergence and consciousness of
the Netizen has had on our society.

This issue of the Amateur Computerist is a beginning of that
project. In exploring online, it soon becomes evident that the
concept of the Netizen has inspired many to actively work to make
the online world a better place. There's been at least one art
exhibit, an exhibit in Rome, inspired by Netizens, and many other
developments.

The literature of the art exhibit explains how the word was
chosen to support contributions to the Net.

Also an act was introduced into the U.S. Congress, called the
"Netizens Protection Act" to deal with online spamming. There are
many other uses, but another that is notable is an article about
those in China or who can post on Chinese online sites, who are
taking up the challenge of netizenship.

Michael would welcome these efforts just as, in 1992-1993 he
welcomed those who wrote him describing their efforts to
contribute to the growth and spread of the Internet as a public
communications medium. In honor of Michael's life and work toward
the development of the Internet, and of the better world that the
Internet can make possible, we have put together this issue of
the Amateur Computerist. We know that Michael would be honored
that others continue his efforts.

The netizens and the continuing development and application of
the concept of the netizen that we document in these pages, is
indeed something to celebrate.

Thank you dear Michael and thanks to all those who have taken up
the torch to carry it on.

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Reprinted from the Amateur Computerist Vol 11 No 2, May 1, 2003. 
The whole issue or a subscription is available for free via email. 
Send a request to jrh@ais.org  or see  http://www.ais.org/~jrh/acn/
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