The technology was very new to most who visited the booth. There was quite a bit of enthusiasm and talk about how much it would benefit the fair industry if we were somehow able to use this technology to continue the type of idea-and-information-exchange that took place at our fair industry conventions, but on a year-round basis.

So, with this in mind, and thanks to the assistance of several people in the fair industry, I developed a Bulletin Board Service (BBS) called "The Fair InfoNet." It went on-line on January 12, 1996, as a direct dial-up service. Soon a dozen or so callers were leaving messages, "chatting" (via keyboard) with each other, and sending and receiving files.

But then came the Internet, or should I say the promotion of the Internet, and its World Wide Web. Though there are definite advantages to a BBS, they're overshadowed by the incredible reach and platform flexibility offered by web browsing software.

I soon found myself designing web sites for WFA, several fairs, and fair-related businesses and organizations. The BBS found itself on the back burner.

But now, at the urging of several fair industry officials, and based partly on responses to an e-mail survey conducted in mid-November, "The Fair InfoNet" is being reincarnated as a web site and "listserver."

The listserver will act as an ongoing conduit for the exchange of ideas and information. If it proves popular enough, it can be split into different categories, allowing users to focus on their particular area of expertise.

The web site itself will serve as a depository of information, facts, resources, and up-to-the-minute information on job opportunities and resources for fair industry professionals.

During the next several months, I hope to further develop this site as a resource for the fair industry. At the same time, I hope to attract a few sponsors to assist me in making this a first class resource.

Please bear with me as this effort goes forward.

The theme of the BBS is also the theme of this web site: "The Future Of The Fair Industry Is... InfoNet!

Any comments or questions on ways this site can help us all approach our potential are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!