Comm Daily

Callers to SFNet have the option to use live chat service or to use message center and bulletin boards. They aren't required to use their own names or locations, so electronic pen names, some printable, are used. One customer on a recent evening was blind person who has speech synthesizer with an Australian accent as well as a Braille keyboard. Chat commands allow customers to talk with all participants on the system, so that everyone can read discussions, find out who's on-line or use any of 40 private channels on CB simulator. Bulletin board has 14 categories, including gen- eral category, current events, politics, movies, books and poetry, cars, music, environment and "the love connection." Last is one reason that the introductory message, which calls SFNet "the first true public message forum," also warns that the system is only a conduit and that operators "accept no responsibility for the actions or statements" of users. 

. 

'Cafe Society' On-Line 

NEW ON-LINE SERVICE STARTS IN SAN FRANCISCO RESTAURANTS 

Customers at 5 coffee houses around San Francisco have new way to pass time besides discussing music or phi- losophy -- using computers built into table to "talk" with friends who are in other coffee houses linked by new ser- vice, SFNet, which started operations at end of July. 

SFNet's goal is to expand electronic bulletin boards into clientele that doesn't usually use them, said service's owner, Wayne Gregori, entrepreneur who also runs E-mail business for ordering Compact Discs. Majority of peo- ple who use computers are white collar, with similar attitudes, Gregori said. He's trying to broaden base while tap- ping into developing phenomenon of coffee bars, places with rapidly building clientele that patrons consider as 2nd home to stop by, talk or play chess. Gregori said his goal is to expand into dozens more of San Francisco coffee houses, then think about linking similar establishments in other cities. 

Gregori said he got the idea 8 months ago and started to design and build specially constructed tables that have com- puters built into them. Computer monitor is under glass at one side of table; keyboard, covered with neoprene to protect it from spills, can be pulled out from under. Gregori said he had difficulty persuading coffee bar owners to let him install tables, but one of saving graces was table itself. He describes it as "a stylish piece of furniture" to which people will gravitate "because it doesn't look like a geeky computer." According to Gregori's philosophy: "Every videotex company is hoping to move computers to a $200 pricing point. We just put them [computers] where people can use them. We show what computers do best, they communicate." 

First installations were completed 3 weeks ago in 5 San Francisco locations, and Gregori said he expects to put 2 more into similar establishments in Berkeley near U. of Cal. He hasn't done any advertising, but says service is re- ceiving about 400 calls daily 6 a.m.-midnight. In 4 of first 5 establishments, system has become integral part of envi- ronment, with customers becoming very protective of electronics, he said. Even if keyboard needs to be replaced, that costs only $22, Gregori said. Because all calls are local, communications costs are low. 

Key factor in success of network is owner of coffee house. If owner is enthusiastic, Gregori said, that trickles down to employes and is communicated to customers. Frank Swais, owner of Horseshoe Coffee House on Haight St., said computer table is catching on with his customers: "People are using it all the time." Most business comes in evenings, as customers chat with friends in other cafes. Cafe owners are integral part of Gregori's business plan. Those wanting to sign onto network from coffee houses purchase tickets in cafe, with $1 ticket good for 20 min. of use. Of that dollar, 40¢ goes to cafe owner. User signs on with ticket number, which is checked for validity. Differ- 

: