1994 Spinnenwerk was initiated as a mailbox for young people. Its
intention is to provide free information and improved communication for
young people and those who are committed to social work with them. The
latter group includes projects, organizations, social workers etc. The
mailbox serves as platform to exchange information, to improve the
transparency of data and facts, and to offer information on youth work to
the interested public.
The structure of the mailbox is non-centralized. Those groups or persons who
collect, manage and work with particular data are supposed to provide them,
to maintain the data, and to keep them up-to-date.
We, as the operators of the mailbox, try to help potential users by
developing the motivation to use it, by technical training and support, and
by providing space and user rights within the mailbox.
The new opportunities we offered were well received from the very beginning.
Acceptance was growing, however, the more Spinnenwerk became part of the
internet. Whereas originally the mailbox was limited to a number of listed
users it became accessible to everyone once fully connected to the internet.
.
since October 1995:
Integration of the mailbox into the USENET feature of the internet News
organized in folders of the mailbox were world-wide distributed as associated
NEWSGROUPS. Conversely global data of NEWSGROUPS became available on a local
basis.
since November 1995:
The mailbox became connected with the internet via the
electronic-mail-system. All users of the mailbox are entitled to get an own
internet address and to exchange news with all owners of an internet-email
address.
since September 1996:
In cooperation with the Alice-Salomon-College Berlin (public college for
social work and education) Spinnwerk is directly connected with the internet.
since April 1997 - interactive database.
In March 1998
we opened our small Internetcafé "netti" in Berlin-Schöneberg. More information here !
Operating of an own "web server" simplifies the accessibility of the mailbox
considerably. Providers of information as well as users have direct access
to the mailbox through the internet instead of accessing it by telephone
lines. Thus all kind of data can be distributed very fast and to a very
broad community.
Currently Spinnenwerk offers information from schools, youth clubs and
individuals. In addition the following organizations provide news in the
mailbox:
In order to keep the mailbox up-to date every user can notify the respective
administrators of a particular service on changes, modifications, errors, a.s.o.
The mailbox is integrated into the USENET-Newsgroups, which serve as a frame
for discussions. In addition it offers an up-to date service with
information and options to communicate. Issues are:
Social and youth work / family problems / youth press: discussions,
connections, publications / politics / z-netz:Forum: topics related to
military service and draft resistance / alt.punk.europe / t-netz.raver
/ rec.scouting / startrek.creative z-netz.alt.zivildienst / infos for social
educators / infos on work with news media / and many other topics.
Integration of our youth mailbox Spinnenwerk into the internet and the world
wide web provides novel options for nationwide communication so that all
news, information and data can be distributed not only in Berlin but also to
the other states of the country. Free, fast and efficient dissemination of
information helps to provide interesting, important and valuable news to
young people, promotes communication, encourages self-organization of young
people, and simulltaneous improves efficiency of youth work in and outside
Berlin.
Spinnenwerk can be contacted by
mailbox: modem-code:
030 / 217 30 102 or 030 / 217 30 103
phone: 030 / 253 99 74 or 030 / 253 99 75
fax: 030 / 253 99 77
web: http://www.spinnenwerk.de
e-mail: spinne@sozkult.de
mail: Lindenstr. 40 / 41, 10969 Berlin
We appreciate to receive questions, suggestions and ideas.
Reinhilde Godulla
