[bionet.users.addresses] Inquiry

ruggles@MCNC.ORG ("Gary A. Ruggles") (12/13/90)

Hello,

I had a general question about something I saw on the bionet.users.addresses
newsgroup recently.  It was a form of some kind, filled out with information
about an individual's address, research interests, name, etc.  What was
that for?  Is someone compiling such information?  Forgive me if the answer
should be obvious, I don't often read this particular newsgroup.


			Gary Ruggles
			Asst Professor
			North Carolina State University

HARPER@CSC.FI ("Robert Harper Finland", CSC) (12/13/90)

> It was a form of some kind, filled out with information
> about an individual's address, research interests, name, etc.  What was
> that for?  Is someone compiling such information?  
                          
   Originally when Bionauts was set up it was to be a "Who's who"
   for networking biologists, and these were the main purposes behind 
   the effort.

             1) To build up a database of network addresses to be
                kept in the archives at IRLEARN in the BIO+NAUT
                database
             2) To put "flesh" on cryptic userids.
                (who's to know who is ruggles and where is MCNC.ORG)
             3) To help establishing contacts between people 
                with common interests.
             4) To allow people to tell about themselves and their
                research interests.
             4) To share information, hints and tips on networking
                for biologists.
                                                           
   So if someone asks a question about where can they contact someone,
   I usually search the BIO+NAUT list at IRLEARN to see if there is anybody
   that fits the bill. 

   The more entries that have been submitted then the bigger the database gets
   and the easier it is to find the E-mail addresses of biologists who are
   on the network. You have to gather information before you can search it. 
   Bio+naut@irlearn or the equivilent Usenet group bionet.users.addresses
   gathers information which can be searched at a later date. 

   See BioBit No 18 for more information on how to do database searches to
   LISTSERV@IRLEARN.BITNET

   I was recently asked "What do you think would happen if we should all
   send our E-mail addresses to BIO+NAUT@IRLEARN.BITNET?" My reply is:
   We would have the most marvellous database imaginable:-)

   Rob "togetherness there is goodness in it" Harper