I have a .forward file that bounces a copy of all my pop mail to Netscape Webmail. I like this because I can read my mail from anywhere without re-configuring anyone's mail client. It's also cool to know that my mail won't be lost if I nuke my HD like I did last week.

Similarly, I think it would be cool if Netcenter offered a My Bookmarks feature which would store a users bookmarks on Netscapes servers. That way I can access my identical bookmarks from any Mozilla browser. I woudn't have to worry about having them deleted, or insuring consistency when switching between OS's.

The key to a good portal is content. I think Netscape understands this and is working to fix some of its shortcomings.

For instance, the personal finance channel is currently almost completely bare. That will be changing soon. Netscape and Citibank are in the process of setting up an extensive personal finance channel that will offer a broad range of services and much more content.

I also like the Contact service, and the fact that it will almost certainly be integrated with the browser. In the telecommunications field, Netcenter IS acting as the leader. The other portals do little more than offer long distance and a dial up internet connection from AT&T. Netscape Contact will soon offer a full range of communication services using one collective inbox.

I also think that Netscape has a very smart strategy in their most recent announcement--allowing businesses to customize Netcenter. Now, I would love to see that option extended to the individual eventually. If I could access not only other Netscape services through My Netscape, but also files on my own computer, etc., that would be a huge incentive to start up with My Netscape and not some other portal.

Other great Netscape services is Webmail (hugely popular), Professional Connections, the local guides (now done by Digital City) DevEdge, Open Studio, Business Journal, Small Business Source, the Business Channel, and content from C|Net. (On that note, you may not know that you can actually access C|Net through Netscape. Take a look at: http://swreviews.netscape.com http://technews.netscape.com http://shareware.netscape.com http://webbuilder.netscape.com http://games.netscape.com

If you are a frequenter of C|Net and it's various domains, you will instantly recognize these sites.

In fact, just yesterday I started really going through Netcenter and finding what all was available and I must say, Netcenter has a huge amount of content. The problem is that it is not always easy to find.

This is getting pretty long, so I'll wrap it up by saying that Netscape is on the right track with Netcenter. They have been making many right moves. The key is to continue to partner with companies and bring excellent content. The other key is to better advertise that content, which is a whole other subject that I could go off on.

Joel Caris

A little off subject, but continuing with two of Joel's thoughts, I believe:

(1) Netcenter has good content, but it is difficult to navigate. I've read at least one "talkback" response from someone that had the same difficulty locating the Communicator download. Downloading Communicator SHOULD be one of the easiest things possible if you ask me. After all, that is Netscape's main means for driving traffic to Netcenter at this time.

(2) Netscape does not do a good job of advertising and spreading hype/interest about their products. They did get press early in the year when they announced the public source code release, but they are not following through. Sure they setup mozilla.org, but that site is relatively static from a non-developer stand point. Until I lucked upon mozillazine.org, I was worried that nothing was happing with the open source code because there was hardly any press on the status of this development. Mozillazine.org has done a great job filling this role, but I think it is incumbent on Netscape to push more of this information directly. I realize that Mozilla is not Communicator, but the two are closely related and Netscape should capitalize more on this fact.

NetCenter Netcenter NetCenter-but what about us guys trying to push the browser? We're left in the cold! It's sooo hard to find out how to download Communicator from NetCenter-you have this tiny link: 'Netscape Products'. cmon make it easier to know how to download the browser!

I believe there's a download button on the top bar...

wow....

about a week ago, i put up a page of new feautures i would like to see be added to Netcenter to make it #1 by year 2000. I wasn't sure how people would take my site, but i plan to submit all my ideas to Mike Homer in a few weeks...remember to submit some ideas!

http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Arcade/6350/index.html

I have been unable to find a solution to the mozillaZine text selection problem. If anyone can help out with this, please write me.

--chris

Forget that last post. I've fixed the text selection problem.

I fully agree that there should be better advertising of the browser. While there is a download button at the top of Netcenter's home page, I believe there should be a prominent link at all times that specifically says "Download the latest version of Netscape Communicator", or something similar. I think that is definitely lacking.

There should also be stronger advertising pushes behind the browser. Netscape had huge success with Webmail and all the advertising that was put behind it--this needs to now be done for the browser. Netscape has GOT to stop the eroding marketshare.

In other news, Netcenter continues to add new content. Tomorrow, deals with Rolling Stone, Entertainment Tonight, Children's Television Workshop, Headbone Interactive, and MaMaMedia will be announced that will fill out Netcenter's Entertainment and Kids and Family Channels.

Joel Caris

So, you're saying a download button on every page? I think that's a really good idea.

Okay guys, I agree, we probably don't need a download button on every page. But, please do not forget that vast and growing multitude of people you do want to reach which don't even have to click on an download button to use IE because it is already installed. That is real world problem which Netscape must deal with, and my intent was to remind whoever was listening... end of story.