Drawing on field data gathered from 1994 to 1996, this article considers tensions in the
development of community networks and highlights the decisions that shape particular
types of networks. Four key decision points include interface choice, content, interaction,
and outreach. Discourse about decision making is often dichotomized around civic and
consumer social currents. Civic currents demand text-only interfaces, exclusively non-
profit content, full electronic interaction capabilities for everyone, and deep outreach
efforts. In contrast, consumer currents push graphical interfaces, the inclusion of
profit-making content, limited interaction options, and meso to shallow outreach. While
considering the influences of these currents, the article problematizes the dichotomy and
considers more specific social influences on decision making. It also suggests specific
network decisions that may contribute to greater communications equity.
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