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Date: Tue, 11 Jan 94 21:54:54 PST
From: David.Batterson@F290.N105.Z1.FIDONET.ORG(David Batterson)
Subject: File 5--Lobby the Feds via PC

                            Lobby The Feds Via PC
                             by David Batterson

     Here's another one of those programs to let "We The People" [at
least those with PCs] tell those lame-brained, no-account lazy
politicians and bureaucrats in Washington who's the boss.

     A while back Parsons Technology offered us Personal Advocate (now
sold for $29, DOS), and Symantec has Write Your Congressman! (also in
a DOS version for $29.95).  [Symantec uses a rather sexist,
politically incorrect title, doesn't it?  Well, they actually bought
the program (along with ACT!) from a Texas company.]

     A tiny company in San Rafael, CA [where this reporter used to
live] got on its soapbox, and decided to do it even better.  Or at
least they've tried to.

     Soapbox Software offers Federal SoapBox (FSB) Ver. 1.2 that
"brings you the power and know how of Washington insiders by combining
a graphic flow chart of the Federal Government, detailed listings of
policy makers, powerful search functions and easy-to-use
communications tools, allowing you to contact the right people in
Washington at the right time."  OK, so much for marketing hype.

     After testing out this software, I really don't think it has
Artificial Intelligence capability (so it knows if you contacted the
correct person in a timely fashion).  I didn't just fall off a turnip
truck.  Nor does it search very well for every person you want to
find.

     For example, I did a "Search by Person" for Dee Dee Myers.  It
found her OK, since she is the current Press Secretary.  But when I
tried to search for former PR whiz George Stephanopoulos, ol' lonesome
George could not be located (even though I knew he was in the White
House chain of command somewhere.

     So I looked under Executive Office of the President, where I
found some guy named Clinton.  I clicked on "Data," and following data
on the Big Guy, there was the "Office Staff" listed.  In that group
was listed "George Stephanopoulos, Sr. Advisor."

     Now is there any good reason why FSB's search capability can't
also locate a staff member by name?  Cheesch!  I think the only reason
must be "bad programming."

     The software does have some useful features, such as being able
to create customized mailing lists, exporting data for use in your
database program, federal documents, biographies, legislative
committee assignments, text editor, an online glossary, federal BBSs,
and so on.

     The program now has an interface to MCI Mail, but only works if
you want to send PAPER mail or a fax.  Note: you CANNOT send e-mail,
for instance, to the MCI Mail ID: WHITE HOUSE, or send Internet
e-mail.  Boo!  I hope that future versions of FSB fix this oversight.

     FSB is sold as a subscription.  The rather hefty price of $129
gets you the DOS software plus three quarterly updates; additional
years are $49.  Windows and Mac versions are on the way, the company
told me.

     Info: SoapBox Software, 10 Golden Gate Drive, San Rafael, CA
94901; 415-258-0292, FAX: 415-258-0294, 800-989-7627 (orders),
Internet:  5942208@mcimail.com, CompuServe: 71614,2373, MCI Mail:
594-2208.

                                 #

Computer reporter/reviewer David Batterson looks forward to the day
when most federal, state, county and city officials are online, so we
can zap 'em with e-mail.  [Will he live so long?]  You may contact him
via The Internet:  dbatterson@mcimail.com, or:
david.batterson@f290.n105.z1.fidonet.org.
 * Evaluation copy of Silver Xpress. Day # 50
 --- via Silver Xpress V4.00 [NR]
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