Melançon Enterprises • a multidivision multinational since 1980

Sent to Jeff Brown, Executive Director, RideBuzz (non-profit), Amherst, Massachusetts, in response to an introductory e-mail that included this description:

RideBuzz.org is a non-profit community-driven ridesharing program based in the Pioneer Valley that is directly benefiting the local community and environment. RideBuzz is working to help people share rides; build a stronger community; and drastically reduce fuel consumption while stimulating local economies. This community-enriching organization is increasing access to low-cost and efficient transportation options for those in need (i.e. low-income, elderly, disabled, immigrant and non-licensure populations: students too!). This is a unique and innovative program that is supported by Co-op Power, CET, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Highland Valley Elder Services, Riverside Industries, Mayor Higgins (Northampton), ServiceNet, PV Local First, Mass Bike PV, Deans Beans, River Valley Market, Green Northampton, Author Richard Heinberg (Peak Oil expert and RideBuzz Board of Advisor), and many more.

I wrote:

Hi Jeff,

Just wanted to ask you to keep me in the loop on any of your thoughts for an open standard for allowing sites and people to share ride request data.

SpaceShare.com I know would be interested.

Others like GoLoco might be too.

Or thousands of Drupal sites like yours!

I know there'd be technical hurdles but a common pool (ideally not controlled by anyone; under the care of a trust-worthy, low-overhead nonprofit as second best) is for me a necessary goal for this movement to reach its potential.

Keep up the good work,

best,

benjamin

Agaric Design Collective
Open Source Free Software Web Development
http://agaricdesign.com/

p.s. Let me know if I can make replies a public note.