In every Club WebTV issue, we will publish WebTV Networks-related stories, suggestions and comments submitted by our customers. If you have an amusing or informational story, a suggestion, or a comment that would be of general interest to all members, please send us a message at clubwebtv@webtv.net. We'll make every effort to include your submission in a future issue of Club WebTV. Please be sure to state in your message that your submission is for the Customer Corner column.

Thanks to all the club members who sent submissions for this month's column! While not all submissions may be reasonably published here, rest assured that your suggestions and requests have been duly noted. Here is a sampling of club members' comments received in response to the premier issue of Club WebTV! Editors' comments are in green.

Thanks for the Club WebTV page. I look forward to reading more in future issues. One thing I have also read is that a downside of WebTV was the lack of a personal web page space. I think you should explain to webtv owners and people in general that there are several places that will give you space for free. I just got a web page through WBS chat. It was easier than filing taxes by phone. I'm sure you're more familiar with these things and could explain the possibilities better than I. I believe it is a widely held misconception that should be corrected, that WebTV owners can't have pages.
(Many club members have published web pages using their WebTV Internet terminals. However, several of these "Hosts" that provide free space have difficulty supporting our interface when a member wants to edit their existing pages. WebTV Networks engineers and designers are working with "webmasters" at many sites that want to be visible to Club WebTV members.)

My keyboard, after heavy use for a month, started not printing letters and I'd have to press some buttons 3-4 times to get the letters to print! Also, the keyboard's response time was at a snail's pace! Finally, after tearing my hair out and uttering a few unprintables, it occurred to me that maybe if I changed to fresh batteries, it might work better. Yep, that did the trick!
(Also, remember not to place anything on top of your keyboard while it's not in use! That may wear down the batteries.)

I am 14 and have a lot of questions that I don't always want to ask people I know so I go and turn on my Sony internet terminal. It is just amazing how easy it is to find anything I am interested in. My friend has America On-line for his computer and when I go over I don't spend alot of time on his computer. I don't enjoy using his computer because most of the time I am frustrated by trying to get on but not being able to. I just can't wait to get home and experience the internet in a much easier and interesting way. I wanted to ask if only the main user or subscriber gets information like this newsletter, because my dad is the subscriber and I am the "inferior" user. I would wish to receive this newsletter at my own adress if this is possible. Also I would like to be informed when Sony comes out with printers and smart cards to be used with this terminal. I am using my dad's address to write this because he wanted me to check this out for him. THANKS. I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THIS WEB TV TERMINAL AND WITH SONY.
(Printers and SmartCards are on their way!)

...How about a notebook with All the WEB SITES that we can update according to categories!!!! Wow this is great for retirees...Why not advertise in the AARP Or such magazines??? Who else has the time to spend surfing??? My wife is complaining about all the house projects left undone...but who cares...look at all the knowledge I have acquired.....Keep up the new ideas and plans
(With over 50 million Web pages available, you'd be better off - AND more current - making good use of your Search function!)

(regarding the RBOC petition) This letter is to say I waded though the forest of governmental comments and quickly got lost. Obviously if any pressure is made against the telephone companies incessant rate requests, it will have to come from organizations like yours. Since I realize that the number of people's comments to the Government can make an impression, I think we should look to you for direction. In your monthly news letter, you can keep us posted and advise who we should contact and the position to take. Let us hope we can sustain a successful financial position on this matter.
(Done. See the Editorial column for more information. Let your voices be heard!)

I just recently purchased WEBTV about 2 weeks ago, and I must say, I LOVE IT!! Where have you guys been?!! There just isn't a thing you can't do on this, it's GREAT!!....

Have only had webtv a week but we greatly enjoy. However, a suggestion - when you are in the search mode, maybe you can add a feature that tells you how many listings are under that topic ie. you are looking at 10 of 5000, you are looking at 20 of 5000 etc. I know many computer internet searches have this feature and is helpful in letting you know how many listings you have to look through...
(The WebTV Network's search engine, Excite, was specially designed to be accessed from your Home Page. If you type "excite" after pressing the "Go to" key, you will get the same information in a slightly different format, but will also be able to see how many listings are under a particular topic.)

This just keeps getting better and better. I'm having a riot!

I am a widow who has four adult children and seven grandchildren, all live in other states from me. We have had so much fun with e-mail everyday since I bought the Web TV. Also have found so many interesting sites to visit. Still so much to learn from your page on things we need to know about using the Web TV. Keep telling us the things we need to know. This is the best thing since sliced bread, as we say in the South.

I am retired, and never cared to learn how to operate computers--left that for my staff to do. I got interested in the internet and got a demo on the Sony, got hooked and purchased the unit and the keyboard in December. I now spend 2 to 3 hours a day "LEARNING", it is fantastic. I live in two different places, 4 or 5 days in each place and always take my Sony, my computer friends unfortunately, are stuck in one location. Oh yes, I still am not interested in owning a computer.
(See, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!)

Dear All, recently we experienced a problem with our service. We were having big problems getting into the service in the evening, but not during the day. We called customer service and talked to a few of your reps. They explained that there was a problem with the telephone circuits in our area and when the problem would be repaired. Today, we have had no problems and added to that, we received a call back from one of your reps this afternoon checking to see if all was ok and if there were any problems. This is really customer service.
(We really do try hard to be here for you!)

Hi,This system is great, My roommate moved out and took his PC. This system is so much easier to use. And the tech support is phenomenal. And to turn you're system on and have info about webtv is gratifying to the webtv customer. Keep up the good work.

I use Web-TV everyday since my husband got sold on the idea. I no longer feel intimidated by getting on the Internet as I did on our computers ... since we have our home based businesses on them and I was afraid to destroy valuable disk space if I BOOBOOED. Great Idea
(And, we bet you're more comfortable on your sofa than he is at his desk.)

Just wanted to let you know this message is coming from a person who HATED TV. I have been surfing the net nightly for two weeks and am hooked! We had a 12 year old 25" TV which I wouldn't budge when the family wanted to buy a bigger one. What for? Sunday, a brand new 61" Sony projection TV was delivered so I could see the "Net" better. Keep up the good work (and put in some new songs.) When you're on this long, they tend to repeat!
(Lots and lots of new songs coming up - see The Inside Scoop)

I've been using WebTV for a month now and I love it... I'm 23, and I have Cerebral Palsy. I stay in my room 24/7 because my dad had a bad back and is unable to take me downstairs to use our computer. My parents and I talked about getting WebTV for my room so I could (surf) with my friends whenever I wanted to. Who ever invented WebTV should be given award for best invention of the decade...
(Happy customers like you are the best reward we could ask for.)

...One thing I can't do at work, that I think is real neat, is to search for a word in a site. This is a big help for a sweepstakes junkie...
(Use the Find key on your keyboard, or in your Options panel.)

All I have to say is this thing is groovy. (and that isn't an everyday word for me)

Greetings Webtv People, I am curious... is there going to be a webtv chat, or irc coming out soon? The friendly people on the helpline said it would be sometime in the new year... well, it's here! :) I also would like to suggest a nifty "sent mail" file. I think it would nice to be able to store all the mail I send, and delete the pointless ones, and save the important ones...
(Ask and ye shall receive: Sent Mail in March; IRC Chat in late spring! )

on the radio a computer guru called the webtv box an "Edsel" - how snooty! I am a sr cit / many faraway friends wanted me to be able to e-mail, even offered to buy me a computer! i experienced my grandson's computer : too complex / but i would like to get into the 90's before they aren't anymore. i stumbled into the webtv box by chance while looking for the right paper for my colour copier / i do have a high tech toy or two /and gave it to me for xmas I LOVE IT (yes, a shout) i love e-mail most of all and seeing what is available to read although I still would rather get in bed with a book, i do love books, and browse my newspaper at my favorite cafe. the club web is terrific / thank you i'm a newbie now but not for long LOL [ ] and xxx (old fashioned kisses) kick glide smile

HELLO I GOT MY WEB FOR X-MAS,EVER SCINCE I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.I DONT UNDERSTAND COMPUTERS THAT MUCH,BUT THIS UNIT IS TERRIFIC.MY MOM AND DAD DIDNT WANT TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON ONE OF THOSE OTHER COMPUTERS.I LOVE TO BUY CD'S OVER THE NET NOW . I DONT EVEN GO TO THE MALL.I DO GET OUT ONCE IN A WHILE..BUT THIS IS TO FUN... THANKS MIKE... :-)
(There are On-Line MALLS, too.)

I noticed that at least one of the pieces playing in the "background music" is taken from the Midi collection at "prs.net": Mozart's Piano Concerto No.20................ Will it ever be possible for me to pick my own choices for background music? I was tickled pink to find that particular piece on the menu and would like to add Mozart's Rondo Alla Turca and maybe Tarrega's "Valse" also. And maybe fifteen others!! Make it a longer program, too, so that repetition didn't become , um , .............repetitious! KnowhatImean??? I think WebTV is the best thing since the printing press!
(We hear you loud and clear. We hope that you'll enjoy our new music selections.)

With your help, after years of trying, I have finally managed to drag my mother into the world of technology. She loves it!!! She now spends more time surfing the net than I do. WebTV is a fantastic idea. I love the fact that it's so simple to use (not to mention how much fun it is!). We can't wait to see how far this thing is going to go. It should be fascinating to watch it develop! Thanks! P.S. - Club WebTV is just another example of why we're so pleased with you!
(Aw, shucks...)

I print out pages and info while "webtving" by e-mailing the page to myself at work and printing it out there. Very convenient.
(You may also video tape your Web sessions if you have a VCR.)

I've had my unit for for a couple of weeks but I was having a problem. _It was shutting itself off constantly. So I called Magnavox and they couldn't have been more helpful. They're sending a new unit tomorrow and I return the old one in the new box. So no downtime and no charge, I am really happy with that kind of service. thank you very much.
(We each - WebTV Networks, Sony and Philips/Magnavox - stand behind our product.)

I just wanted to let you all know, now that I have WebTV I will never be bored again!! I purchased the Magnavox terminal in December, after going to one of those coffee shops where you can surf the net! I was hooked and the next day went to the mall and got WebTV!! I have met some great people over the net! Thanks again!!
(Of course, now you'll have to make your OWN coffee.)

It would be very nice to have a way to reorganize your favorites easily, without the time and hassle of doing it the obvious way. The function keys are very nice, but my favorites were stored in the order that I discovered them and not in the order of my most frequent use. Please include this idea and your response in "Customer Corner", or respond to me personally. Thanks
(This feature is coming soon, but it won't be released until it's ready. Be patient, and we think you'll be pleased.)

...The most important Change you could ever place in webtv would be spelling correct as they have in computers.
(Wee coudn't agrie withh yu moore, but cann onlie du so mutch at onse.)

...an on-line clock would be helpful, showing the time of day, as well as how long you've been logged on.
(A timely idea. What say you, members?)

i love my (Club) webtv (newsletter) but would it be possible to use a color background on your graphics to make for easier reading ,thanks
(Done! We've silvered the background to help make Club WebTV even easier to read.)

We at the...Retirement Center are involved in a research study by USC on seniors and the internet. Do you think you might do a Seniors Corner that might address some of the needs and questions seniors might have, pertaining to the Web? We are a 130-bed facility and many of us are interested in the new world computers have opened up for us.
(Yes, we might. The Club WebTV Newsletter editors, and ALL of us in Customer Care, strive to consider the "needs and questions" of every age group.)

is there gonna be another upgrade soon that will allow us to send group e-mails like we could before?... where we could choose all the names we wanted instead of one name at a time.. (Yup.) thank you, (You're welcome!)