The San Francisco Examiner from San Francisco, California • 56

D-6 Sunday, October 12. 1997 SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER A Kclian ol ihe Fuukiko Sunday Eumiiwf tnd Cluomclt It took the Internet just five years to match the 30-year growth curve of cable television. And now the Internet is beginning to surpass the older medium in many ways because the Internet has richer capabilities than television. It pulses with the interactive energy of thousands of vibrant, growing communities. Community is an essential demand of the new Internet audience.

It's the "social" in social entertainment. As Business Week said recently, "The new class of Netizen wants to feel he's visiting the cyberspace equivalent of the bar on TV's Cheers." Yet, if community alone satisfied the new residents of cyberspace, they'd be happy with, say, Sausalito's WELL, which creates brilliant text-based communities. The key to pleasing our demanding new Internet customers and keeping them tuned in is to blend "social" and "entertainment" to create an "I want to do it again" experience that feels as good as off-line fun, but could only happen on-line. Now is the crucial moment for the Internet industry to step up and, as television sadly failed to do, deliver on its technology's best promise. It's time for our industry to recognize the needs of the new mass audience by finding ways to enhance our customers' leisure time in new ways that entertain, inform and gather us all closer aged by the success we've had.

"This is definitely a commitment by Microsoft. We see an interesting long term opportunity," Troberman continued. 'The Microsoft passion for product development, for refining and perfecting, really comes into play here." There's plenty of incentive for Microsoft to keep repaving in its efforts to get Sidewalk right: Troberman said the market for ads for newspapers and other local media outlets in the U.S. totals $77 billion. "There's definitely some overlap there' between the revenue goals of newspapers and Sidewalk," Troberman said.

"There's definitely a sense of newspapers paying attention." Whetting Microsoft's appetite for on-line advertising is the growing list of challenges confronting the Redmond, Wash, firm's software business. Some analysts think those problems may eventually transform Microsoft into a media company. With the growth of software sales expected to slow, Microsoft will be forced to look afield for more revenue. In addition, a powerful coalition of challengers IBM, Sun Microsystems, Oracle and Netscape Communications is arrayed against Microsoft in their promotion of Java, a programming language that would lessen a computer user's dependence on Microsoft software. Last week Sun, which controls See SIDEWALK, D-7) VIEWPOINT from D-S Leisure time on the Internet friendly hosts.

They share a laugh with their family and friends, maybe make new friends. When it's over, customers leave feeling they've been a part of something special. This rich off-line experience and its warm aftermath are exactly what today's new Internet audience is demanding online. But, so far, supply hasn't caught up with or even understood that demand Our industry is still serving the needs of the small band of Internet pioneers who came online years ago for surfing or hardcore gaming. Hardcore gamers love complex rules and bloodshed.

Maybe that's why there aren't more of them. Hardcore gaming is just a niche in the massive new on-line market. Of the more than 20 million people now online, only a small fraction are hardcore gamers. A large proportion of the remaining vast majority tells us it prefers interactive, community-building social entertainment where the rules are simple and the object is to make friends hosted, easy-to-play games; contests and tournaments wrapped up with chat and live events. It's no secret that the advent of premium pricing on AOL has not been universally cheered.

It's my honest belief that people will ulti SIDEWALK from D-S Sidewalk scares newspapers Jon Maples, managing editor of the San Francisco Bay Guardian. "I frankly don't see attitude. I don't see lifestyle. "They tend to have a faux friendliness to them. It's a database driven system of lists," said Dan Pulcrano, CEO of Metro Newspapers, a chain of 10 Bay Area newspapers.

Pulcrano pays more attention to Sidewalk than most publishers. Earlier this year, he was trying to find backers to bolster his Boulevards city guide venture when Microsoft announced plans for Sidewalk. "At that point the venture capitalists I was talking with said, 'Microsoft's in, the game's Pulcrano recalled. "Unfortunately, Microsoft's entry into the marketplace has a chilling effect on competition." It's that shadow, cast by an $11 billion per year company, as well as its well-documented persistence, that worries competitors. "Microsoft has really deep pockets and they have a track record of not giving up if they don't get it right the first time," said Leah Gentry, editorial director of new media at the Los Angeles Times.

She pointed out that both the Windows operating system and the Explorer browser had laughable beginnings before undergoing repeated refinements into formida- bility. Hoping to preempt an expected, though as yet unannounced arrival of Sidewalk in Los Angeles, the Times is preparing to launch its own city guide. Newspaper rivals have gleefully noted Sidewalk's troubles retaining key employees. Editor Publisher magazine, a leading trade publication, published a September account of turmoil within the team assembled to produce New York Sidewalk. The original leaders of the San Francisco Sidewalk effort, Peter Hirschfeld and Lynn Forbes, left earlier this year and the launch of the local service was delayed several months.

Gayle Troberman, Redmond, consumer marketing manager for Sidewalk, downplayed the departures as normal for a large, multicity undertaking. "We've had surprisingly little turnover," she said. Nor is Troberman deterred by criticism that the Sidewalk formula is overly bland. "We do an incredible amount of testing with consumers who tell us 'I want it straight and I want an easy way to get the information I We have designed the product to deliver on that." Troberman is upbeat about Sidewalk's early performance in its five initial locations, but offered few specifics. She declined to specify site traffic or revenue, Baying only that for all the sites unveiled so far "we have over 5,000 local advertisers.

We're totally encour mately see premium value in entertainment that works for them. That development is as inevitable on-line as it was in television, where the public eventually perceived premium value in cable television even though broadcast TV is available free over the air. There are interesting parallels in the cable and Internet content industries. Both have grown through three phases: what I'd call plumbing, power distribution and mass market branding. The "plumbing" phase involved building the technical infrastructure to get the signal to customers.

In the "power distribution" phase, big players gathered large chunks of the audience. In cable, it was TCI, Cox and Viacom, among others. On the Internet, it's AOL, Microsoft Network and WorldNet, to name a few. The Internet is now mature enough to have reached the "mass market branding" phase that cable experienced more than a decade ago. This phase is marked by the creation of 'branded' channels launched by one cable operator or Internet service provider (ISP) and designed to run on many "competing" cable systems or ISPs.

Examples on cable include MTV, ESPN, Nickelodeon, QVC and CNN. On the Internet, we've seen the emergence of, among others, CNet, SDortsZone, MSNBC.com, Thrive ana WorldPlay Entertainment, all of which were developed by one ISP and soon will bo appearing on many. ti i i I I 1 Northern California'' Auctiorisf-; Buying Selling Auctions often offer unusual items that are not commonly Auctions determine what the fair market value is for an item or found elsewhere-artwork by certain artists, unusual furniture, items. No one can predict this with certainty ahead of time. On any estate jewelry, collectibles, and specialized machinery.

Few given day, two or more buyers may decide they are willing to pay signifi- retail stores offer the variety of an estate auction. cantly more than an even an experienced aporaiser may have expected. 1 1 Ik rPBjJffr--J4ffrT Brothers 'ADVISORS 'APPRAISERS Founded 1937 was time to exit and return to their roots. Today, the Dove Brothers; Auctioneers, Advisors and Appraisers. We will continue to service Corporate America and the U.S.

Government with Public Auctions, Sealed Bids, Private Treaties and on going liquidations. Call ustodayatl800.343.DOVE. Dove Brothers Six decades strong Still the Best. Dove AUCTIONEERS In 1937, Auctioneer Harry Ross picked up A gavel and sold his first machine tool. Joined in 1951 by his son-in-law Millard Dove, Ross-Dove Company was formed to service the U.S.

Government and Corporate America. In the early 1980 Millard's sons Ross and Kirk joined the firm and introduced auctions to Fortune 500 companies. As the need for real estate services expanded, the Koll-Companies merged with Ross-Dove Co. to form Koll-Dove Global. With Roll's recent acquisition by CB Commercial, the Dove's decided it SAT.

OCT. 25 -Palo Alto Over 1000 items tO be Sold! (Warranties Brand names) Computet Systems: Pentiums Pentium Pro, MMX, 266, 233, 200, 166, 133, more plus 486't 8c laptops. Monitors: 14" Peripherals: Scannere, printers, PortMaster 1RX Router, mice, trackballs, software Hundreds of video cards, sound cards, mother boards, also many AS-1S Location: Rickey's Hyatt Hotel, 4219 El Camino Real, Palo Alto-Camino Bldg, Times: Oct. 25 at 8:30 a.m. Sale starts 10 a.m.

View Sat. a.m. Fri. 10 to 6. Terms: 10 buyers premium MC, Visa, cashiers checks, cash 8c company checks wbank letteni of credit, AUCTIONEERS 408-866-1300 or fax 866-1304 with questions.

Bond 7238211 5 rK Buy at far below retail! Gallery. Sunday Oct. 19, 10am Intermediate Saturday Oct. 18, 1 lam Previews- Friday l-5pm Saturday and Sunday 9am Auctions are free and open to the public Highlights: Antique newer European, American Oriental furniture Fine paintings, woodblocks, engravings prints Persian other Oriental rugs Crystal, china, porcelain, sterling silver coffee sets Fine wines, 1976 Jaguar Lead Soldiers 'Over 2,000 lots! Special auction- Seized Jewelry sold by the U.S. General Services Administration and estate pieces Oil on canots by Alfred De Breanskt Mastercard Visa Buyer premium added To consign property, for further information or a color brochure call HARVEY CLARS ESTATE AUCTION GALLERY 5644 Telegraph Av.

Oakland, CA 94609 (510)428 0100 (888)339-7600 www.harveyclar.com fmmismmmi-. REGISTRATION 8:00 AM Weanesaay 1. 1 a I AUCTION 1 0:00 AM mm Over 20,000 new pairs of Nike, Reebofc, Fila. Adidas, New Balance, Airwalk, K-Swiss, Converse, Etc. Over 25,000 pairs of Brand Name store returns Electronics: Big Screen TVs, 31' 27" 21 19" portable TVs, Computers, Printers, Walkmans Radios Antiques: 150 pieces of Antique Furniture Glassware, Ornaments, Dining Sets, Chests of Drawers 300 Oil Paintings; A Lester Square Grand Piano A Brond Bock Piano Tools, Hardgoods, Typical Items: Easels, etaaeresornarnent shelves, atmoires.

tables and chairs, sentry compact safes, ironing boards, corner units, 4-drawer cftests. nigm stands, answering machines, cassette players file caoinets, paint, walipapei and borders, bookshelves. TV stands, cedar chests, picnic taoles planters clay pots, brass coHee tables and end tables, typewriters, computer stands, security files, cookware, rattan and wicker shelves, FM antennas, camping equipment, umbrellas, figurines, bath scales, quirt racks, quilts, dishes, clothing, sewing chests, sewing machines, clocks. TV trays, baby items including: bedratls, gates, strollers, car seats, walkers, diapers, crib sheets, baskets, bath tissue, bedspreads, comtorters. drapes, curtain rods, picture frames, vertical and mini-b'mds.

rugs bed sheets feather pillows smat' appliances 22 pallets ot Household cleaning products: pocket books etc. THOMAS HAYWARD AUCTIONEERS 431 98 Christy Street Fremont, CA 610-770-1234 e-mall: thaywarderichochet.net Thomas Hayward, Auctioneer Bond 15185 5 Buyers Premium 2S Down Day ot Auction Balance 24 Hrs. $200 Refundable Deposit Features glass plastic ketchup lines including Elmar fillers, US Bottlers vacuum fillers, Krones Solomatic labeler, Seco Hartness drop case packers, Von Gal case pallet-izer; Angelus 40P 69P seamers, Solbern PTF-DP fillers; (5) FMC "sterilmatic" cookercoolers; pouch line includes WA lane 32oz 3-head form, fill seal pouch filler; bag-in-box lines. Also includes tomato prep equipment, (11) Brown finishers pulpers, Rossi-Catelli steam peelers, complete stainless tomato dump receiving area, stainless steel fiberglass tanks 50 to 30,000 gallon, boiler room, electrical switchgear, machine shop, edible oil refinery, and much, much morel Auction by video and catalog Oct 22 23 at 9:30 am, Holiday Inn, 222 Houston Ave, Fullerton. Inspection Tues, Oct 21 from 9 to 4, 1900 Raymer, Fullerton, CA Rabin Brothers BEST BID PLUS Give your print ad a whole new dimension with CityLine's fax-on-demand program.

Invite readers to receive a faxed copy ofyour one or two-page promotional piece by simply adding a code number to your ad. For a demonstration of how fax-on-demand can work for you, call CityLine (415-510-408) 808-5000, and when prompted, enter category 1360. ADVERTISERS! To place your ad in BEST BID, all Dennis Flottman at 415-536-5161. Ask how you can be a part of our new "Featured Auctioneer" column. Plumbing Equipment Parts Raw Materials A I OH) October 15, 11a.m.

Over 300 Lots including 3 Ford F150 trucks, 96 Ford truck has 26,000 miles and is under warranty. Power tools include right angle drills, large high power arc welder, chop saws, portable generators, tons raw materials, lots of Bosch items, RIGID ITEMS, XEROX Copy Machine only one year old and under Warranty. Ottice items include Small Conference Table with 4 chairs. Oell computer, laser FAX, DESKS. CHAIRS.

FILE CABINETS. PHONES, WALKIE TALKIE, BLUE PRINT MACHINE, DRAFTING TYPE TABLE Plus HEAVY metal warehouse shelving, benches, vises, large wrench sets. Many parts are new with extensive bolt dept. THIS AUCTION IS AN ABSOLUTE SALE with NO LIMIT NO Auction Site is 937 Bransten San Carta 10 Per Cent buyers premium will apply RABIN AUCTIONEERS and APPRAISERS L. Rabin, AUCTIONEER fl to III 15 3656 Enterprise Hayward, CA From Oakland 880 to 92 off al Clawlter, to Stop.

to site. Fine Art Auctioneers Appraisers since 1865 1112 ELKO DRIVE SUNNYVALE, CA SAN FRANCISCO ESTATE AUCTION Previews: Oct (9-5 watauury, 9-u cflny) Oct 13 (9-I Wat GtUny ml,) Main Gallery: no San Bruno Avenue Wat Gallery: 164 Utah Street Auction: Todav, Oct. 12 at 10 am Auction: Oct. 13 6t 14 at to am Featuring: American 8c European furniture, decorative arts, paintings, prints, travel exploration boob, Asian works of art, wine rugs and much more. 2ND STREET ATHLETIC CLUB 2ND AT SAN CARLOS, DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE, CA lniirX YWCA WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 15, 11 A M.

PREVIEW: Morning of Sale 8 A.M. to 1 1 A.M. H.HHi'IIJ'iH.'ir 1 Unlsen Startrac Treadmills, Stairmaster Tectrix Steppers, Lifecycle Aerobicycles Rowers, High Tech Hydra Fitness Circuit Weight Training Equipment Plus Rubber Dumbbell Sets, Benches, Barbells, Weight PlatesTrees, Scale, TVStereo, Fax, Computer More. AUCTIONEERS APWAI5ERSCQ jQj i Info: S(a-ypo txt jtyrjojoHpt OBOS5 AUTO PARTS 31312 FREMONT FREMONT, CA THURSDAY OCTOBER 23. 1 1 A.M.

PREVIEW: Morning of Sale 8 A.M. to 1 1 AM. Complete Inventory of Auto Parts Store Ind. Batteries, Disc Brake Pads, Clutches, Alternators, Starters, WaterFuel Pumps, Sparkplugs, Belts, Hoses Plus Bench Tester, Display Racks, Shelving, Phone System, Triad Computer System, Office Furn. 6 Equlpt fr INDUSTRIAL AUCTION CALENDAR 3442ADEUNE STREET WESTERN SCENIC STUDIOS OAKLAND, CA THEATRICAL CONVENTION SET DESIGNERS (325) Backdmps (covering themes such as Hollywood.

Halloween, XMas, Space raanv nuirelVHundreils of Assorted Color DrapesHundreds of Prop's jk FlatsElectrical SvstemForiiliftsfrucksrrailcrsMfg EgComputer EqAtfc Furn A Fx" I NADI MANUFACTURINGSYOPTEK CORP. 606 CHARCOT SAN JOSE, CA WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29. 10 A.M. PREVIEW: TUESDAY OCTOBER 28, 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.

Machine Tools: Vertical Mills, Lathe, Bandsaws, Grinders, Drill Presses, Inspection Tools Facility Equipment' Compressors, Forklift Hydraulic Lifts Electronic Equipment: Optical Comparator, Oscilloscope PCs Office Equipment Much Morel TERMS: ChiH, Chri Chert or Bar umw 0mrnm Clwk SI00 WunmMt Rt9ntniHm DtpoiitlO 8uytr hemum.l FRI OCT By Secured Creditor SHORT SALE ASSET RELIANCE, INC. AUCTIONEERS (707) 429-S12S 240IA Waterman 4-106, Fairfield, CA 94533 FAX (707) 429 5124 A. STEELE, AUCTIONEER CA Bond email: BSsetrellance9Jprodlgy.net Landmark Vub Closes-1 Ht PUB at 5-Masonic Ave, S.F. st Geary)-on 14 at llam-Inspectinn Sale Day from 9am-Coin Op Pool Tbl, Tiffany Lites, Antique Brie Brae, 8' SS Work Tbls, China, Microwaves, Globe Slicer, kemakers, WolfsMontauq Grills, Broilers, Ovens, 110 Chairs, 20 Markletop Pub Tbls, Antique Gilded Mirror, La Pavoni Dbl Espresso Mchn, Glassware, Bakers Racks, Bar Stools, Mahogany 24' Bar back Bar, Stain GlassShadowhox, ke Cream Fnr, UC Glass Washer, Neons, Antq Wood Dining This, 30 DiniiiR This, Univex Shredder, More Baker-Restaurant Equipment from Bon Croissant Cafe Bakery moved to 1060 Oak Woodland WED. OCT 15 at 1 lam- Inspect sale day from 9am-Lincoln lmpringer Ovn, Lots of China, Dining This, CandySoda Machines, Toledo Scale, Bentwd Chrs, 20 Lounge Chrs, Smallwares, Coffee MakersPots, Food Processor, HB blenders, Cheese Grater, Conveyor Toaster, Combo Walk Ins, Bev Air Keg Box, Groen Tilt Kettle, MontaqtieLangBakers Pride Pizza Ovens, Microwave, UC Refrig, Hohart Convec Ovn, JordonRaetoncTraulsenBev Air Refrigs, Dip Cabinet, Bread Sheers, Doughsheeters, UC Dishwshr, Manitowoc kemakers, Auto Slicers, Donut glazers, GaggiaTMRLa Pavonic Espresso Machns, Donut Fryer, Hobart 3060qt Mixers, GE WasherGE Drvers Csh Registers, SS Sinks, Proof Box MUCH MORE Medical EquipmentOfc furniture of Cypress Medical Practice-moved to 479 Auzerais, San Jose, Thurs.

Oct. 16 at 11am Inspect Sale day from 9am-Stree Test Systems DefrihllatorMontor, Mixmark Exam Tbls, Ultrasound Systm Doppler MonitorRecorder, Centrifuge, Pentax Fiberscope, Otoscopes, Lamps, Stools, Hamilton Pedi Exam Tbls, Uni Meter Ray, Gurneys, Ritter Procedure Tbl, AutoClave, Dictation Systm, Versa Med Ofc Svst Computer, Endoscope, Med. Record Cabinets, BurdickllP Ekgs, 386 PC, Printers, Ofc Chrs, Side Chrs, Files, Fax, Copier, Confer Tbl, Oak Exec DsbCrcdenras, Solow Environmtl Freezers, Call for brochure Secured Creditors Order-BOLTS, FABRICS CRAFTS-845 11th Willow Tree Plaia, Lakeport-Friday-Oct. 17 at llam-lnspect Sale day from 9am-Store Fixtures-Sewing machines, Cutting Tbles, Glss Showcases, 100 Patterns, Thread-Zipper, Notion, Bias Tape, Lace, Displays Inventory, Supplies, Csh Register, Theft Mirror, Folding Tbts, 1 3 Chrs, Dress Form, More Surplus Equipment-Store Fixtures, Restaurant-Mechanical Equipment to the Needs of Great Mall of the BAY AREA- on the premises of North Warehouse of the Great Mall, Great Mall Drive No. Milpitas WED OCT.

22-97 at llam-lnspect sale day from 9am-60 Glass Showcases, 15 Ton 1 Beam Crane, 25 Ton Air Condition Units, Lockers, Fiberglass 1 Beams, Alum StockRails, Welded Steel, Frames, Flourescent Fixtures, 25 Cassett Display Fixtures, 60 CD Display Fixtures, Metro Shelves, 76 Dining Tibs, PotsPansSmallwaresSheet Pans, PCS Cash Regstr Systm, 220 Italian Style Chrs, Slot Wall Fixtures, 10' Fiberglass Statues, Planters, Carved Wd Chinese Archway, Pitco Triple Fryer, Broiler, Mirrors, Trac Lites, Much mure LEASE EXPIRES (Redwood City Only) 300 SEAT RESTAURANT BAR Cooking Support Equip. Seating VideoAudio Equip. A Large Oty. Smallwares BLVD. REDWOOD CITY, CA LATE CNC MACHINE SHOP '81 Mori-Seiki SMA.

C.NCTurning CenterA'ictor 'Vcemer-4' CNC VMC96 Milltronics 'Partner VM 16. CNC VMCA89 Supermai JhpVMMAcra VMMBridseport 1.5hp VMMSharp U-X4" Cap Bed lathesFeeler Chwkert hevalirr 6 18" Surface GrinderRamc-P Flits 9 HBVToolingSuppofl Eg TI ES M. 4 McC.LlNCEY LANE U.K. MACHINING SHEETMETAL, INC. CAMPBELL, CA $500,000.00 VALUE ULTRA MODERN CNC MS SHEETMETAL SHOP Haas Kitamura CNC VMf IsBridgeport MillsHardinge ChuckersLeBlond LaihcDiAcro CNC TtirretStrippit FahrkaiorWysotig ShearDiAcro Press BrakcsTimcsavers GrainerMiiuloyo CMMlnspection EqToolm(jAir ConiprcssntVForkliftFxecuwT Office FiimtttireMetalsoft CADCAM Software Computers WED (X 1 :OOA.M.

23850 CLAWlTER STREET, I 'NIT 3 CALTOOL MANUFACTURING HAYWARD, CA STAMPING TOOL AND DIE SHOP Punch PressesSurface GrinderVMillslatnesIiispft'tinn Equip A Much More! THl RV.OCT M. 7730 UNIT 4 ENTERPRISE DRIVE UNITED PRECISION NEWARK, CA MACHINE SHOP UthesMillsSauVPressestien MadiineryWelding F.tFirkliftSupport Eq CALL FOR FREE BROCHURES A Hi BilOWS DIRECT IONS: Hwy. 101 to WoodsideSeaporl MOVED FOR CONVENIENCE OF SALE Taco Bell Other Consignors COMPLETE Refrigeration anil 451 SEAPORT MONDAY, 184 OCTOBER 13TH 11:00 AM Exit, Go East 1 mile to Seaport Lett to Auction $400,000 EVALUATION OF NEW LIKE NEW EQUIPMENT Seating Smallwares Antiques KOCPER STREET SAN FRANCISCO MONDAY, OCTOBER 20TH 11:00 AM OVtR 275 EXPENSIVE W00O CHAIRS BAR STOOLS 60 SOLID WOOD TABLES PLANTATION WOOD'BRASS ANTIQUE FAN SYS V0T0R 4 BELTS ORNATE LEADED MILK GLASS CEILING LIGHTS FROM HUV0K AST SARFt 5 IfHMmroSWCASHRfGiSTFRS PRINTERS COMPUTERS HONTASUf MO 5 RANGES CONVECTION (Wf NS Nf 1 1 IKF Nf REFRiGtRATiON'30 CURVED GLASS DELISS H08ART 60 0T. MIXERS LARGE QM. WlUt RIM WHITE CHINA WKWf S'lWs IWi WCHMOflf APYNIZMICYIrt Ml W.S.vP-wi(m lx 1 mmmmf -vmr dsn A-ecfffl AUCTIONEERS APPRAISERS Pmtews 3AM Momng at BoM Snei ASHMAN COMHANY AlKTIONKERS AND APPRAISERS, INC.

INDl'STIilAL COMMERCIAL AUCTIONEERS HI Oaklra 200. imit Cwt, CA (SIO) 258-8111 pax (S10) 256-8436 bauOwro CaUromt 4714) 754.707 vmn naanniiniiivMiMnauiuaM Butts Pn-mium P.O. BOX 22129, S.F, CA 44122 California Bond Number 755W1 (415) 566-644 (800) 788-0211 S.J. (4081 971-6464 TX: UK) 753-64h4.