Se:koh

Since Jeff Burnham first mentioned this project to me a few years ago I had been very eager to purchase the product. I had seen several versions of it as it was being developed and this only increased my anticipation and desire for the finished product. I had been after Jeff to take my order for a copy of the program and as soon as it was possible I placed an order. Having received the product I am in no way disappointed. It lived up to my expectations and more.

I oversee the computer services area at Indian and Northern Affaris in Toronto and have been continuously working in the computer field for 12 years (19 if you include university and high school time). This experience has given me plenty of opportunity to compare this product to other applications. I also was very fortunate to learn from Jake Thomas the material covered in the CD. From these perspectives I would provide the following feedback.

The CD seems very well researched. It does not claim to be the definitive version of the material but instead notes that there are a number of different versions with the underlying philosophy being the same. I like this for it gives a much better understanding of the material and does get into 'political' arguments of this version is right or that version is wrong. It concentrates on keeping the good mind.

The price of $200 may seem a bit steep to some but it is NOT just another version of 'Quake' or 'Starcraft'. Unlike the mass produced CD's out there this one actually contains very useful information. Also it has a more limited market (unfortunately this is case as thereotically the great peace should be of interest to everyone).

The material is organized in a logical fashion, progressing nicely from level to level. Admittedly it would be tempting to put in a search feature, this would make it handy for finding information AGAIN very quickly. On the other hand I can see where it would then make it tempting to just quickly look up a point without reading the full text and understanding the context of the point (could lead to some misunderstandings).

The presentation of the material starts out very well. It is a natural and logical progression to have the nice splashy graphics at the outset in the creation story to catch the kids interest and presumably as they are older and ready for the more involved material, they don't need the splashy graphics, Still I suppose even adults like splashy graphics if available.

Last but certainly not least, Nia:wen Ko:wa for dedicating the CD to Jake Thomas. It was so nice to hear his voice on the CD. It was also nice that I recognized quite a few other voices on the CD as being people I really respected.

Also of course Nia:wen Ko:wa to everyone who worked on the CD.

Jamie Maracle, Computer Specialist
Indian and Northern Affairs, Toronto, March 1999