FNN Edition 1
Feature Articles
New GM Rules Announced!
New GM Rules Announced!
LCDR LEE ANDER
The FNN received a breaking news communiqué directly from the Presidents Office today announcing new rules for the GMs of the site. These rules are to be put into effect immediately. It is our duty to deliver the news, so please don't shoot the messenger!
- 1. All GMs will now earn points based on the amount of damage in their post. Damage to computer/ship will earn 50-100 points, damage to a player's personal items will earn 100-150 and damage to a player will earn 150-200.
- 2. GMs are now allowed to permanently maim or kill a character if the mission calls for it, without prior approval of the player.
- 3. All current GMs will be released and new GMs will be chosen based on popular vote.
- 4. GMs will now be allowed to post on any ship regardless of their specific assignment.
- 5. GMs will no longer share mission outlines with Captains.
- 6. GMs can nominate players for 'safety' each month, meaning that player can not be maimed or killed in the following month.
7. GMs are not allowed to kill fellow GMs.
While some of these rules are somewhat controversial, we at the FNN have been assured that a proper amount of discussion and foresight went into each one. We look forward to seeing what these changes mean for the site.
HAPPY APRIL FOOLS!
Welcome to the Premiere Edition
Let me just start off by saying, no, this is no hoax! The Federation News Network has returned to be your one stop for all the news you need! Welcome to the Premiere edition! We hope you like what you see, and enjoy what you read! The staff here at FNN have worked very hard to bring you up to the minute news, both in game and out-of-game.
Seeing that it’s April Fools’ Day, we’ve cooked up a surprise or two for you in this first edition. While we may or may not be as obvious as some pranks you find on the Top 100 April Fools’ Day Hoaxes, we hope that you still manage to get a laugh or two our of pranks.
The Star Fleet News section of FNN is going to feature news that happens in game. It’s anything that your characters would hear if they pulled up the FNN on the computer, as if reading the daily paper. In this section you’ll find briefs of what’s going on on each ship, interviews with Star Fleet personnel, and even some travel advice for your character’s next shore leave.
The FedSpace News section features news concerning FedSpace that happens out-of-game suche as ship promotions, medals, transfers, and recent academy graduates. We’ll be interviewing players, bringing you information about new things to the site, and keep you up to date with anything going on behind the scenes.
The Trek News section will have news about Star Trek. Whether it concerns the new movie, reviews about books and games, or a Trek jokes to make you giggle, this is the section you’ll find it.
Our Science News section is going to cover modern day science, astronomy, and technology topics. Have they invented transporters yet? Discovered life on Mars? We’ll keep you covered.
We’re also going to have feature articles every month that take a more in depth look into various topics. In addition, we’re going to have articles written by contributors every once in a while. So if you’d like to submit a story to FNN, or have an idea for one, please feel free to contact me or any of the FNN staff. We’re also looking for Opinions, so if you have something to say about anything, we want to hear it! You can send opinion articles to our Opinions Editor.
And with all that said, I hope you enjoy this first edition!
LCdr Julia Nielson
Editor-In-Chief | FNN
Star Fleet News
Star Fleet Headlines
Tensions Between UFP and RSE Mount
MOLLIE MATTS {Daher}
FNN Managing Editor
Stardate 20803.27
STARBASE BRAVO -- In recent months political and military tensions between the United Federation of Planets and Romulan Star Empire have reached levels not seen since the Second Federation/Romulan War ended in a stalemate and unofficial cease fire five years ago. After the Federation victory at The Battle of the Sheridan Nebula, a Romulan counter-attack on the Sol System was destroyed by the Borg incursion that necessitated the initiation of the now-famous Armageddon Directive. Since that cease-fire, both the UFP and the RSE have struggled with their own internal problems. While the Federation has had to deal with secessions of outlying member worlds, resource scarcity, and manpower shortages, the Romulan Senate faces a much more alarming situation. As public sentiment against the increasingly militaristic government grows, many in the Romulan public have turned to a major separatist group, the Democratic Romulan Republic, that has sprang up rapidly on border worlds like Ecurai.
The Federation first became aware of the DRR, which advocates a return to the Romulan principles of honor and virtue and the reunification with their Vulcan cousins, about two years ago when the separatist government opened negotiations with the Federation Council for a possible alliance. Star Fleet sent the USS Comet and USS Gettysburg to Ecurai to assess the situation there and report back to the Federation Council.
Naturally, the hard-liners in the RSE would be wary of such an alliance between the UFP and the DRR. According to Star Fleet records, during the Comet and the Gettysburg’s visit to Ecurai, RSE loyalist infiltrators attempted a failed kidnapping plot of the Ecuraian Council. A brief skirmish between the two Star Fleet battleships and RSE warbirds also showed the resolve of the Romulan Senate. Because the Romulan Empire is still highly secretive, it is impossible to determine exactly how deep the resentment for the Romulan government is among the majority of its citizens. Given the Empire’s reaction to the crisis, it is safe to assume that civil war is not outside the realm of possibility.
Up until recently, however, the Romulan Senate has been cautious not to attempt an outright, full-scale attack on the so-called “Reformists” for two reasons. The first reason, according to a source in the Federation Defence Ministry who spoke on a condition of anonymity, is that the Imperial Romulan Fleet has not reached its pre-war strength levels. The second reason, according to another source in Star Fleet Intelligence, is that the Romulan Senate was hesitant to draw other galactic powers into what they considered to be an internal matter.
Star Fleet’s recent encounters with RSE forces seem to suggest a growing anxiety and apprehension in the Romulan government. There have been several unconfirmed reports of Federation stations and outposts along the Federation/Romulan Neutral Zone being harassed and even attacked by Romulan warships. On Stardate 20708.24, the Zeus class light cruiser USS Titan engaged a Romulan warbird in the Neutral Zone after pursuing a hijacked Federation medical ship. The USS Gettysburg, a battle cruiser assigned to the 2nd Battle Group whose range of responsibility includes the Federation/Romulan Neutral Zone, recently returned to the San Francisco Shipyards and many witnesses noted severe hull and structural damage.
Just yesterday Starbase Bravo, headquarters for the 2nd Battle Group, was placed on Yellow Alert. No reason has been given for this increase in security and the 2nd Battle Group Commander could not be reached for comment.
For now one can only speculate the reason for the heightened alert level. But given SBB’s proximity to the tumultuous Romulan Empire it is likely a response to recent Romulan aggression in the sector. Whatever the cause, tensions between the two galactic powers remain high and open warfare seems more and more inevitable by the day.
Fleet News
Fleet News
KEVIN AVERY {Ristone}
FNN Staff Reporter
Stardate 20804.01
USS Gettysburg, BC-1863
The USS Gettysburg, an Avenger Classes Battle Cruiser assigned to the 2nd Battle Group, is currently docked at the San Francisco Shipyards for repairs. The Gettysburg has just returned from a mission that took them near Romulan Neutral Zone where an asteroid was on a collision course with Listening Outpost 10. It was up to the Gettysburg to prevent this from happening.
Upon investigation of the situation the Gettysburg discovered the said asteroid was actually an inter-galactic space vessel carrying a primitive sentient race. While the Gettysburg was dealing with the race of aliens, a Romulan task force attacked the Star Fleet vessel. During the ensuing battle over 400 crewmembers were injured and 48 were killed. Among those lost were senior officers Lieutenant Isaac Bohr – Chief Engineer, and Captain Torgh – Commanding Officer.
The Gettysburg has since been placed under the command of Captain Derrick Grant, whose career includes being Chief of Security for Starbase Alpha. Grant made the following comment, “We send out our sorrow and condolences to the families of our fallen comrades.”
We can rest assured knowing that as soon as the Gettysburg has finished repairs and refits it will once again be out there protecting the Federation and its outposts.
Star Fleet would not comment on the status of its other vessels.
One-on-One
One-On-One: LCdr Vaebn Tei
MOLLIE MATTS {Daher}
FNN Managing Editor
Stardate 20804.01
While I was on Starbase Alpha finishing my latest article, I met Lieutenant Commander Vaebn Tei, the 2nd Battle Group’s Romulan advisor. Commander Tei, who is half-Romulan himself, agreed to give me a short interview about his career in Star Fleet and his thoughts on the current relations between the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire.
Why did you join Star Fleet?
I joined Star Fleet because I felt I needed to find some direction for my life, some compass to guide my actions. After I left the Star Empire I took it upon myself to locate my mother’s family but I failed. I wandered aimlessly for a while before I felt this need to do something with my life and after looking around it seemed to me that Star Fleet was my best option.
How does it feel to be one of the few Romulans in Star Fleet?
One of the few Romulans in Star Fleet? Judging by the Gettysburg crew I thought we were a majority! Ah no, seriously, I don’t imagine I feel any differently than any other officer in the fleet. Sure some people have prejudices against Romulans because of the wars and the current tensions certainly don’t help things, but I don’t have to deal with those on a day to day basis. My crewmates on the Gettysburg accept me for who and what I am. I’ve proven to them that I have no love for the Star Empire, so they don’t hold my heritage against me.
What is your position in on the Gettysburg?
With the rising tensions Star Fleet decided it would be best to place someone aboard the Gettysburg with intimate knowledge not only of Romulans as a people and society, but also knowledge of Romulan tactics. The chose me and gave me the position of Romulan Tactical Advisor; my purpose is to provide insight on the Romulans to Captain Grant and Commander Yvette.
What advice do you have for Academy cadets who hope to have a career in Star Fleet?
Well its hard to offer advice to a group as diverse as the Cadets at the Academy but I guess the best thing I could tell them is this: Don’t be afraid to branch out, you each have your own comfort zones, your own specialties, but if you stick just with what you know you’ll never grow. That’s what Star Fleet is about, exploring the unknown.
What are your thoughts on the current state of affairs in the Romulan Empire?
The Federation didn’t do anything to instigate this new militaristic saber rattling the Star Empire has recently engaged in, we were content to patrol our borders and leave well enough alone. If the Preator and Senate have decided that they want to renew hostilities, so be it. I know the Gettysburg will be there, on the front lines, to defend the citizens of the Federation from any and all aggressors.
Travel the Galaxy.
Balosnee VI – Relax your worries away
RACHEL CHRISTIE {Nielson}
FNN Editor-In-Chief
Stardate 20804.01
Risa is usually known as the place to go for a happy holiday or relaxing shore leave. But why go to Risa, when you can go to Balosnee VI? This small planet located in the Balosnee System is perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of destinations that have become crowded with tourists.
Enjoy blissful beaches and wash your worries away with the tidal harmonies that can only be experienced on Balosnee VI. Most resorts are on the waterfront, with plenty offering all inclusive packages to maximize your relaxation. So grab a hammock, lounge chair, or beach blanket and let the sounds of the tidal harmonies of Balosnee VI lull you into a sense of complete bliss.
FedSpace News
FedSpace Headlines
New Ship Makes Debut
LCDR JULIA NIELSON
FNN Editor-In-Chief
Stardate 20804.01
A new ship has recently made an appearance on Federation Space, however this ship won’t be flying under the banner of Star Fleet. The RIS Shadowhawk, a Firehawk Classed Battle Cruiser, will be flying as the first Opposition Forces ship for the Romulan Star Empire.
Unlike independent ships that have appeared on the site in the past, the Shadowhawk will have its own crew of fully rated character who will get points each month and will be able to win medals just like their counterparts in Star Fleet. The Shadowhawk will also have a GM assigned to help guide the ship and cause mayhem as needed.
Already eighteen players have stepped forward to fill the positions of the Romulan crew after two weeks of recruitment. If the Shadowhawk proves to be successful, there is the possibility of further Opposition Forces ships in FedSpace’s future.
20 Questions
20 Questions - Mid Adam Rina
LCDR LEE ANDER
FNN Staff Reporter
Stardate 20804.01
This month we get to learn more about Arthur, currently playing Midshipman Rina on Space Station Sierra 18, previous character Cdr Flynn.
Age/Sex/Location?
I'm a 22 year old male living in Clarksville, Tennessee, which is just outside of Ft. Campbell, home to the 101st Screaming Eagles, Hooah!
When did you first join FedSpace?
May of 2002
What brought you to FedSpace?
A friend of mine from school found the site and showed it to me. Most probably know him as Silran now, but to me he'll always be Colso.
What would you say is the biggest change to the site from May 02 to now?
A lot of things come to mind, FAdm Beckett became President, the Academy has changed significantly, quite a few players have left.
You also left FedSpace at some point. Why was that?
I didn't have the time, I was at an interesting point in my life (real world) and basically Fed Space was pushed to the backburner.
Was leaving the site a difficult decision?
Well, it wasn't so much of a decision as it just kind of happened. It was more of a moment when I realized that I hadn't been to the site in a couple of weeks and that I didn't have time to go to the site and check anyways.
What brought you back to FedSpace?
I was staring at the internet and I had the urge to come look at the site, then I started talking to some of my friends from Fed Space that I still had on my MSN buddy list. Eventually I decided that I really did miss the writing and interaction, so now here I am.
Why did you start a new character?
It kind of signifies that this is a new life on Fed Space, a fresh start. Why should I stick to the old? Part of the fun of the site is that you can be anybody you want.
When you re-joined, you went through the academy versus just starting a new character and jumping back in there. Why?
It was a bit of a personal challenge, I said to myself that if i could make it through the Academy that I would definitely want to be back on the site. I also felt like I didn't deserve to just hop back into the game.
What are some big changes between Flynn and Rina, and why did you make those changes?
Well, I originally planned to make Rina a non-human but I just can't write for an alien, mainly though he is more apt to speak his mind and talk back to his superiors if they are being stupid. Of course, he's only a Middy so there's no telling where he'll end up.
If you were President for a day, what would you change about the site?
That's a tough one, I don't I'd want to change anything because I'd be trying to fill such big shoes. Jon does an amazing job, I'd be happy to give him a day off, lol. I think I might eliminate the welcome page and instead have it incorporated into the wiki. And I wouldn't have everything open in another window.
What makes a good Ship/Station?
Well, first you need a CO that writes excellent posts, is easy to approach, and in general sets a good example. After that you need enough crew members (3 just doesn't cut it lol) and that crew needs to post on a regular basis that fits everybody's schedule. If you have one person that looks to post 3 times a week and another that posts once a week, that creates unhappiness. And of course everybody needs to be a family.
If you could name your own ship, what would you name it?
Either the Phoenix or the Spartan.
What is the significance of those to you?
Well, the Phoenix is the bird that is born out of it's own ashes, it reminds me that you can be reborn, change your life around. Spartan comes from the fact that I'm a Halo fan.
What do you spend your time away from FedSpace doing?
I read up on and play Halo, the video game, cook in a local pub called Blackhorse Pub & Brewery, go to college studying Media Technologies, and go to drill with the 129th Army Band in the Tennessee Army National Guard.
Do you feel that being in the Armed Services makes you more prepared for Role-Playing on FedSpace?
Not at all. What has helped me is being a huge Star Trek fan, actually learning about being a pilot (I'm not one, I've only learned some things) and being able to type.
If you could list one pet-peeve about your fellow players, what would it be?
Having real lives. I wish that we all could just concentrate on Fed Space and not have to worry about school, work, etc.
If there was one person on the site you could meet in real life who you haven't before, who would it be and why?
Ty Crawford, she is actually from the town I live in and is somebody I've stayed in contact even while I was not active on Fed Space.
What character would you most like the opportunity to post with?
President Beckett, who has actually had a chance to go one-on-one with el' presidente'?
What is your favorite ST Series and character?
Star Trek Voyager, it was a well written series and the cast was great. My favorite character would be Tom Paris, I see myself in him, not to mention he's the best pilot.
What piece of StarTrek Technology would you most like to see today?
It's a three way tie between transporters, replicators, and holodecks. Any of those 3 would make my life so much better. Perhaps I could use the replicator to make a transporter and a holodeck.......
Thanks to Arthur for granting us the time for this interview. If you are interested in being interviewed, please send an email to LCdr Ander at the.cute.birl@gmail.com.
Movers & Shakers
FNN would like to extend Congratulations to everyone who was promoted, received an award, or graduated from Star Fleet Academy this month!
Promotions
* This promotion happened in the previous month but was not listed in the official promotions until this month
** Capped at Commander
*** Capped at Lieutenant Commander
Medals
| Medal | Awarded To |
|---|---|
 |
Lieutenant Junior Grade Kiron Hunter |
|
Ensign Judith Tucker |
 |
Lieutenant Commander New |
|
Lieutenant Chris Eaglestone |
|
Ensign Laura Macleod |
|
Commander Sevala |
 |
Lieutenant Commander Vaebn Tei |
|
Lieutenant Commander Tyra Crawford |
 |
Captain Derrick Grant |
|
Commander Aloysia Yvette |
Role-Player of the Month
1st Battle Group
- USS Enterprise - Ens Carter
- USS Drake - Lt[jg] Hawkens
- USS Philadelphia - LCdr Frarg
2nd Battle Group
- USS Ticonderoga - not awarded
- USS Gettysburg - Cdr Yvette
- USS Sheridan - not awarded
3rd Exploration Group
- USS Dauntless - Lt[jg] Kayzon
- USS Copernicus - Mid Fields
- STA Sierra-18 - LCdr Nielson
Academy Graduates
| Department | Name | Ship |
|---|---|---|
 |
Andrea Gillette | USS Enterprise, CV-07 |
 |
Tala Thaine | USS Drake, CL-2509 |
 |
Siivar Skou | USS Philadelphia, FF-6053 |
 |
Loken Abaddon | USS Gettysburg, BC-1863 |
|
Johan Schwicker | USS Gettysburg, BC-1863 |
|
Adam Rina | Space Station Sierra 18, SS-18 |
Opinions
War, What Is It Good For?
LCDR LEE ANDER
Opinions Editor
Stardate 20804.01
Of all the gossip going on in the FedSpace universe, one of the top discussions is the speculation about an upcoming war. Each conversation had about the topic however yields different feelings about it.
Some people are excited about it, looking forward to the chance for character interaction and development. Many newer players are excited about the opportunity to take part in a site-wide plot. They look forward to the chance to post with other players they may not normally get to. Others are excited about playing characters on the RIS Shadowhawk.
However, many players aren’t so excited about the war. Many players who write from countries currently fighting various wars feel that this hits a little to close to home. For many, FedSpace is a place to get away from real life and escape into a fantasy world far away. For those players, they aren’t so excited about the war-based plot. Other players feel that they don’t want to take part in death and destruction. They feel they would rather not post in such a negative story line.
Whether you agree with the war, or are against it, it will provide much opportunity for posting if it takes place.
Star Trek News
Trek Headlines
Kirk is a Jerk
LCDR JULIA NIELSON
FNN Editor-In-Chief
Stardate 20804.01
While everyone may have a different opinion concerning James T. Kirk, the NCC-1701 decided to state its own opinion of the Captain. After passing through a strange space cloud, the Enterprise’s computer gains artificial intelligence and is determined to play practical jokes on the entire crew. From black rings around Spock’s eyes, pelting fruit at Scotty, and putting a new twist on the ‘Kick-Me’ sign, the Enterprise’s computer shows that even ships need to have a bit of fun sometimes.
Movie News
Pictures leaked onto internet.
LCDR JULIA NIELSON
FNN Editor-In-Chief
Stardate 20804.01
Despite Paramount’s best efforts of secrecy, several pictures from the new Star Trek film circulated around the internet during the month of March.
Earlier in the month, there were several photos taken at a California university that was being used as a filming location. There are numerous people in red or gray uniforms, as well as a space craft parked to the side. On the light posts in these shots you can clearly see banners hanging that display the familiar Star Fleet emblem.
Later in the month, more images hit the internet. Nine in total, they appeared to be of props and sets to be used in the film – the exterior of a shuttle in what appeared to be a construction yard, several shots of the interior of the shuttle, one of a sign that read “United Federation of Planets Star Fleet Operations”, and one that appeared to be a Star Fleet Uniform. Many sites featuring the images were asked to remove them after Paramount realised the images had made it to the internet.
Star Trek is set to be released Summer 2009.
Book Reviews
Crucible: McCoy – Provenance of Shadows
AUTHOR: David R. George III
PAGES: 624
SERIES: The Original Series
REVIEWER: LCdr Julia Nielson
RATING: 4/5
DESCRIPTION:
In a single moment... the lives of three men will be forever changed. In that split second, defined paradoxically by both salvation and loss, they will destroy the world and then restore it. Much had come before, and much would come after, but nothing would colour their lives more than that one, isolate instant on the edge of forever.
In a single moment... Leonard McCoy, displaced in time, saves a woman from dying in a traffic accident, and in so doing alters Earth's history. Stranded in the past, he struggles to find a way back to his own century. But living an existence he was not meant to, he will eventually have to move on, and ultimately face the shadows born of his lost life.
In a single moment... Leonard McCoy, displaced in time, is prevented from saving a woman from dying in a traffic accident, allowing Earth's history to remain unchanged. Returning to the present, he encounters a medical mystery he is committed to sovling. But the echoes of an existence he never lived haunt him, and the specter of a premature death will bring him full circle to the shadows he has never faced.
REVIEW:
I went into this book not expecting much, as I admit, I have never really been a big fan of The Original Series and after reading another TOS series book (Dark Victory) I really wasn’t expecting much. But all I can say is wow! This book totally changed my mind about TOS. It’s an interesting look at what happens to the crew of the Enterprise between the television episodes, to give the reader a more indepth look at their lives. The author also does a very good job voicing the novel from the point of view of McCoy, and manages to stay true to the series.
I do have a gripe about the book, and that’s of the print inside. It looks like they were trying to cut costs by making the book shorter (less pages), so they used a really, really small font and crammed as much onto a page as they could. Really hurts the eyes.
But other than that, it’s great! Definitely recommend.
Trek Joke of the Month
Top Ten April Fools’ Day Jokes on the Enterprise
LCDR LEE ANDER
FNN Staff Reporter
Stardate 20804.01
10) Everybody act like Riker is the captain.
9) Pretend you've been taken over by an alien being.
8) Program the replicator in Troi's room so that it won't make chocolate.
7) Replay file tape of Borg ship on main viewer.
6) Tell Data that Star Fleet has decided to dismantle him.
5) Put a small speaker in Dr. Crusher's bedroom to play garbled voices.
4) Lock Picard in the children's schoolroom with several children and no adults.
3) Substitute some of Dr. Crusher's moss with moss showing 24 hours more growth.
2) Put a sign on Worf's back that says "Kick Me!"
1) Reprogram the main computer to wake up the senior staff every half hour with an intruder alert.
Science News
Astronomy Picture of the Month
PHOTO CREDIT: NASA
Science News
Scientists Make Discovery on Earth That Could Help in the Search for Life on Mars
CMDR JOSEPH DAHER
FNN Managing Editor
Stardate 20804.01
Missions to Mars might take on a new approach as researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have made a remarkable discovery. Jack Griffith, a microbiologist for UNC, says researchers there have found cellulose, a stringy fuzz of plant fibers, preserved in salt deposits from 250 million years ago.
Cellulose is a biofilm created by microbes that also forms the primary structure of plant cell walls. In fact, cellulose is the most common organic compound on Earth. This discovery is significant because prior to it, the oldest known biological compound was protein from a 68 million year old T-Rex fossil.
Scientists say that the salt kills the bacteria in the cellulose and keeps it from eating away at the organic compound. Additionally cellulose – essentially glucose molecules stuck together – is a very tough compound that is hard to break down.
Why is the discovery on Earth important to the search for life on Mars then? Griffith explains: "These fibers are the oldest native, intact remnants of a living thing ever directly observed. It's extremely fortuitous timing, as we've just discovered salt deposits on Mars' surface."
Scientists think their best hope in finding evidence of life of on Mars lies in the recently discovered salt deposits on Mars’ surface. If they’re right, it could be one of the most important scientific discoveries in many years.
Astronomy News
Endeavour sets records and makes it back safely.
LCDR JULIA NIELSON
FNN Editor-In-Chief
Stardate 20804.01
After a record five spacewalks and the longest shuttle mission to the International Space Station to date, the Endeavour landed safely at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The crew completed a 16 day journey of nearly 6.6 million miles in space.
During their mission, the Endeavour and ISS crews worked together to install the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency’s two-armed robotic system Dextre.
To find out more about Endeavour’s mission, please visit the website.
Technology News
Several Government Agencies Collaborating With Google™
CMDR JOSEPH DAHER
FNN Managing Editor
Stardate 20804.01
Is Google taking over the world? Not quite, but it is helping the United States’ intelligence agencies, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Coast Guard share information on everything from al-Qaeda to North Korea more efficiently. When the U.S.’ intelligence agencies looked for a system to facilitate this information-sharing, they turned to Google, which was more that happy to comply.
Google is one of the many computer technology companies vying for government vendor positions which many believe will lead to sizeable revenues. One single contract Google made with the National Security Agency recently was worth $2 million.
Intelligence officials hope that the system will encourage information sharing among all the government agencies. The system, which operates like wikipedia, is a secure forum that allows spies and analysts to post information that they gather so that others can read and provide comments. Users can login and access information consistent with the security clearance (top secret, secret, or confidential).
The system, known as Intellipedia, already has 37,000 users, 35,000 articles and encompasses over 200,000 pages. "Each analyst, for lack of a better term, has a shoe box with their knowledge," said Sean Dennehy, chief of Intellipedia development for the CIA. "They maintained it in a shared drive or a Word document, but we're encouraging them to move those platforms so that everyone can benefit."
