To the people of the world (real and virtual):

We are Zapnet, a critical art ensemble performing the electronic disturbance from the world infamous ACTLab, the nerve center of cyberspace. Our rhizomes are interwoven between activist, academic, and alternative media domains. Formed of media and academic specialists interested in the free and lively transformation of information to knowledge, Zapnet explores the cutting edge of technology and communications, theory and praxis, transversing the striated arena of cyberspace, mediaspace, community space, and academic space.

It was the Zapatistas' astounding ability to communicate effectively in our medium (cyberspace) that first attracted our attention. We discovered that their most righteous demands for Democracy, Liberty, and Justice! were not a legitimizing a desire for war, but for peace. We were inspired by this selfless commitment and brilliant execution of effective and affirmative praxis (political action). We have made a commitment to the (re)production of these voices from cyberspace.

Echoing the words and appropriating symbols of the struggle, we have launched a multimedia piece entitled "The Revolution Will Be Digitized". It is not about polished style and template graphics, but guerrilla media and instantaneous connections. It is a collective text, recombining found images, video, sound, and text, in true anthropofagic style. Currently in the final stages of production, "The Revolution" will be published on interactive CD-ROM and available for international distribution and exhibition soon. Proceeds from sales will be directed towards humanitarian relief programs in Chiapas.

While in development, samples of the project are being distributed via ftp (file transfer protocol) as small, modular demos. Towards this end, we have established a World Wide Web site (www.actlab.utexas.edu/~zapatistas). This site is designed as a "Temporary Autonomous Zone" (TAZ), building upon the discourse of the enigmatic Hakim Bey. Combining the creed "Information Wants to Be Free" with the spirit of spontaneous cooperation, this space provokes both thought and action, providing links to related internet resources, direct e-mail connections to the producers, and a "graffitti wall" where users can post "public" comments.

From the humid plains of the Aztlan Northeast,

The Zapatista Net of Autonomy and Liberation

zapnet@actlab.utexas.edu

www.actlab.utexas.edu/~zapatistas