1. WEB SUCCESS. The IDRC (International Development Research Council) sees more members using its web site. According to Dariel Curren, "hits have increased dramatically over the past eighteen months." For the November 1996 World Congress in New Orleans just 2 persons registered online. For the Indiana World Congress starting tomorrow (May 10-14, 1997) more than 50 registrations were sent via the web. "One man visited the IDRC site, decided he wanted to join the organization, became a member and registered for the Indiana World…no papers or phone calls at all."

2. NEW AND NOTABLE. The Staubach Company has upgraded its attractive site with success stories, a professional directory and a link to Staubach CMI Mexico. The Denver Metro Commercial Association of Realtors (DMCAR) is launching an extensive listing and property information service for its members and the public. Sanford R. Goodkin & Associates, a consulting company for residential, multifamily and commercial property based in San Diego, CA, posts some provocative research and commentary. APT, Apartment Properties & Technologies, specializes in multi-family properties in Oklahoma City, OK.

eSPACE CONNEXIONS is a weekly e-newsletter (send e-mail to Maurice Gatien at mgatien@e-space.com) covering news that impacts Canadian real estate. It's published by eSPACE onLINE which tracks space available information in all major Canadian markets. InterNadlan's Israel Real Estate Directory and its e-newsletter provide valuable information on commercial and residential properties. The Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) and Indiana Partners In Economic Development both offer good demographic and financial information.

3. SPONSOR. This issue of the PikeNet Dispatch is sponsored by Real Estate Connect '97, the Commerce and Technology Summit, which will explore the future of online real estate marketing and transactions. "Don't miss it." July 24-26, 1997, San Francisco. Details at http:www.inman.com/summit.

4. COMMENTARY. Headline: "Executives Disagree on Web's Threat to Brokers." (Web Week, May 5, 1997). A Forrester Research analyst states that "while full service stock brokerages will continue to serve a selected clientele, a new breed of mid-tier brokers offering lower commissions and advice on how to use online tools will eventually occupy the largest niche." Will real estate follow? I think so. Real estate cybermediaries will possess real estate knowledge, technology familiarity and the ability to communicate both to clients. It's already beginning to happen.

5. PIKENET STARS. If you have a 3, 4 or 5-star site, consider posting Pike Net stars on your home page. Copy the star rating graphic from http://www.pikenet.com/banners.html and link to PikeNet's home page.

6. RECOGNITION. Wow. In the last 60 days, the PikeNet Directory and web address have been mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the National Real Estate Investor and Real Estate Forum.

7. SUBSCRIBING/CANCELING. If you do not want to receive this Dispatch, please reply with "cancel" in the Message field to remove your name. Please include your name and company. If you know a person who would like to be added to this list, please send e-mail with the word "subscribe" to Peter Pike at .

--Peter Pike