first test of setup .. what is wrong here

[Harry Putnam <reader@newsguy.com>]

Using `getting started' documentation and a few posts here I decided
to test my setup and make sure I understood what was to happen.

Ater creating account, passwd, config file I tried archiving a small
directory.

Less than 800 mb.  My command line:

   tarsnap -c -f test lc_dir

It's been running for over 10 minutes so far.  Judging by the flickering
light on network activity icon. It appears to be running.

I was never prompted for a passwd yet but the command has output this
... so far:

   Directory /usr/local/tarsnap-cache for "--cachedir \
   /usr/local/tarsnap-cache"

Nothing else in 12 minutes now.

I have a cable modem with comcast and normally have fairly fast
up/down loading.

I really hope this is a complete aberration and I have something wrong
locally, otherwise this is really going to suck. 
[I waited a bit more before posting... its been a full 17 minutes now,
and no change as yet.