Previously posted:
>
> Here is a quote from UCLA professor Phil Agre.
>
> "Knowledge lives in communities, not individuals.
> A computer user who's not part of a community of
> computer users is going to have a harder time of
> it than one who is."
>
At the risk of getting OT, I have always found 
the tension between self-interest and the need to be 
part of a community a fascinating paradox.
Here is an excerpt from a book I once read 
that throws a glaring light on the subject:

"AT THE TOP of the hierarchy of social organization 
is the realm of sovereignty, where there are no rules. 
Here the hypocrisy is extreme; for the stability 
and solidarity of the collective are dependent 
upon the confidence of its constituent subordinate 
collectives and individuals that the government is 
itself bound by those principles which protect 
its constituents, as well as its neighbors, from the abuse 
of its power. So the spokesmen for the sovereign 
amoral nation are constantly proclaiming the nation's 
morality, its commitment to justice, freedom, and peace, 
whereas in fact, they are leading the nation 
in the pursuit of more power by whatever means 
promise success. Insofar as this pursuit is curbed at all, 
it is curbed by fear of retaliation by other sovereign states 
and fear of insurrection at home."
Allen Wheelis -- The Path Not Taken

And it seems the big guys have less to fear every day.
(My two cents)
--
Phil Mattison
Ohmikron Corp.
480-722-9595 ext. 1