>>In the past, the lives of folks were documented by those who tried to see the truth and cut through the editorials, for the most part.
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>Ha. I wish. I really doubt this is the case. For example look at the church who had alot of control on the printed works in circulation.
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>If books were written about how the Earth is round, those books suffered from censorship in many parts of the world.
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>In contrast, today, look at an article on ZDnet that mentions both Linux and Bill Gates and the "talk back" reveals hundreds of opinions that range all the way accross the board. While not all of it can be true, at least the ideas are freely expressed and searchable.
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>Documented exchanges like this are rare in socities where only few held the pen, and fewer had the visibility that mattered. The Internet doesn't completely level the field, but surely the accuracy in which sociology is studied will gain tremendouslly.

Mike;

I think Psychology would be a better discipline to evaluate the impact, and content of the Internet and its users. Imagine a new area of Psychology devoted to the Internet! Although the concept of Sociology being involved has great merit. What is the sociological impact upon society by the use of the Internet? Who uses the Internet and why?

Somehow I feel that there is little truth in books (authors have bias) and even less truth to be found on the Internet. In the end one mans opinion is just as valid as another’s. However, some people have a better ability to “persuade” others regardless of how true his/her position.

Tom