Just because we have websites and 24-hour news feeds doesn't mean we don't get lonely, hungry and horny. We do, and for that, the brick and mortar establishments serve an important purpose. I learned this when I became a chat-addict on CompuServe in the early 80s. As soon as a cybercommunity gets established the next thing to do is to have a way for the people to meet face to face. That's where Barnes and Noble has an advantage over Amazon.
Community takes on a new meaning when people can meet each other.
So don't count out Brick and Mortar, like Push it will make a comeback. It won't be long before the Silicon Valley VCs will be falling over themselves to invest in places where people can really meet. I'm having fun exploring the intersection between cyberspace and the real world. My laboratory is Buck's the website and the restaurant. Yesterday I called in to talk to Jamis, he wasn't there, but the manager, Ron Brunson, asked if I could help find him.