Independent book and video stores are rapidly being replaced by chain stores. Independents tend to offer a wide diversity of material, and in some ways use popular, mass-appeal items to subsidize more esoteric works. Chain stores, on the other hand, tend to carry little other than popular items. If this carries over onto the Information SuperHighway, we can expect that what may start out as diverse offerings will, for economic reasons, soon turn into relatively homogenous programs with mass appeal. Upholding a tradition they share with libraries, independent bookstores tend to take strong stands against censorship.
Independents tend to be one of the few venues for small presses or independent videos.
Independents tend to be close to their communities, and cater to odd tastes within them. Chains, on the other hand, tend to focus on national tastes, and ignore items that may cater to primarily local or regional tastes. But the results will be the same. Though mass consumption entertainment-oriented content will speed the development of the Information SuperHighway, it is possible that many of the elements that current Internet users consider vital will disappear in the new infrastructure. Though the average consumer will have many more options than now available from their home television, attempts at mass distribution will likely favor mainstream big-budget programs over those that are controversial or appeal to a narrower audience.