During the recent discussion of many of these issues on the listserv Communet, it was mentioned that one specific community network had profited most from partnerships with technology companies, and not with other information providers. It may be that community networks discover and disseminate local information on the internet better than anyone else in the community. This indicates that they should concentrate on what they are good at and partner organizations that can complement their skills. Again, use the skills that you have, these are your strengths. Partner with those whose skills you need but do not possess.
Some community networks have the technology skills.
They may need to partner with other organizations that have the local information skills. These are just a few of the economic principles that can be applied to the field of Community Networking.