The only thing I am willing to bet on now is that the truth is neither in the realm of black nor in the realm of white, but in the shades of gray. This dialogue is a start. But discussions at this level need to be repeated for many more people. I've experienced enough real community through online discourse to know that in some instances, the tool can be used to enhance authentic community. But I don't have a magical belief that just because people are using computer conferencing software they are going to have the interest or the patience to work through the long, arduous, often painful process of community-building out in the world of bodoes.
Words have great power.
When hundreds of millions of people can have the technological power on their desktops that only the Pentagon could afford twenty years ago, the potential is still significant. I still believe that potential can be realized, but not through unthinking enthusiasm. If you have a Web browser that can read newsgroups, you can take part in FEED's online discussions.