In reply to Harold Jarche » A few good books. This *archie question seems to boil down to a question of power. Those with it (at the top of existing hierarchies) don't want to let it go, while those without it (at the edges of wirearchy) can see many new opportunities. This is disruptive & subversive stuff, so we're bound to have some friction between these two, loosely defined, groups.
For me, it's a given that hyperlinks subvert and a completely hyperlinked world has the potential for absolute subversion. I'm interested in watching how this all plays out. It's similar to the axes proposed in the Edinburgh scenarios on the future of e-learning; being:

Whether the role of technology in society empowers or frustrates; and

Whether power, influence and new ideas are primarily from established sources or from new and emergent sources.

Many of us see the potential of technology empowering us and value infuence and ideas that come from emergent sources. I would like to see this happen and my work tries to push these ideas. However, we are in a period of change and struggle for control of the Internet and I don't believe that any side (established vs emergent sources) is guaranteed success - yet.
Jon, we need people like you to keep the fire burning :-)
Yes, I've seen Pleasantville.