You need to be on a ship before you can jump it. Wanna-be free agents need to learn their skills and knowledge somewhere. Personal study (whether in school or reading or just goofing around) can take you part of the way. But in my experience, working alongside more experienced colleagues has helped me learn a lot.

I'm not saying the system works at capacity -- I've had only a few jobs which offered that sweet spot of personal capacity and motivation with knowledgeable (and patient) colleagues. But I'm in one now and learning tons, which is giving me a new appreciation for the upside of the office.

In contrast, as a somewhat timid free agent, I only sought work that I knew I could do well -- so learned very little new.

A strong spirit of mutual help could exist in this cooperative model you are advocating, Harold. But in the absence of mutually shared goals, where each has a stake in a project, I think altruistic info-sharing would only go part of the way.

On a completely different topic, at Cole's bookstore last night, my daughter noticed your mother-in-law's book occupying a big chunk of shelf -- two side-by-side stacks with the covers facing out, right at nine-year old eye-level. She's a big Anne fan (OF COURSE!) and was really excited to see it, I think it will be a good birthday present.