It's interesting to note that I'd just finished reading Creelam's post prior to reading your view on the matter Harold (coincidencies!).

I keep wondering this: we can't deny that the Internet is a game-changer and that historically changes in the way we communicate and coordinate collective action end up changing society itself. But how much of our "renewed allure" with lateral/networked organizations can be attributed to recent crisis (including the financial one) that make many of us question the validity of traditional organizing models? What is the influence of our increasing understanding on topics such as what motivates people (especially at work), how teams work and the importance of networks in being more open to looking into new modus operandi? I think both have an important influence but would love to hear your view.