T'internet

AOL have set up a debate about the pros and cons of the Internet .
Guy's list making idea has inspired me. Maybe we could make a list of pros here ... I'll start off :

1. There is often a feel of the 'supportive creative commons'.
2. You can make new friends.
3. You can keep in contact with existing friends.
4. You can learn from others in informal groupings e.g. via discussion boards, blogs etc.
5. You can do formal online courses and get qualifications - without leaving home.
6. You can work as part of a group and teach others.
7. If you are unable to go shopping or are disinclined to do so, you have purchasing power, can do online banking, etc.
8. Many businesses have been successful in cutting costs - on all kinds of product. It is easier for a customer to compare prices on the net.
9. Many books are cheaper online through companies like Amazon; people are buying more books.
10. Obscure items - CDs, books, strange things are easier to find on the Internet than in local shops.
11. People are into recycling through companies like e bay. T;internet can therefore help the planet.
12. You can publish something without going through another person or company. Individuals can therefore take control over what is published.
13. Because of point 12 above, busineses and big corporations no longer have complete monopoloy.
14. Individuals and online groups can get their voices heard and even manipulate situations.
15. You have access to a massive amount of information and can find out new angles which are not widely reported.
16. You can gain official and unofficial viewpoints, including 'other culture' views from all over the world.
17. Publication and feedback can be immediate.
18. The publishing process is simpler.
19. There is a range of modalities through which you can communicate, so that people can choose whether to use words, images, sound etc.
20. Professional, slick looking results are easier to achieve than without technology.
21. You can communicate in 'real time' - synchronous possibilities.
22. There can be time lapses in communication - asynchronous possibilities.
23. One to many communication;many to many; many to one.
24. Interactivity is easy to achieve.
25. On-line and off-line media can link up, for example you can have a photograph on your camera, fiddle around with how it looks and then put it on line.
26. Mobile media can link - e.g. podcasting; mobile phones.
27. In times of disaster, support networks and information lines have quickly and effectively been set up.

Can you think of anymore?