With every new day, technology increases at an astronomical rate, and nothing has exploded with such force as the internet. Originally, this decentralized data base was a communication device for the government and scientists, but now most people in the capitalistic world have had a brush with the it. Within its myriad of factoids and information, the internet offers a world of opportunities. In fact most addresses begin with the now common place www., the world wide web. This mass of information and technology is amazing, but as with any new discovery, there are many people who are skeptical about the web. Lately, the media and the government have been engrossed by the evils of the internet: cults, pornography, slander, etc. The ethical question of, "what is appropriate enough to be posted on the web?" occurs repeatedly. The main approach should be to explore whether or not the web can be justified as a legitimate form of information and communication, or to degrade it as just a refuse basin for random information around the world.

Each aspect of the internet has both its positive and negative side. The more legitimate scholarly form provides information for those who seek it. Yet, the reader has to put a good bit of faith in the person who posted the page. It can not be taken for granted that everything found on the web is indeed a fact. The power of the written word in combination with the abilities of computers can certainly skew many ideas. The reader must be aware of this or suffer the consequences of being mislead. Consequently, the internet offers huge opportunities for the creative individual. It appears as if the power of the written word has transcended to the power of hypertext. Any average Joe with a server can post a page and present his ideas on whatever he pleases.

It can be easily understood way many people feel that the internet is a depository for a lot of wasted ideas and useless material. It is true that there is a lot of randomness in the web, but that is why the mammoth search engines like alta vista and yahoo were created. Just as anyone could sit down and draw on a piece of paper, or write a letter; people can do the same with the web. This is the beauty of space, it never gets filled. The internet is just another medium to propagate ideas. It is difficult to argue that there is one correct form or another, it is better to just accept what is there. As technology continues to advance, the internet is going to be an integral part. It can not be inhibited, for that will only weaken its progression. Instead, it should be embraced. There are a myriad of opportunities for communication and writing through this medium. Hypertext alone has proved to break traditional conventions and present a new and exciting way to look at writing. So don't let yourself become trapped in the web, slide along its silky path and revel in its glorious structure.