I grew up in rural Minnesota, and I'm struck by the resemblance between the small town and the Internet. In my hometown, the sheriff can identify a local vehicle without a license plate number, People notice who heads to church And who leaves the local bar, And the librarian notifies you when a new thriller arrives. On the Internet, technology advances bring small-town life to our homes and workplaces. Web site operators track our comings and goings, merchants remember our purchases, employers monitor our work habits -- and technology provides especially long memories. Next time you log onto any network, think about your small town. It's closer than you think.

-- Sean Doherty