i just responded to the question off list, so i'll share my response on list with some minor changes. this response is being posted initally to the list known as air-l which is @aoir.org. air-l is an open list provided by the Association of Internet Researchers. ----- The Association of Internet Researchers is an academic association dedicated to the advancement of the cross-disciplinary field of Internet studies. It is a resource and support network promoting critical and scholarly Internet research independent from traditional disciplines and existing across academic borders. The association is international in scope. ---- in short, we are an academic association. Other academic assocations are: the american sociological association, the society for the social study of science, and others. there are larger and smaller associations, and there are disciplinary and interdisciplinary association. we are incorporated in the u.s. as a non-profit 503c. the officers and the executive board determine almost everything about the association. air-l membership gets you reduced journal subscription rates, reduced book purchase costs at some presses, and reduced fees for the associations annual conference Internet Research, currently in its sixth year. jeremy hunsinger jhuns@vt.edu www.cddc.vt.edu jeremy.tmttlt.com www.tmttlt.com () ascii ribbon campaign - against html mail /\ - against microsoft attachments