It's hard to believe that we've published PikeNet for seven years (1996-2003). Over these exciting and turbulent years, the Dispatch has evolved from covering the latest dot-com launch (what was that all about?) to broader topics like business models, cultural change, and agents vs. principals -- issues at the intersection of management, marketing, and information.

As a publisher, does PikeNet face conflicts? Yes, of course. Our lifeblood is advertising -- Dispatch Sponsorships, Channel Banners, Feature Links -- and PikeNet Forum (Chicago, Apr 2-3) revenue. Do I want my customers to thrive? You bet. I'm very grateful to the fifty-six companies that advertise at PikeNet, and I hope that you will support them.

But as Ms. House writes, publishing is a public trust. So I try to comment on issues in a way that helps you understand them in the context of our business environment -- not to persuade you toward one side of a debate. I present. You decide. What future topics would you like to see covered? Thank you for subscribing to the Dispatch!

--Peter Pike