[bsder]

> Implied here is that "learning" and "sharing what they know" are unqualified good. But I think there is lots of that on the internet these days... much of it bad.

There is a vast difference between "On the Internet" and "In person".

"In person" means that your idea has to have enough critical mass in a local area to catch on. If your idea only appeals to 0.01% of people, you're just not going to come in contact with another like-minded individual in your local area. This greatly limits the damage that fringe beliefs can do. On the other hand, if you are the person with the minority belief or interest, you're isolated.

"On the Internet" there is no such geographic limiter. So, if you are the one in the minority, you can find kindred spirits. Unfortunately, very fringe people can find like minded individuals and congregate.

It would be very nice if we could harness the positives of both while minimizing the negatives. I'm not sure that's possible, though.