Its been a sad couple weeks for the Internet. One of its its defining moments --- the release of the Starr report -- has showcased everything that is wrong with using new technologies to shape public discourse.

Within minutes of its release, the report showed up on news and information sites around the world. Its too early to tell just how many people sought access to the lurid report, but Friday will surely rate as one of the busiest on the web so far. So why is this not a shining example of the power of the 'net? In a single word, context. :25

For centuries, we've relied on reporters, editors, and analysts to learn information, digest it, and explain its meaning. Over the years, the public has grown skeptical of these sources and their biases, and so wants access to the raw information. The web provides a way for us to do that simply and quickly. :45

But the Starr report is just one side of the issue... a prosecutor's report devoid of any pretense of objectivity. Kenneth Starr's job was to find alleged misdoings and report them to Congress. Before the Web, Congress would have sifted through the material, pulled out what they considered inappropriate and private information, and shared its findings with the public. 1:05

But now Congress has set a precedent... information first, context later. In this case, the public sees one sex-laden document, then sometime later, a less compelling dry response from the White House. Guess which one wields the stronger impact? And don't let anyone kid you about what they were looking for: "cigar" was probably the most searched keyword in the document. For this we rushed the report online? 1:25

In releasing a report devoid of context, Congress essentially said, "this battle will not be delayed by thoughful action." News organizations share the blame in driving our national discourse to such pathetic levels. just recall anyone else who has been accused and convicted in the media before the judicial or legislative system has had a chance to act. In this case, its not just the fate of one man, but of an institution. 1:45

Congress and the media have a responsibility to realize that people usually believe what they download from a government web site. In the rush to get the news out, we've forgotten some of our country's basic ideals: innocent until proven guilty; think, then act;and better to be right, than to be first. 2:00

The internet's strength is to give us volumonous information, and allow us to give meaning to the data. The Starr report had no context and most news sites gave it precious little in those initial, and most important, few hours. By Sunday, the internet was full of analysis, but by then it was too late. With the president's videotaped testimony, it looks like we've blown a second chance to act judiciously. So we'll just have to see how Congress and the media react when the tape is released tomorrow. 2:25

Its been a sad time for the country. And sitting here watching us lower standard after standard by misusing the power of the internet, is just plain depressing. 2:35