I think projects like the WCG and distributed computing in general empower the individual like never before. The era of the internet and related technologies have connected the world in a new way. The internet is like the dark, back alley to the world.

The more socially acceptable forms of man have never really wanted the internet to succeed even from the start of the ARPA days. They never believed in such a technology and even laughed when it first crashed during a demonstration.

Eventually, the phone companies were willing to lease a few lines to a couple of geeks for profit, even if the idea was laughable and dumb. Obviously, phone companies and cable companies still don't fully believe in the power and concept of the internet, although they are willing take handfuls of profits for providing that service.

I think distributed computing projects undermine the status quo, that you need to have a higher level education to make a social difference. These projects fundamentally challenge the idea that a lower educated individual has no power or control in society.

If nothing else, I think this is a struggle and a defining moment in history to show that the internet is a valuable resource and that it does work! I think it will take a lot of successful projects to become a creditable force to be recognized by the more socially acceptable and elite.

Cheers, to everyone working to take the internet out of the 'dark ages' and into the light!