This issue of frAme, Net.Spirit, has been selected by the three people most instrumental in the development of the trAce community - Simon Mills, Helen Whitehead, and myself. In the last 6 years trAce has brought together thousands of people, providing space for the broad exchange of ideas not just about writing but about the ways in which the world is learning to live together online. However, although the three of us are commonly united by an interest in Spirituality on the Net, we come from very different spiritual roots. Helen is a devout Roman Catholic, Simon trained as a philosopher and has a special interest in Eastern religions, and I am a lifelong atheist. Yet, no matter where our beginnings lie, we all share a belief in the life of the internet. We all sense its power to connect, to open channels, and to build bridges. Although we might disagree on the original source of that power we have no doubt about its strength.

On 11 September, when US mobile phone networks collapsed under the strain of usage during that terrible day, the internet held fast. It did what it was supposed to do - it remained operational despite the extensive demands made on its infrastructure. And ironically, this network which was originally designed for military use showed itself to be a hugely significant force for connecting ordinary individuals. It was, and continues to be, the main conduit for personal news about friends, family and colleagues, for reassurances, and for the sharing of loss. As I write this in England on 3 October 01, we are not sure what the future holds, but unless there is some inconceivably drastic change it seems inevitable that the internet will continue to function so long as there is a source of electric power to drive it. But even if the net itself were destroyed, what pathways might it leave behind? How has it changed us, even in the short time since we all began to share its infinite space? Could there even evolve a post-internet internet? And what would it be like? Now that we are wired, who can unwire us?

The power to connect is where the spirit of the net resides. Every node, every cable, every hub, every packet, is permeated with fragments of the animus of this planet. The internet is indeed alive. It is alive with all of us.