XPost: rec.arts.sf.written, rec.arts.sf.science   
   From: YourName@YourISP.com   
      
   In article , David   
   Friedman  wrote:   
   > In article <130120141307202555%YourName@YourISP.com>,   
   >  Your Name  wrote:   
   > >   
   > > Of course, if sci-fi really predicts the future, then cars of any sort   
   > > will be useless because we'll simply use Star Trek transporters to beam   
   > > everywhere. Live in New York, but work in Sydney? No problem, get there   
   > > in a fraction of a second.   :-)   
   >   
   > We already have the functional equivalent for many purposes --   
   > telecommuting. A good deal easier to do.   
      
   Telecommuting doesn't really work, which is why so few real-world   
   businesses actually have that ability. It's only slightly more   
   realistic than the "paperless office", which still doesn't exist   
   (despite predictions in sci-fi stories).   
      
   One reason is because costs businesses a lot more (or is taken out of   
   employees wages) since they then have to pay for the internet   
   connection, modem, extra printers, etc. to be installed in employees   
   houses. Another reason is because some people are simply lazy and don't   
   do any work if they stay at home.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)