An important part of having an Internet persona not directly linked to real-world identity is that it gives many people who otherwise wouldn't have it what is for them the luxury of social interaction with the presumption of privilege that goes with the unmarked state. They get interactions with the world that they otherwise have, if at all, with only their closest friends."
Here you are Wed7pm, -I know almost nothing about you. But that's not important. You are a person. In that sense, we have a lot of common ground. It's sad that Schmidt degrades this kind of interaction. It's really sad if he knows its value, and is doing it anyway.