Abstract :
Our past experiences with this annual special issue suggest that some of you are going to go to your computers in the next day or two and compose a little message to us. We¿re not sure exactly what it will say. But to paraphrase: ¿Just what the heck do you people think you¿re doing by giving a thumbs-up or thumbs-down on the technology projects of good, hardworking, decent folk?¿ We¿re engaging in a reality check. And we¿re also indulging in yet another magazine list. Magazines love lists, because they attract the eye and provide a convenient platform for scattered insights. Forbes ranks billionaires, U.S. News & World Report ranks colleges, The Economist runs ¿league tables,¿ and Playboy¿well, never mind.
