I can't bear to read another prediction about the Internet altering human consciousness. I can't listen to another pooh-bah saying electronic commerce, via the Web, means a revolution in business. I can't tolerate the sight of another entrepreneur enriched by the sale of stock in a company without profits, revenues-or even a product.

I'm tired of hearing how e-commerce will conquer all. How the Internet and the Web will transform existing industries. I can't take it anymore. It's time for me to stand up for that silent majority of sensible skeptics that I know is out there. It's time to say what a lot of people are thinking privately but are too cowed to say in public.