Meaning in physical and virtual places

Seems as tho we'll spend some time this week debating how place and electronic networks help each other and hurt each other. Castells begs us to see technology can change the flow of power, which could potentially make “social meaning evaporate from places and therefore from society.” I’m new to the space of flows theories but think of many examples of how place and electronic networks are linked in varying ways that can provide “historical continuity” (neighborhoods) and grassroots networks (regional MoveOn approach). What factors help electronic communication level the playing field for those with economic/political power, and those without, and how does place make it better or worse? Appears to be situation-specific perhaps but I'd expect there are some patterns.