I've wondered if the Economic downturn is encouraging or discouraging profans and progeeks.
On one hand the economy is bad and people don't want to take chances. It's hard to live your dreams when you're worried about layoffs, health care, housing prices, etc. It's often a taking a chance to try and go live your dreams, and its hard when you want to be sure you can pay the bills. Worse, a tough economy means less chance to fall back on friends and family if there's a crisis.