Doing science in the open

An excellent article about the benefits and pitfalls of opening up one's research on the internet:

http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/indepth/38904

In summary, it's a cultural problem mixed with a fear of being scooped. Sharing your work online enables collaboration, but isn't adequately rewarded (e.g., it's not a formal part of tenure review) and could mean someone else will see your work and use your ideas for benefit faster. The article presents a good discussion of why these fears are at times appropriate and at times misguided.