The second question forces us to broaden our perspective:

The Monks are using the Internet in order to locate themselves in a potentially global market. But, in the West, at least, there has been a longer term trend to identify specialist goods to sell to niche markets. While the Internet makes the spread of this trend increasingly possible, it is in fact improved transport, particularly international subsidisation of air freight, that have enabled massive increases of trade across international boundaries. Specialist delivery companies have been instrumental in the development of world niche trade.

Of course, the Monks have made good use of the monastery’s and the island’s tourist appeal. We know that many thousands of tourists make their way to the Island throughout the summer months. Although a web presence may draw further attention to the monastery, both the off-shore trade and the summer season tourists have played a part in the monastery’s financial survival for years.

That leaves mobility. As we’ve noticed ...