Date:    03/21/2000  6:13 PM

Subject: Proposed Regulation FD
 
I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the SEC for its recent 
initiative to level the playing field for the average Joe.  I have been 
investing on my own now for about two years and while I still have a lot to 
learn, the internet has broken down a lot of barriers for many Americans and 
investors in general by allowing us to learn about investing through 
wonderful websites like The Motley Fool and to conduct research and trades 
with any of a myriad of online brokers.
     
However, I'm still blown away every time  I see a stock make huge moves 
before the news governing such a move is released to the general public.  As 
a small individual investor, I consider that insider trading.  While it may 
not fit the SEC's definition of insider trading, in my eyes institutions are 
privy to certain information before I get it which is blatantly unjust. 
Thanks to the internet, competition has empowered the consumer and 
individual investor to make trades at prices at a fraction of a percentage 
of what full service brokerages historically provided which is a clear 
example of the monopoly type of dominance institutions once had.  It's time 
for the good ol' boy network to be disbanded.
     
I support Proposed Regulation FD.
     
Sincerely,
     
Ferrell L. Hickson
Civil Engineer
FDOT