Understanding collaborative writing as a form of networking is useful in that it highlights the fact that composition students do not have the same type of networks or networking skills. Composition assignments should take into account the digital divide and should foster networking across social class divisions because invention is a social act. This will not merely benefit students from working class backgrounds. There is much merit in setting up assignments that offer students the opportunity to collaborate with other students, whose contacts and networks can only extend their combined resources. Composition instructors have a responsibility to design assignments that foster the types of networking and negotiation skills that are rapidly becoming necessary in all facets of the new networked economy. Contains 13 references. (EF)