Describe Peter and Valentine's initial postings and responses to them on the internet.

They practice by using "throw-away personas," getting the hang of adult language and style, refining away any childish tendencies or arguments. Once they are ready, the create permanent personas: Peter is "Locke," the levelheaded peacemaker, while Valentine is "Demosthenes," the anti-Russian warmonger.

They plan out debates for their personas and then post them as though they were not planned. After their first post, they are inundated with responses. After seven months, Valentine/Demosthenes and then Peter/Locke are asked to write newsnet columns. Valentine is dismayed that people often agree with Demosthenes over Locke--including her father, who quotes Demosthenes at the breakfast table.