UK: EDITORIAL - A Search Engine for Internet Stars.

This month we try to inject some sanity into the crazy world of e. Looking beyond all the hype, hysteria and speculation, we are delighted to introduce what we believe is the most rigorous and objective analysis of internet start-up companies.

Knowing that just about everyone would be coming up with some sort of guide to this booming phenomenon, we decided to engage in real research from a leading consultancy for the best possible analysis. It is not designed as a network or a club. The MT/Bain e25 is an index where fortunes will inevitably rise and fall. We will update and publish the e25 regularly.

The process began in July at a meeting with a top team of strategic consultants at Bain & Company. How, we asked, could we shed real light on Britain's internet explosion? How could we pick the real players from the jumble of contenders and pretenders which have popped up in the press with bewildering variety? How could we provide something useful?