[Strawbale] re. metal vs. plastic mesh / electric field issues

[Paul Newby]

>>     There are a couple of problem with this, big ones.
>>     One is that the earth (terra firma) is no longer at zero 
>>potential.
> 

I don't know about the validity or significance of this
assertion, but...

> I find this very hard to believe.  For one thing if the earth had a net 
> charge, it would be interacting with other nearby objects with those 
> interactions being governed by the much stronger electrical force 
> rather than the weak gravitational force.  Secondly, we would need to 
> be getting a net charge from somewhere.  If the earth was once 
> electrically neutral, any electrons we liberate to due our bidding must 
> at the same time create a positively charged entity of some sort, 
> maintaining the balance.

... earth isn't necessarily at a uniform potential.  Current
flowing through the earth's surface creates a potential difference,
which is why you're supposed to stand on one foot during a
lightning storm, since current radiating from the point where
lightning strikes can create a hazardous potential difference between
your feet.

Paul N.