This paper describes a World Wide Web-based, generic, inter-disciplinary subject called computer-aided policymaking. It has been offered at Melbourne University (Australia) from the beginning of 2001. It has generated some salutary lessons in marketing and pedagogy, but overall it is concluded that Web-based teaching has a rosy future. Nevertheless, difficulties in getting this particular inter-disciplinary subject widely accepted have laid bare some of the disciplinary-based myopia and information-based elitism that characterizes traditional universities. Specific problems discussed include universities' lack of resources, the competitive nature of universities, disciplinary chauvinism, and the custody of information. It is therefore concluded that adaptation to the Web's greater flexibility and democratization of education is an urgent priority for universities if they wish to retain their present position of leadership. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/MES)