Why shouldn't an individual be able to operated a server on their DSL or cable modem connection?
Because DSL and cable moden networks have evolved into lowest-cost, widest-reach service networks designed to allow anyone with $30 access to a relatively fat pipe. As a result those networks have turned into rich sources of net garbage, and most clueful network operators have taken to defending themselves against this torrent of silliness. So, I suppose that the question is not so much of one being "allowed" to run a server on an xDSL or cable link, but of the real world effectiveness of doing so.
Why prevent people from running servers on DSL and cable modem connections, yet say they could run an identical server in a colo? Why is one unsafe, and the other is considered Ok?
Nothing is 100% safe, but I'd much rather accept unrestricted traffic from a network with 1000 customers and 2 geek engineers than from a network with 1,000,000 customers and 25 engineers on staff wading through mountains of abuse reports. At least at the smaller, more "geek intensive" level, there is a greater ability to deal with mischief in a timely and decisive fashion. -- Drew Linsalata The Gotham Bus Company, Inc. Colocation and Dedicated Access Solutions http://www.gothambus.com