What makes for a civilized world in our galaxy? Many planets host technological advanced cultures, yet not all of them live up to certain galactic standards. Randy Cramer has visited and interacted with several species of extraterrestrial peoples living on distant worlds. He describes what he has learned about their cultures and customs. Binding them together, is a vast trade system, of which Earth is a part. He discusses common materials traded, as well as the regulations governing trade and interplanetary relations. Some of the standards imposed by this loose-knit organization may be what is protecting many worlds, and keep others isolated.