"Hello, New York times? I'm calling to let you know that I just compromised your network."
"Yes, I'm more than willing to tell you exactly how I did it, and how you can fix it."
"No, no, sir - I don't want any money. I just want to make sure that your network is secure."

Knock, knock, knock.
BANG BANG BANG
Police! Open UP!

"We consider the breach of The New York Times Company's internal corporate network in February 2002 to be a serious security matter, and have been cooperating with the FBI and local authorities in their investigation of Adrian Lamo," The New York Times Company said in a statement provided by spokeswoman Christine Mohan.

Geez. What is the NYT hiding that they feel compelled to get someone arrested who was trying to help them? Now - I'll admit that it wasn't the smartest thing to do. But, if you are walking through the neighborhood, if you come across an open door, should you open it? If you open it, and then call the owners of the house and let them know thier door is unlocked - should they then work with the FBI to get you arrested for trying the doorknob?
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Since writing this I've received more information. Apparently he logged in and started messing around with their network, 3 months after his initial alert to them that their information was not secure. So - this is kinda' like a guy finding an unlocked door notifying the ower, going back 3 months later, finding the door still unlocked and deciding that he'd go in and take a look around. So, I don't know how I feel about it now.