The primary goal of Jackpoint is simply as a flavor and fluff tool for teh writers. It's a way to present information from an "In game" perspective. It also frequently makes for a fun read.
As for what Jackpoint does in-game for player characters? Not a whole lot, really, unless the GM wants to play with it some. Then you can use it like a contact.
Generally the In Character Documents that make up the bulk of many books (The sections with the discussions by the Jackpointers) are a compiled, read only document that is released to the general public once the Jackpointers are "done" discussing it. So they are documents that your characters can get your hands on to learn about this information, from an in character and in game point of view.
As a note, you don't "Hack your way into Jackpoint". It doesn't really work like that. Yes, you maybe might impress 'Jack with your l33t haxx0rs skills. But more likely, you'll be flatlined by FJ or one of a dozen other hackers in tehre who don't like intruders.
Jackpoint is invitation only. Fastjack's invitation. I believe other users can recommend membership, but it still goes through FJ for approval. And occasionally when a subject is being discussed, individuals will geta temporary invitation to that file section only, for the duration of that discussion.
Bull
