There is a lot of free stuff on the Internet. Although most of it is supported by advertising, there are some free and useful websites that are truly supported by altruism. Wikipedia is the primary example. In our next meeting we will discuss the role that altruism plays in the new economy. Is it profound or just hype? Will is create or destroy jobs? Here are some TED Talks that will provide some background and examples of altruism on the web.
- Jonathan Zittrain: The Web as random acts of kindness
- Clay Shirky: How cognitive surplus will change the world
- Marcin Jakubowski: Open-sourced blueprints for civilization
-------------------- Update 5/15/14 and 5/16/14 -----------------
1) For those that want more detail on the Youtube vs, Pakistan incident can koi at this article, How Pakistan knocked YouTube offline.
2) From Dave Lenzo, link to Brief History of the Internet.
3) The three founders of the Internet who were high school classmates were Vinton Cerf, Jon Postel and Steve Crocker, and the school was Van Nuys High School. Zittrain did not mention other Internet founders, notably Bob Kahn.
4) Before making jokes about Al Gore inventing the Internet please read the facts. Here is what actually happened.
Mike, After viewing the three TED talks I am much more hopeful than I have been in the past. The young will be able to come up with many solutions. But, the problem will be whether the economic and political system can be adjusted to support their creativity or will the old "self-serving - selfish" paradigm prevail.
ReplyDeleteBeing rewarded according to one's efforts is regarded as fair by some. Others believe rewards should be shared equitably. Still others are willing to contribute to the common good as long as others contribute their fair share. Is society capable of reconciling these ideas? Voices in the Currents discussion group over the past year suggest not. That said, the TED talks are inspiring and hopeful..
ReplyDeleteJonathan Zittrain was in the news today commenting on the highest European court decision to require search engines to remove links upon request.
ReplyDeleteGoogle loses key privacy fight in EU