The Open Internet

Posted on by
Reply

There was a big buzz over the alleged talks between Google and Verizon. I will have to admit that I was quite nervous as Google has become one of the largest holders of personal data and if they decide that profit is the only motivator it could get messy. The NY Times original broke the story that Verizon was going to grant priority to Google data on they network. And if it is not true as Google has claimed on Twitter, then where did they get their information? More and more it seems, the number stories that are published based on rumor and conjecture is ever increasing.

As a consumer we need to be ever vigilant to address the modern challenges that society presents. If Google houses great pile of our personal information, we can become exposed at any time either by Google’s actions or lack of action. We must also guard against misinformation that is propagated in the media. Many news outlets echoed the Google/Verizon story and had Google not denied the charges, it may have spiraled into a tech news frenzy. Net Neutrality is not a subject that the media or public should take lightly. This time it looks as if the story is false but maybe next time we may not be as fortunate.

Cognitive Surplus?

Posted on by
Reply

I have started reading Clay Shriky’s book Cognitive Surplus. So far I find myself conflicted half ways through the book, while I agree that there is plenty of mental waste out in the world there seems to be a lack of consideration of the quality and a quantity of this surplus that can be leveraged for spare projects. He cites the 8-8-8 break down of time eight for work, eight for free time and eight eight for sleep. Shirky focuses on the eight hours of free time for calculating this surplus that can be applied to various project facilitated through social works enabled be digital technologies.

Like many people I have many responsibilities that consume that precious eight hours that quite often eats into that eight hours reserved for sleep. Does that mean that I do not have spare time, absolutely not. Over the past few years I used that spare time to  finish my Master’s degree. But this pursuit often displaced time with my family or household duties, it was with the support of my family that I was able to keep life in check. But I graduated in May, what have I been doing with my time? This time has been spent enjoying the company of my wife and family, taking up those house project that I had put off for so long, and even doing a bit of nothing at all because I can.

The eight hours that is in in question get used for many duties that I suspect that other have to deal with, as well. Meals, yes feeding myself and family. There is a meal before work and after that likely eat up at least an hour of that time, if I cook a family meal in the evening that can easily be an hour and a half to cook and eat with the family. Commuting, that driving to and from work, requires between one hour and two hours. Personal hygiene requires 30-40 minutes, we have to clean ourselves. Household clean up and maintenance takes time whether you live in a apartment or house. And lets not forget the kids, if you have them, they can take up quite a bit of time and make other duties take longer. After all this I am tired sometimes, I may be even a bit tired thinking about it.

I am hoping that Shirky accounts for “life” in the last few chapters but I am not feeling him getting there. I do not think his theories are off base but I do believe that he over estimates the availability of free time.

Facebook Friends

Posted on by
Reply

fblogoComentThe word “friend” get thrown around quite a bit nowadays.  On FB, my  friends are actually my friends and family.  I do not have work associates or any other professional persons listed because that is why I use LinkedIn, to maintain those professional contacts.

The social and professional lines blur for many people and many are accepting of this situation.  For example, a friend told me a story of attending a local creative professional group.  Before leaving they all friended each other on FB, so that they could stay in touch.  Not phone numbers or emails but friended each other.  This boggles my mind, and yes I might be a bit conservative here but I want my friend and family time to be just that and nothing more. If I log into FB I do not want to see post from coworker or notices from classes, because it is a bit of social time even if is for just a moment.

In this age of hyper connectivity we need to learn to manage our exposure as we have not had to do in the past.  Ten years ago I would never have needed to be concerned that a co-worker might hear or read what they might find distasteful or offensive, I’m thinking of politics, from a friend.  I am sure not going to let it happen now it I have control over the mix of professional and personal life.