Do blogs really have the potential to change the way we live? To transform the way we communicate? The way we shop? The way we relate to one another?
I think yes. The number of broadband connection rose 33% last year and in the US, penetration is approaching 50%. While computer use is nearly ubiquitous, we’re also getting used to having technology change on us. There are more applications available that are easier to use, for free. Blog participation is sure to rise.
But will the proliferation of bloggers mean less reliable information or more? Will our ability to make connections over an endless array of topics make enrich our experiences? Or will the sheer volume of opinions and experiences overwhelm and confuse people? Curation will be critical.
Why do you read blogs? Why do you write a blog? And what do you think the future holds?
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Tragedy at Virginia Tech and Gun Laws
April 19, 2007
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the Virginia Tech students who so senselessly lost their lives. How unlucky. And how wrong.
In the midst of grappling with pointless loss, I have been wrestling with other issues that have emerged from this tragedy: the seriousness of mental illness, safety on school campuses, privacy rights and, most noteably for me, gun laws.
I believe in a person's right to protect him or herself. I believe that citizens have the right to protect themselves against unjust government. But I do not believe that a 23 year old kid has the right to buy two semiautomatic weapons with enough ammunition to last a year with such ease.
It just seems like common sense to me. Why is it easier to buy a gun than it is to volunteer? Seriously. Most volunteer programs have an application, a background check, and training. Some even require interviews and letters of recommendation. If I have to do that to serve people soup, I should definitely have to do that if I want to own a gun. Actually, I should have to do that to own a gun no matter what! Newsflash: Guns are really dangerous! Having an interview with a trained mental health professional and taking a safety course with a law enforcement professional before one can obtain a firearm seems like a good idea to me.
But maybe I don't even think people need semiautomatic or automatic weaponry to defend themselves. I know the argument that you can't stop the good guys (sane, ordinary citizens) from having guns becuase the bad guys (insane murderers/criminals) will still have them. But aren't there other means for defense?
There are lots of other facets to this issue and I am curious what you think. Let me know.
Also, for interesting facts and figures check out: http://www.nraila.org/Issues/FactSheets/Read.aspx?id=59
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_violence_in_the_United_States
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the Virginia Tech students who so senselessly lost their lives. How unlucky. And how wrong.
In the midst of grappling with pointless loss, I have been wrestling with other issues that have emerged from this tragedy: the seriousness of mental illness, safety on school campuses, privacy rights and, most noteably for me, gun laws.
I believe in a person's right to protect him or herself. I believe that citizens have the right to protect themselves against unjust government. But I do not believe that a 23 year old kid has the right to buy two semiautomatic weapons with enough ammunition to last a year with such ease.
It just seems like common sense to me. Why is it easier to buy a gun than it is to volunteer? Seriously. Most volunteer programs have an application, a background check, and training. Some even require interviews and letters of recommendation. If I have to do that to serve people soup, I should definitely have to do that if I want to own a gun. Actually, I should have to do that to own a gun no matter what! Newsflash: Guns are really dangerous! Having an interview with a trained mental health professional and taking a safety course with a law enforcement professional before one can obtain a firearm seems like a good idea to me.
But maybe I don't even think people need semiautomatic or automatic weaponry to defend themselves. I know the argument that you can't stop the good guys (sane, ordinary citizens) from having guns becuase the bad guys (insane murderers/criminals) will still have them. But aren't there other means for defense?
There are lots of other facets to this issue and I am curious what you think. Let me know.
Also, for interesting facts and figures check out: http://www.nraila.org/Issues/FactSheets/Read.aspx?id=59
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_violence_in_the_United_States
Friday, April 13, 2007
Big Opening - Marriage
April 13, 2007
Today I launch Culturize. My hope is to create a portal for rich discussion on the world around us. Basically, what I think about people and stuff and what you all think about people and stuff.
I hope it will be fun!
Today's topic will be Marriage, in honor of my mom and dad's 32nd anniversary. What does it take for a marriage to last and not be completely miserable? Obviously, there are many factors that vary between couples, but what are the fundamental requirements? Here's my guess (I am not married):
1. Luck
2. Optimism
3. Committment
3. Respect
4. Responsibility
5. Affection
What do you think?
Today I launch Culturize. My hope is to create a portal for rich discussion on the world around us. Basically, what I think about people and stuff and what you all think about people and stuff.
I hope it will be fun!
Today's topic will be Marriage, in honor of my mom and dad's 32nd anniversary. What does it take for a marriage to last and not be completely miserable? Obviously, there are many factors that vary between couples, but what are the fundamental requirements? Here's my guess (I am not married):
1. Luck
2. Optimism
3. Committment
3. Respect
4. Responsibility
5. Affection
What do you think?
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