17.2.06 Toward an internet that talks at you only
Lawrence Lessig is one of the smartest guys in the world. And when he speaks, we should take heed. Right now, he is concerned that the “read–write” internet is becoming a “read-only” one, where corporations are using it to further their own profit motive, away from the creativity of people. As reported at if:book:
The cable and phone companies believe that since it’s through their physical infrastructure that the culture flows, that they should be able to control how it flows. They want the right to shape the flow of culture to best fit their ideal architecture of revenue. You can see, then, how if they had it their way, the internet would come to look much more like an on-demand broadcast service than the vibrant two-way medium we have today: simply because it’s easier to make money from read-only than from read/write—from broadcast than from public access. The law of copyright, too, is being moved away from the idea of authorship to one where monopolies can be formed—something that has been creeping in over the last century. And that can only be bad for creativity, and for democracy. It’s more reason the internet should not reflect our less than stellar world—but be an ideal, global frontier for the unity of all humankind. I’d like to hear what we can do about this. My most ready suggestion is being aware and voting with your dollars away from corporations that have a tendency to control “our” media. Del.icio.us tags: internet | media | profit | copyright | monopoly | culture | creativity | democracy Posted by Jack Yan, 22:39 Comments:
One of the major problems in this sort of discussion, and it has always been so, is that MOST people are happy not to think about these things. Here in Australia (and in New Zealand to a lesser extent) the population is not heavily politicised, there is little public debate on issues like these and a lot of apathy. There seems to be a remarkable level of trust being displayed (but not admitted) in government and media to "do the right thing" by citizens, that has very little foundation. "She'll be right" may well be the death-cry of Australian democracy, freedom of speech and control of our own voice.
Excellent point, Ric. Most would rather ignore this—like me trying not to think of where meat comes from. And in countries where there is a centrist political structures—Liberal and Labor are more similar than the Republicans and Democrats—you are correct: things aren’t debated heavily. I guess folks like and you and me can only get word out as much as possible—waking people up a few at a time. I also hope the blogosphere grows where we are.
Hey - everyone knows meat comes from plastic trays in supermarkets! Those fluffy, fleecy things in Kiwi paddocks are only there for tourist snapshots ...
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