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==Connectivity, Intent and the “new reality”==
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In 1953, Sir Arthur C. Clarke published a science fiction novel entitled [http://books.google.com/books?id=duCDX5kelHsC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_v2_summary_r&cad=0 ''Childhood's End''], in which the human race was transformed by a fusion of all human minds into a "hive-mind"-type structure which was then able to integrate with an interstellar ''Overmind''.  This novel remains rooted in the world of fantasy, but is perhaps becoming more pertinent as the world uses the Web 2.0 dynamic to become interconnected in a new way.
 
In 1953, Sir Arthur C. Clarke published a science fiction novel entitled [http://books.google.com/books?id=duCDX5kelHsC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_v2_summary_r&cad=0 ''Childhood's End''], in which the human race was transformed by a fusion of all human minds into a "hive-mind"-type structure which was then able to integrate with an interstellar ''Overmind''.  This novel remains rooted in the world of fantasy, but is perhaps becoming more pertinent as the world uses the Web 2.0 dynamic to become interconnected in a new way.
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This idea of individual effort creating a group result is not a strange concept to a musician: indeed, one has to look no further than the orchestra or other such ensembles -- the Drum and Bugle corps is a very brilliant visual illustration of this type of behavior.
 
This idea of individual effort creating a group result is not a strange concept to a musician: indeed, one has to look no further than the orchestra or other such ensembles -- the Drum and Bugle corps is a very brilliant visual illustration of this type of behavior.
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<youtube>8WBiMtzhX7U</youtube>
    
These types of group performances are usually characterized by each individual performing highly specialized tasks within the context of the group aims.  One can also point to sports teams, theater and dance companies, military organizations, and other such structures as examples of this type of teamwork through individual specialization.
 
These types of group performances are usually characterized by each individual performing highly specialized tasks within the context of the group aims.  One can also point to sports teams, theater and dance companies, military organizations, and other such structures as examples of this type of teamwork through individual specialization.
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It goes without saying that this is hardly a description of ''clearly defined intent''.  In spite of all of this trivial and misdirected energy, the circumstances of the uprising in Iran and the use of the social networking service [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/16/irans-twitter-revolution/ Twitter as an integral part of the protesting activities] puts a whole new spin on this issue which I personally felt merited reflection.
 
It goes without saying that this is hardly a description of ''clearly defined intent''.  In spite of all of this trivial and misdirected energy, the circumstances of the uprising in Iran and the use of the social networking service [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/16/irans-twitter-revolution/ Twitter as an integral part of the protesting activities] puts a whole new spin on this issue which I personally felt merited reflection.
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<youtube>sW3HVHGvgkE</youtube>
    
Almost every type of "new media" angle is being used to get the most current information out of the country without governmental censorship, without regard to whether or not the information may be correct.  However, in comparing the information conveyed in these reports to the [http://valleywag.gawker.com/5297407/lance-amrstrong-denied-chance-to-slam-greg-lemond-or-story-saying-he-slams-greg-lemond type of information] usually posted on these sorts of services, one is struck by the sense of urgency and intent in the Iranian posts.
 
Almost every type of "new media" angle is being used to get the most current information out of the country without governmental censorship, without regard to whether or not the information may be correct.  However, in comparing the information conveyed in these reports to the [http://valleywag.gawker.com/5297407/lance-amrstrong-denied-chance-to-slam-greg-lemond-or-story-saying-he-slams-greg-lemond type of information] usually posted on these sorts of services, one is struck by the sense of urgency and intent in the Iranian posts.
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Judd Bagley has already brilliantly shown how [http://antisocialmedia.net/lecture1/player.html Wikipedia was used] by certain elements on Wall Street to manipulate markets through the practice of naked short selling. This is much evidence that public relations firms, governmental agencies from many countries, religious organizations, and other such structures are using social media to try to manipulate public opinion on any number of issues. In these difficult times when businesses are failing and people are losing jobs, savings, and homes, the free circulation of unbiased information can directly affect the objective realities of those of us who use these services.
 
Judd Bagley has already brilliantly shown how [http://antisocialmedia.net/lecture1/player.html Wikipedia was used] by certain elements on Wall Street to manipulate markets through the practice of naked short selling. This is much evidence that public relations firms, governmental agencies from many countries, religious organizations, and other such structures are using social media to try to manipulate public opinion on any number of issues. In these difficult times when businesses are failing and people are losing jobs, savings, and homes, the free circulation of unbiased information can directly affect the objective realities of those of us who use these services.
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<td><img src="http://akahele.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/wikipedia-book.jpg" alt="" /></td>
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<td class="photocaption">Wikipedia's featured articles, printed</td>
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Even the way that these social media sites are presenting themselves needs to be questioned.  Recently, artist [http://www.rob-matthews.com/index.php?/project/wikipedia/ Rob Matthews created a book] representing Wikipedia's "featured articles".  The object created clearly cannot be perceived as being a valid substitute for an encyclopedia.  In the same way, [http://www.wikipediaart.org/ Wikipedia Art] underlined the inherent flaws behind the way that content was selected, manipulated, and judged.  The manifestation of these concepts into concrete forms of reality and the resulting unworkability of these forms suggest that the underlying concepts are flawed.    What does this object say about the way that our society is currently transforming and presenting knowledge?
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In this rapidly transforming world, whether we use the Internet or whether it uses us might become an important aspect of our real lives.  The heroism and courage of the Iranian people gives us a shining example of just how important these tools might become.  What we decide to do with them, either as informed active participants or as unthinking passive spectators, could have implications which go far beyond imagination.  Taking control of our individual power to discern, to reason, and to validate might be much less abstract than it would seem.  And grouping our collective actions might be an effective means of changing our current personal circumstances in an extremely effective way, with possibly surprising results.
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<h4>Image credits:</h4>
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    <li>Wikipedia Book: © 2009 by [http://www.rob-matthews.com/ Rob Matthews], used with permission</li>
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==Comments==
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[[Image:wikipedia-book.jpg|thumb|left|Wikipedia's featured articles, printed]]
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2 Responses        to “        Connectivity, Intent and the “new reality”        ”
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Even the way that these social media sites are presenting themselves needs to be questioned.  Recently, artist [http://www.rob-matthews.com/index.php?/project/wikipedia/ Rob Matthews created a book] representing Wikipedia's "featured articles".  The object created clearly cannot be perceived as being a valid substitute for an encyclopedia.  In the same way, [http://www.wikipediaart.org/ Wikipedia Art] underlined the inherent flaws behind the way that content was selected, manipulated, and judged.  The manifestation of these concepts into concrete forms of reality and the resulting unworkability of these forms suggest that the underlying concepts are flawed.  What does this object say about the way that our society is currently transforming and presenting knowledge?
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Comments RSS
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In this rapidly transforming world, whether we use the Internet or whether it uses us might become an important aspect of our real lives.  The heroism and courage of the Iranian people gives us a shining example of just how important these tools might become.  What we decide to do with them, either as informed active participants or as unthinking passive spectators, could have implications which go far beyond imagination.  Taking control of our individual power to discern, to reason, and to validate might be much less abstract than it would seem.  And grouping our collective actions might be an effective means of changing our current personal circumstances in an extremely effective way, with possibly surprising results.
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Gregory Kohs     
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===Image credits===
I am sure you’re familiar with Robert Fripp and his “crafty guitarists” project?  It’s interesting to contrast Fripp’s approach with that of the Cavaliers drum & bugle corps. Fripp seemed to me obsessed on group uniformity, in that every performer is precisely mimicking the stated goal.
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*Wikipedia Book: © 2009 by [http://www.rob-matthews.com/ Rob Matthews], used with permission
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The videos of his “League of Crafty Guitarists” session performances have been deleted by YouTube (due to copyright), but the audio showcases are still there:
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==Comments==
 
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2 Responses to “Connectivity, Intent and the “new reality””
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q7fZclBBuo
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Especially hilarious is this guy’s parody of Fripp’s guitar craft efforts:
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5Jwcqy1Zb8
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And I’m a big Robert Fripp fan, too — so don’t get me wrong!
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Paul Wehage     
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There are many examples of musicians who are obsessed with this kind of precision playing, Fripp being one of ‘em.  I chose the Cavaliers performance (probably the best DBC performance ever) because it clearly shows how seemingly random acts by an individual can add up to something much more if seen from a higher vantage point.  But the idea can be seen in almost any group activity that I can think of.
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I enjoyed the Fripp parody very much!  thanks, Greg!
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;Gregory Kohs   
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:I am sure you’re familiar with Robert Fripp and his “crafty guitarists” project?  It’s interesting to contrast Fripp’s approach with that of the Cavaliers drum & bugle corps.  Fripp seemed to me obsessed on group uniformity, in that every performer is precisely mimicking the stated goal.
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:The videos of his “League of Crafty Guitarists” session performances have been deleted by YouTube (due to copyright), but the audio showcases are still there:
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:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q7fZclBBuo
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:Especially hilarious is this guy’s parody of Fripp’s guitar craft efforts:
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:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5Jwcqy1Zb8
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:And I’m a big Robert Fripp fan, too — so don’t get me wrong!
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;Paul Wehage     
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:There are many examples of musicians who are obsessed with this kind of precision playing, Fripp being one of ‘em.  I chose the Cavaliers performance (probably the best DBC performance ever) because it clearly shows how seemingly random acts by an individual can add up to something much more if seen from a higher vantage point.  But the idea can be seen in almost any group activity that I can think of.
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:I enjoyed the Fripp parody very much!  thanks, Greg!
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