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Collaboration vs Competition

2009-03-21T17:51:00.011-06:00

Once again, we come up against a dichotomy of thought in the realm of free enterprise. I notice that collaboration is gaining traction on the internet, via social media and networking. Although, it's also apparent that "brands" are creating walls too high to climb for some strange reason. What would be the point of only promoting brands which bring you a direct profit, while ignoring popular applications or tools just because you don't get a penny for every time they are used?
As I said a few years ago, the efforts online which emphasize collaboration and make navigating the web easier (hint: don't require passwords for everything) would do well. It seems I was right on that point, twitter being one case in point. Even if you don't have a twitter account, you can still read messages and search messages, which I think is helpful for those who are not savvy with social networking skills. Anyway, does anyone have any excuse or reason for the lack of collaboration by many of the larger internet brands? Why would they jealously hoard their tools and hope for the demise of their competitors? Maybe they haven't caught the social web 3.0 virus yet. Competition is great, for contests and friendly challenges. But, competition which shuts down colloboration is just plain silly, IMHO.
Recommended listening:
SXSWi 2009 Presentation:
Civic Technologies and the Future of the Internet
Jonathan Zittrain, Harvard Law School
Berkman Center for Internet & Society
Jonathan Zittrain warns how the migration to closed systems will end innovation on the Internet and facilitate unsettling new kinds of control and offers solutions for avoiding this web lockdown

Eternity As a Moment vs A Moment as Eternity

2009-03-20T18:19:00.007-06:00

I've been enjoying Christopher Fry's writings lately, they lead to good thinking.
This quote is one example:
In tragedy every moment is eternity; in comedy, eternity is a moment. Christopher Fry

During my mental ruminations, I've come to the conclusion that tragedy is a short term event, much like an earthquake. Whereas, comedy is the dew which sparkles on the grass every morning when we greet the day. Eternity is able to transmute this fragile life into something solid and lasting, which is found in the level of spirit and gives power to the comedic outlook in our natures.
Tragedy, though intense and shocking, by it's very existance reminds us that we naturally cling to stability and comfort. We are not created to be convulsed in every moment, but, only sporadically. To cultivate the habit of laughing in the face of our calamaties, large and small, this is what keeps us buoyant and at the same time makes us tough enough to proceed in the face of risk and difficulties. The moment and eternity, at odds? Or strangely at one? You decide.

Zeus Jones: Phizzpop Austin “Use More” Program

2009-03-18T21:36:00.001-06:00

This made me smile!

SXSW 2009 Presentation for Austin, Texas
by Zeus Jones
Phizzpop

Being Switzerland

2009-03-18T13:19:00.000-06:00

One of my eccentric personality traits is wanting to be "above the fray", with an objective stance on almost everything. This is a tenuous position, since it is considered unPC to refrain from taking sides. According to my perspective, any conflict or disagreement can be best understood by remaining neutral (like Switzerland during WWII) and being brave enough to consider both sides before rushing to judgment.
I'll add more thoughts to this topic as they come to mind.
Do you enjoy being objective? Or do you feel that taking a side is the best way to advance in life?

Current Events and Commentary

2009-03-18T11:52:00.000-06:00

Hi,
My name is Laurie. Instead of yelling inappropriately (and making snarky comments) at the television, I decided to start a blog to record my random thoughts and rants. Actually, my daughter recommended this form of "blog therapy", and what Jo wants, Jo gets!
Hope you enjoy, I know I will.
BTW: I would like to hear your thoughts on any subjects mentioned, since I am a student of life and love to learn everyday. Feel free to use the comments feature to comment or ask questions. I love to answer questions!