Is Google Making Us Stupid, Part II: Perhaps, If We Don’t Seek Truth Over Information
Is a creeping computerization of our intellects making us less willing to accept that truth and knowledge may begin and end with human beings?
Let’s Hear It for Reckless Enthusiasm!
Innovations in scholarly communications often come about through bold and often reckless investments in new capacity, for which the utility is not always obvious.
Some Memorable Dishes from the Kitchen in 2009
As 2009 comes to an end, here is a selection of entries that left an especially nice flavor on the palette.
The Unstoppable Corporate Force Meets the Immovable Social Network
The companies behind social networks and media are running into conflicts with their users as they try to generate revenue from their services. Recent moves by Google, Facebook and AT&T are all sparking controversy as each encounters opposition to their business models from their customers.
Open Science Debate: Democracy or Dominance?
Can one ideologue really hijack the OSTP forum on Open Access implementation?
The Scholars’ Catalog Project
A new initiative for a unifying online catalog of resources is underway. Can it provide a substrate for future innovation?
A Library Card Under the Christmas Tree
‘Twas the month before Christmas, and by listening hard, you can hear Joe Esposito yearn for a library card. The reasons are simple, yet give publishers pause. No wonder Joe’s only hope is with Santa Claus.
What Happens When We Misplace the Credentialing Keys?
Self-publishing initiatives in consumer publishing a falling under harsh criticism. Why aren’t similar endeavors in the purportedly more disciplined area of scholarly publishing experiencing the same?
Can the Creativity of Social Persuasion Cure “Corporate Asperger’s Syndrome”?
When we lose track of the social role of our materials, we miss opportunities to accomplish our goals in refreshing ways.
No Journal Access? Email the Author, Colleague
Peer-to-peer sharing of scientific articles is common for Indian scientists, a new study reports.
Breaking the Chain of Inquiry — When Journals and Journalists Fall Short
When an author conceals information, and a blog branded with a respectable newspaper plays along, it doesn’t engender confidence in the new information space.
Thriving in the Age of the Informavore
The accelerated, real-time Web has some people worried about its cultural effects. Given the alternatives, I’ll take it.
Why a Politician’s Dollar Is Worth More than a Dollar
How can $1 be worth more than $1? Let a lobbyist teach you.
Will the Writing Revolution Beget a Social Revolution?
Is the revolution in authorship and writing going to lead to more social upheaval? Two scholars argue it may well be the case.
The Future of Publishing? Trust and Curation, Says the Founder of Craigslist
When an outsider looks in, the opportunities in the changing media landscape become crystal clear. Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, recently gazed into the publishing house and has plenty of great observations.