The “Me at the Center” Expectation — A New Consumer Mindset and What It Might Portend
The world should present itself relative to me = the emerging expectation. What that means for broadcasters and publishers? Get ready to be shared.
Post-publication Review: Is the Dialog of Science Really a Monologue?
It has never been easier to post a comment to a scientific article. Just don’t expect an adequate reply from the author — or one at all — according to a new study.
Sounding the Revolution
How do we gain a better vantage amidst the dust and din of an ongoing information revolution the likes of which the world has never seen before?
Let the Adaptations Begin!
The infrastructure for change is in place and largely working. What might that mean for publishing and academic cultures? (The first of a four-part series.)
Dance, Dance, Dance on Labor Day
You will be smiling by the time this ends, celebrating the day of labor.
Environmental Degradation Captured on Film — via the Rainbows Near the Earth’s Surface
Rainbows are much more common in near-ground sprinklers than they were 20 years ago. Or so asserts the infamous “Rainbow Lady.”
Today’s UK Researchers: E-journals Dominate, Access Not an Issue, Skimming Increasing
A set of findings confirm rather than surprise, but apparently some publishers are still behaving as if they’ll be surprised.
Rectifying Asymmetries — Experts Are Battered From All Sides, But Are We Any Smarter?
Is the Web making experts more susceptible to challenge? Is this a good thing for society as a whole? Or is it creating a confusion demagogues can exploit?
Teaching the End of Print — Using Books Poised on the Edge of Oblivion
A teacher publishes a syllabus contemplating a print era bounded by two inventions — the printing press and the networked screen. It’s part of a sweep of interesting observations.
Reference List Length and Citations: A Spurious Relationship
Like ice-cream and murder, there is no causal relationship between reference length and citations. Now go tell Nature.
Want a Solution to Bad Traffic? Turn Off the Traffic Signals
A town in the UK abandons traffic lights, to surprising effect.
Badminton, the Rant — “They’re Dropping Off Their Kids, They’re Leaving Skid Marks!”
In this clip, a mother (and sportscaster) recounts the devastating game of badminton and its effects on her life.
“Cognitive Surplus” — Look What Can Happen When We Turn Off the Television
Clay Shirky’s new book is smart, snappy, and insightful. You should read it if you want to understand why people are adding social media to their lives.
Is Print an Elite Medium? Or a Medium for Elitists?
College journalists are more motivated about getting into print, editors are missing huge opportunities, and Harry Potter’s owners are in no hurry to go digital. What gives?
Clay Shirky on Generosity, Erotic Novels, Civics, Lolcats, and Scholarly Journals
The cognitive surplus of our age is being unleashed. This video discusses some of the side-effects and trends that will shape our futures.