Gaming the Rating System
Manipulating online rating systems may be more common than you think. Journals promoting highly-downloaded and rated articles should take note.
Journalism and Driving — Technology Enables Amateurs
Amateurs with similar machines as professionals have emerged before. Instead of travel, this time, it’s information.
The Francis Collins Controversy
The overtly religious views of Francis Collins, nominated to run the NIH, is creating a controversy deserving of careful attention.
From Information to Coordination
In this video from a U.S. State Department presentation, Clay Shirky explains how the Internet has gone from a “source of information” to a “site of coordination” — the fifth historical revolution in communications.
The Real-Time Web Emerges
The “Now Web” has emerged as a major alternative for users. Google is watching it, and you should be, too.
Successful Crowdsourcing Requires Feedback
Early feedback motivates future success in YouTube and Digg. Does the same feedback explain scientific publishing?
Traditional Books Become the Minority
Books made the traditional way accounted for less than 50% of US book production in 2008. Has the sea change come?
Bike to Work Week — Fun for Everyone!
National Bike to Work Week has ended. Here’s a bit of gentle cycling/driver humor to end the week.
Going Public About Privacy
Defining privacy is tricky, and it’s moreso in the digital-soaked world we live in. How can we frame our thinking on the issue?
University Presses: Missing an Opportunity?
While university presses shrink and go digital, are they trying to preserve a structural memory in the face of a modern reality?
Do You Want Lies?
We’re in the early days of a major revolution in information dissemination and creation. Clay Shirky shows us why we need to think the unthinkable.
Hulu Dances to the Forefront
In the world of online video, Hulu is making everyone else look stiff and arthritic.
Open Access and Global Participation in Science
Free scientific articles improve scholarship in developing countries. Subscription journals largely responsible.
Abraham Lincoln — No Final Version
Image by George Eastman House via Flickr Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s greatest orators and a writer and speaker who influenced our penchant for simple language and short, punchy text, probably never finished working on his speeches, introducing ad libs […]
Did You Know?
The 2008 update of “Did You Know?” continues its mind-blowing tradition.