User talk:Harvard212

When possible, I recapped my Class Discussion -- (Later integrated into classroom discussion boards.) This is not a complete list.

Class 1 Politics and Tech Control (Jan 24) Summary: I brought up the political connotation that (this rapid) media can play -- highlighting, in particular, the necessity of social responsibility and reliable journalism.

Class 2 Paradigms for Studying (Jan 31) Summary: Elaborated on inter-boundaries regulation. Questioned: social phenomenon of cultural differences, amongst other things.

Class 3 Regulating Speech Online (Feb 7) I missed this class, but through the readings these were my thoughts on Regulating Free Speech.

I respect the opportunity that America provides for its citizens in regards of Free Speech. Ultimately, it would be great to see that truly (and fully) utilized in the spectrum of Journalism. However, I agree with the Citizen Media Law writing on Defamation (http://www.citmedialaw.org/legal-guide/defamation) - especially having completed the Feb 7th Wikipedia assignment. It is too easy to pass personal judgment on the Net as "facts." The risk of defamation and the opportunity to slander and diminish an individual's (or corporation) reputation is freely available to any individual. As I worked through the Wikipedia website, and as a critical reader, I was not hasty to pass certain information as true. Sadly, that can't be said of all individuals that contribute "information" on the Internet.

I also appreciate the Protection for Private Blocking and Screening ( http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/47/230). First, for its bullet point conciseness. Second, for its clarity on the message (benefits of privacy and screening).

I had done a little curious reading into Zittrain and found this week's reading by Cornell Law useful in shedding light on the Morris worm phenomenon. It served to synthesize the material and juxtapose arguments on Morris' contribution, fluke, or unnecessary risk(s) in a balancing (and understanding) way. Without Morris' random tap into MIT's computers, we wouldn't have the social phenomenon and understanding of computers getting bugged. Simultaneously, it creates job opportunities and work for security companies. It is important to remember that all users take personal responsibility in the usage of the Internet and decipher the best practice for their communicative needs. As we can see now, the Net carries a certain set of liabilities and benefits. For those who have already been tripped up in this area, I say: live and learn. And don't take the bait to any prowless pranks or angry postings.

Class 4 New Economic Models (Feb 14) (Posted February 17, 2012 3:16pm GMT+0800) From the collection of this week's readings, I really enjoyed "Better Than Free". I agree with the Eight Generatives points, although I would have framed some of the arguments differently.

Of the Eight Generatives, I was particularly interested in: - Interpretation - Embodiment - Patronage - Findability

With so many things currently free to the market it is true that the know-how (or the insider view) to make the most use of free-ware a possible lucrative pursuit and endeavor for entrepreneurs. It would be interesting to see smart innovators combine free ware to help other entrepreneurs build lean start-ups.

I agree that embodiment and human interaction would become a premium as technology advances. Especially as everything is produced on the web and free (and quickly) available. This saturation in tech-connection and focus on embodiment would add value to the Patronage generative.

Lastly, Findability correlates tightly with Interpretation - or at least it should. If Interpretation becomes a premium knowledge as a known phenomenon then Findability is the bedrock for connective innovation (how all the technologies (and non-tech) peripherals meet and collide).

It would be great to see progress in this area, so that creative individuals would be able to build a sound business model.

I also found "Democratizing Innovation" interesting.

Hope you're all well, I will soon be over my busy bump and be rejoining classroom live-chats soon. All the best!

Class 5 Peer Production and Collaboration (Feb 21) As usual Mike's inputs are harmony seeking. Essentially, it was this class/topic that had me started on the ideas of perception and motivation in discussions (for the earlier assignments). Again, agreeing with classmates that Wikipedia (unfortunately) has been the ignition tool for a lot of disputes to air on public wave length, perhaps continuing education would bring nuances and methodologies that are more productive. Harvard212 15:15, 8 May 2012 EST

Class 6 Copyright in Cyberspace (Feb 28) Class 7 New and Old Media, Participation, and Information (March 6)

Class 8 Collective Action and Decision-making (March 20) Qdang raised an interesting idea of group intelligence. At the same time, group think can be counter-productive. The question to ask is how to move forward with collective speed and vigor, yet not work the group into isolated silos that are irrelevant to surrounds or reality. Harvard212 15:18, 8 May 2012 EST

The level of expertise and information distributed through these channels of information is a consideration. In addition, cultural norms may also stand against the validity and movement towards adopting thoughts. For instance, a group of trained skeptics may be much more wary of early information that has not be substantiated. Whereas another group that relates to each other on a more communicative or trust-base dynamics may adopt 'truths' on the simple notion that one or two group members have accepted these 'facts' as 'truths'. I almost feel like to be ethically solid, blogs should have disclaimers and opinion makers should remind their audience, they are voicing their opinion -- just to maintain neutrality and fairness of information filtering. Might get cumbersome though. Harvard212 15:23, 8 May 2012 EST

Class 9 Internet and Democracy (March 27) (Posted on March 29, 2012 1:30pm EST) I'm sad that I missed this class discussion, but I'm sure it was good. Of the reading that we scaled this week, I found the FreeMona piece exceptionally powerful. It awoke my understanding of "going viral" in a manner that is meaningful and powerful. FreeMona also made me realize the impact of social media and what expedited communication could look like in the matters (and aid) of critical situations. Indeed, this class has long left the safe haven of talking loftily about law/internet/society in theory, but an active agent. Even something as "small" as Twitter. Needless to say, this is not the first time I was floored by the grandiose of our studies packaged in this little room and live-stream. However, this week's focus highlights the importance of free internet and sheds light on the previous conversation around internet laws and cross-cultural acceptance (and relevance). Free speech is something that is still challenged in many countries.

Further, I am impressed by the Kony inclusion into this week's reading. Once again, the under radar communication proves itself powerful. And perhaps we really need to look at citizen journalism through refreshed (and solemn) lens.

Class 10 Control and Code: Privacy Online (April 3) Class 11 Internet and Democracy: The Sequel (April 10)

Class 12 Internet Infrastructure and Regulation (April 17) This is such an interwoven topic discussion that can't be had by looking in isolation. The infrastructure of the net essentially can be a powerful tool for communication (and if security is heightened and closed to 'speaking parties'). It could launch the economy and policy/negotiations at greater speed (and possibly accuracy). [Accuracy because the elimination of voice messaging and possible misinterpretation can be avoid -- although written text can have the same weaknesses.] To look at the situation through meeker lens, I would suggest that each policy culture first truly understand the existing and physical culture/philosophy of their people. Surely, each country would differ vastly from the other and that would effect the desirability of outcome for each nation. What would be hard to reconcile (without education) is how the infrastructure changes from culture to culture (the case of American vs Chinese net culture of today). Essentially, protests and disputes of inequality may in fact be an argument of Chinese people saying give us a choice, but don't limit (or prohibit). In that same light, the American view point of the Great Fire Wall could be seen as oppression. I do find some hilarity in reading the piece about democracy coming out as profanity on Chinese google. Not sure if that was included in this list of readings. Harvard212 15:40, 8 May 2012 EST

Class 12 The Wikileaks Case (April 24) I forget which class we brought up the discussion on Anonymity and having multiple accounts on Facebook (one for work and one for personal). I remember my initial response was perplexity over the duality. But I am growing in appreciation of the anonymity because the net is so accessible, and not out of wanting disguise rather, a necessity to work in solitude and quiet without too many prejudgment (or even input). Because some thoughts and things working it's way through its embryonic stage needs to be honored with that space and calm in order for necessary improvements and input to actually sink in (with meaning). It seems like much of what we have been grappling together as a class and in our discussion are philosophically rooted on how we perceive a quality state of mind/life on and off cyber space. Harvard212 15:46, 8 May 2012 EST

Class 13 Cybersecurity and Cyberwarfare (May 1) No class.

• Subject to change.

Last updated 8 May 2012.