[LINK] Andrew Keene 'The Cult of the Amateur'

[Janet Hawtin]

On 9/19/07, David Goldstein <wavey_one at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> The debate Andrew Keen has raised is a good one, and the anonymity
> afforded online causes all sorts of problems and I largely agree with
> Richard and Adam.
>
> Anonymity is great when people respect others, but they so often take it
> as a licence to abuse, make unsubstantiated and libellous claims. Even on
> sites such as news.com.au, the comments made using anonymous names is just
> astounding. Sites such as guardian.co.uk and timesonline.co.uk are better,
> but still sometimes frightening.
>
> It's possible this descent into ever more abusive commentary on all manner
> of sites including news sites will lead to ever more regulation (self or by
> government), if not only to stave off defamation proceedings.
>
> If it was just a case of "those who don't like those environments to
> leave", well, this would be fine. But what if it involves you personally in
> some way?
>
> I agree with Richard that using ones real identity does not end the
> problem, however it curtails it somewhat.
>
> David


In which case we need to be very explicit and proactive about what kinds of
responses
our systems and law have to independent thinking speech and action

Student Tasered At Kerry Speech: Longer Version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE76LQwT6qA