A Life Untold & Uninteresting

What 3.0 All About Anyway?

The idea of time periods, generations, and eons is a big focus for society. We compare baby boomers to Gen Xers to the Me Generation to “Digital Natives”. Obviously the same facination extends to periods of technology. The speed at which we’ve innovated and improved over the past few years has been nothing short of impressive and has taken us to the amazing technical improvements available now.

As a result we are at a point where technical constraints are so low that there can be and should be a seamless transition between the digital and the physical worlds. So the experience that I begin online is easily continued in the real world and augmented through the use of handheld devices, digital signage and online connections.

Many people think that the 3.0 internet will be semantic, the online experience will be unique and tailored for each individual. I think that this is selling ourselves short. Instead, the internet version 3 will be about using technology to improve and build upon your real world experiences. From location awareness to augmented reality we already see this happening.

Because of the proliferation of social networks and media, it makes sense that this coupling of digital and real should continue beyond our social lives. We should take adavantage of technology to improve our healthcare, purchase decisions and general service options.

I’m still working out these thoughts, and I appreciate your comments. Am I way off track and Web 3.0 is going to be something altogether different?

Popularity: 2% [?]

Old East Village

On two separate occasions this week I found myself in the Old East Village in London.

And I realised two things;

1. I need to come here more often, there a collection of what might potentially be some interesting shops

2. The area is really a microcosm of London as a whole, spread too thin with abandoned and forgotten sections.

I know many people are working hard to improve the area, and I hope their efforts are rewarded. Since I discovered a store stocking authentic Montreal bagels, I know that I’ll be back in the neighbourhood before too long.

Popularity: 3% [?]

The Concept of Openness

I’ve had the opportunity over the last couple of weeks to think about what “openness” means. It is certainly the buzz word of a web 2.0 and social media age; but what message are we trying to convey when we throw that term out? Unfortunately I think we get it confused with and mistakenly think it is a synonym for crowdsourced. I think both concepts are very important, but they refer to different ideas. Openness means sharing information with a community and letting them see and hopefully understand how decisions are made.

I’m involved in a couple of really fun projects in the City of London, one of which is PodCamp London. PodCamps are free unconferences; the attendees decide what sessions take place. There is no booked keynote speaker, and everyone is encouraged to move about during the day. Conversations and topic discussions spontaneously pop up in the hallways and information is shared in a casual and transparent manner.

Yet the planning of the event is still somewhat traditional. The community isn’t asked to provide input on every detail of the day. There are decisions to be made, and that requires an organizing committee. A group of people, who remain accountable to the attendees, and yet make decisions that will effect them.

That doesn’t mean that PodCamp London isn’t open.  The attendees have a huge say in how the day unfolds. However without a group of people making final decisions the event could never place. I think this illustrates two other important components of openness; transparency and accountability.

As I work on numerous projects, I push for openness. I also understand that I won’t nor should I be involved in every decision. There will always be things that have to remain behind closed doors and sometimes it is necessary to work within existing frameworks that don’t look like they promote any form of openness.

When we push for open concepts, whether it be government, data, or the organizing of conferences, lets make sure that we understand what we want to achieve. Openness is great, it just needs context to be effective.

Popularity: 2% [?]

PodCamp Toronto 2010

Over the weekend of February 19/20/21 I was able to attend PodCamp Toronto.

It was a great chance to connect with some old friends, meet new people and general hang out with other social media aficionados.

I attended a number of great sessions throughout the weekend. However rather then not give each of them the full coverage they deserve I won’t go into detail.

In addition to the sessions, there were a number of great parties and events. The open mic night at the official afterparty was a great success, as you can see from this great photo of my and James Wilkinson singing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” while Pat Dryburgh played the guitar.

I’m looking forward to PodCamp London on May 8th, and know that we’ll definitally pass Toronto for excitment and learning!

Popularity: 2% [?]

Why I Live Here

I turned on the TV today and, quite by accident, turned the channel to TVO’s Agenda Camp from London Ontario. When I first heard about the event I was quite upset that I was going to miss it due to a vacation, so I’m glad I was able to catch some of the “debate” from London.  I did want to share a bit of my thoughts though.

What do I love about London and why did I choose to stay here?

Unlike other students at UWO, I grew up in the area (northwest of the city), and so I didn’t have “somewhere” else to return to when I finished my degree. Thats really reason number one.

Every since I became in involved in PodCamp London I realized the tremendous potential that their exists within this city. A few people have the ability to effect massive change and to make the whole city better. PodCamp was really just the beginning. The more I interacted with people and started to work together, I began to truly realize the potential this city had.

So, I love London and decided to make it my permanent home because of what it could be, not what it is now. I’m not going to sit back and wait for someone else do decide what it should be; I’m going to be an active participant in the process.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Time to Get Off the ‘Couch’

I’ve always found it a struggle to actually leave my house and go to the gym. However, once I get there I have a great time. As soon as I start running on the treadmill or lifting weights, I’m so glad to be there. And once I leave, while I’m exhausted, I feel great.

There are so many similarities in our own lives.

We sit on the metaphorical couch, knowing we should just get up and do that thing we’ve always wanted to do. But something pins us down. But just like my trip to the gym, once we actually make the move, we’re so glad that we did.

Whats holding you back?

Popularity: 2% [?]

GTD Solution for the Mac

Like most GTD fans I’m constantly struggling to find the perfect suite of applications for my Mac. I have the principles in place, but I’m missing the tools that would allow me to get the most done in a day.

So I’m asking my readers. Have you stumbled upon a method that works for you? What do you recommend?

I’m aware of a bunch of the pricey tools, Things for example, but I’d like to find a cheaper/free option. I also realize that a true GTD setup is going to be unique to each other, but I’m still interested in hearing everyone’s tips and suggestions.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Libel and You: Blogger Edition

This morning a Supreme Court of Canada decision establishing a new defense in defamation cases was pointed out to me. While I am not a lawyer, and this is not a law blog, I realize the importance of the court’s decision.

In a nutshell; the court recognizes that in cases that are in the public interest and the publisher has attempted to verify the allegation, that is sufficient to avoid a charge of libel.

Interestingly, the judgment specifically mentions new ways of communicating (blogging and other online reporting)  the speed at which  information becomes available and the fact that news becomes available from other sources then journalists and the established press.

As Michael Geist said

“This is crucial decision for all publishers both big and small. It represents a major win for freedom of expression in Canada and should remove some of the libel chill that arises far too frequently.”

Citizen journalists and bloggers are now held to the same standard as their professional counterparts, but are also afforded the same securities under the law.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Trust Agents

I just finished (I literally just put the book down) Trust Agents. My initial thoughts are that I’m going to recommend this book to everyone who expresses any interest in social media, or the web in general.

I also think I need to read it again just to pick up all the thing I missed the first time through.

Popularity: 2% [?]

In Which You Find Out I Hate Writing Titles

… and for that matter, sometimes even writing the content of posts.

Sometimes its a struggle for me to get my thoughts expressed in a blog post. I’m not fully sure why either, I’ve got plently of ideas and opinions. It could be a laziness thing though.

Thats what this post is for. Kinda a wake up call to myself to get my butt in gear and put more content here.

Consider it an early new years resolution.

Popularity: 3% [?]