jhyde@convex.com (John Hyde) (03/07/91)
I'm writing a term paper for a class, the title of which will be something like "Email and Electronic Bulletin Boards: Present and Future Effects on Society." I would like to make the case that these two media have the potential to have as much effect on the world as the printing press did, due to the incredible speed and flexibility which they offer in message transmission. I am looking for specific examples of how email or electronic bulletin boards have already influenced events in society. Two come to mind: 1. The announcement of "cold fusion" was made before confirmatory expriments could be run, because news was leaking out via email, and they feared that someone else would make the announcement first; 2. The movie Star Trek VI was originally going to be done with young actors playing the roles of the familiar characters, set at Starfleet Academy. Word spread instantly through the net, a letter writing campaign was initiated, and the idea was scrapped. Eventually a better script, using the original actors, was written, and the movie is soon to begin filming. The more that the effects have occurred on a macro scale, the better. If the experience is not firsthand, then a source will be needed (I need to include at least three references in the bibliography). A simple listing of relevant books or magazine articles would also be acceptable. Please send email replies to jhyde@convex.com. Thanks for your help. -- -John C. Hyde |"Only a brave person is willing honestly to admit, |and fearlessly to face, what a sincere and logical |mind discovers." -Rodan of Alexandria