tony@vlsi.cs.washington.edu (Tony Marriott) (10/20/87)
I am always happy to read articles on the net, and pursuing the topic of the impact of computer communication networks on political (social?) activity, re: miles question, Regarding your objections that the instrument requires computer literacy, money and education; What is to halt a rapid change of technology such that the computer communications network does not come to exist with as common technical expertise as that exhibited by the everyday VCR and telephone user? I am a computer imbecile, but I can operate a keyboard. I suspect that the hardware for these gadgets could be engineered to operate as simply as an as a luxury microwave. Am I wrong? There has been discussion previously on the differences and requirements of written communication, but it may be observed that most people write like they speak. Practice and experience make for better communication skills. Frankly, I don't think education is all that fundamental if you will witness folk story-telling skills, and the development of business communication skills, which have mostly been developed outside of higher education auspices. You cannot tell me that Public Relations people, TV documentary writers, or fiction writers exhibit a skill unapproachable by the majority of literate persons. It seems apparent to me from what I have read that terminals and keyboards can facilitate literacy in schools. so.. The suggestion that people would discontinue use were there a cost; This in no way addresses the responsibilities of those who would participate for a meager sum. As someone observed, that marketing use of communications software is not receiving projected usage. These problems might again be remedied by a refinement of the hardware, incorporation on a meaningful level by those industries which are already tied to computers; banks, utilities, and other business, and lastly, meaningful determination of need. You will forgive me if I err, but your statement that politics would be devastated, because of "classes" of information, suggests to me a confusion about the realities of politics, and perhaps this is an area which needs education, not evolution, if we are to enter the post-nuclear society. Meaningful determination of need: There are but three classes of political activity; * This is for myself, (tax break, tax for service, etc) * For someone else ( tax for service, tax break, etc) * For me and others ( service, defense - taxes, etc) As you observe, special interest groups have always wielded a strength in politics, it would be interesting to know how each and every individual would speak to lift the veil of confusion caused by secrets, secret societies, and undefined pessimism. Tony Marriott