On August 14, 2004 I posted my first entry on my first blog. It was a manifesto, which I thought was an appropriate starting point. Like many manifestos I have read, it was based on a set of frustrations I had and articulated what I wanted changed. And like most, it was high on idealism and bluster (though not nearly as over the top as my favorite one – The Realistic Manifesto – by a couple founders of the Constructivist movement).
This is the first entry of my *second* blog. It will be about my personal thoughts on technology and culture. In fact, it will be very much like my first blog but slightly improved because I am now older and grayer. But one thing I don’t think I can improve on is that initial spark that drove me to write that first manifesto in about 2 minutes on my Blackberry 950 in the Jersey City PATH station. I still feel exactly the same way. And while I feel like I have made progress on some of the items presented there is clearly much work to get done. So for the sake of setting the correct tone I will copy it here as my starting point. Five years hence, we will take another check and see how I’ve fared. I look forward to sharing my thoughts and engaging in some hopefully useful discussions with you all.
Manifesto
• I am unsatisfied with a technology future dictated by giant companies.
• I maintain that each individual has the right to determine how, when, where and in what form they will use technology to enhance their life.
• I believe that in every person there exists endless possibility and energy to create and use technology in imaginative and unanticipated ways.
• I devote myself to technologically empowering everyone with a desire to be so empowered.
• I dedicate myself to the pursuit of technology for humanity’s sake.
• I commit to providing the tools that will allow everyone and anyone to participate, contribute and benefit from the Information Revolution.
One Comment
Well said.