Meet Bob

After further reflection, the concept of a "manifesto" is a tad beyond the intellectual octane I could realistically offer. So, I am broadening the scope, and diminishing the nomenclature, of the content formerly known as the "E-mail Manifesto". Meet...

BOB
(A friendly document discussing constructs to improve electronic communication)
version 2.0

Whereas - Freedom without accountability results in bad things...
Whereas - Markets and scarcity promote thoughtful actions...
Whereas - Keystroke distribution is becoming a profound element of communication...

The following constructs are proposed:

Construct 1: Content categorization

While many different categories could be used improve finding and organizing information - breaking electronic communication down into three major groups would be useful in a world where everyone is a publisher (even Fabio):

Alpha content - Fully vetted content that has only come into being after rigorous review (example: www.thomas.gov )

Beta content - Content that has been open for review/comment/modification by a diverse audience (example: Microsoft support forums)

Gamma content - Pure opinion, conjecture, or rambling (example: this blog)

Wikipedia probably falls somewhere between Alpha & Beta

Construct 2: Market Valuation

All electronic communications should be subject to user feedback/rating and prominently display the current aggregate rating.

Construct 3: Universal monthly e-mail allotment is assigned to each individual (no family plans at this time)

Structure

Each individual may send up to 100 e-mails a month
Rollover concepts apply
Accounting is on an inbox basis (an e-mail sent to 10 people = 10 e-mails)
When you are out, you are out... Bub!

Benefits

Less e-mail (duh!)
Fewer hoaxes and chain letters
Greater judgment applied by all e-mail senders
Better quality of life for all e-mail users

Unintended, but still fully welcomed benefits

A burgeoning black market for selling excess e-mails (e-mail ebay)

Feel free to link to this construct with this spiffy graphic...

Note: Please help me out and e-mail me (kelly.thul@gmail.com) any additions/suggestions/enhancements. These e-mails are exempt from the construct 3 quota. I am aware of the hypocrisy of this approach, but I am at peace with it.