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.

Deep search

Actions speak louder than words. http://50.lycos.com/ provides a weekly snapshot on what people are searching on.

Take a few minutes to review the list. I believe Lycos declared that "Janet Jackson" was the most searched upon term in the history of the internet after her Superbowl malfunction (I have no idea how that could be proved or disproved, but it sure sounds cool to say).

As I post this, this list is as of Nov 5. I would stop back and check the Nov 12 list. My bold prediction....

"Carolina Panther Cheerleaders" is going to have a VERY good week.

Far better than "Samuel Alito" I expect.

Infer what you wish from that.

Memo to Ken Williams

The difference could not be greater on how the "last out ball" was handled by Paul Konerko verses the Red Sox player who is "loaning" the 2004 ball back to the team.

Hits and runs can come from anyone. Class from a shrinking few.

Sign Konerko.

Now.

Apologies

Sorry for the baseball skew in recent posts.

If the past is any indication, I should remain quiet for 88 years or so now.