[P2P-F] Fwd: Worldwide events on The Day We Fight Back

[Karl Robillard]

On Saturday, February 08, 2014 04:06:07 AM Kevin Flanagan wrote:
> Of course we should have a greater presence on networks that respect users
> privacy and are built on free software and
> suggestions on how we can improve are always welcome, but it's one thing
> saying and another thing doing, and an active presence on any network
> depends on volunteers who are committed to maintaining them.


Yes, the doing part is what matters.  That's why individual behavioral change 
is much more useful in the long run than hit-and-run collective statements 
like "We Fight Back".  Here's one man who is doing something: 

   http://jimlynch.com/internet/the-soul-destroying-pestilence-of-social-media-buttons/

Oh look!  I'm being "social" by linking to Mr. Lynch's site... and there's not 
a single "Like" button in sight.  Those social media buttons are simply 
advertisements for certain companies which already have too much economic 
power.  I'm left wondering why people give them free advertising.

What does something like BuddyPress bring to the table?  I mean, other than 
maintenance overhead, perhaps another account, and having my relationships 
formally tracked?

I've never understood the appeal of social media.  It's a medium that allows 
us to:

  1. Say "This is who I am because this is what I like"
  2. Hear "I am important because lots of people like what I do"
  3. Have our interactions formally tracked via computer.
        (Today, this part is privatized and monetized)

This doesn't seem particularly useful and perhaps reflects our degraded society 
that goads the ego, encourages cults of personality, and capitalizes on 
information asymmetry.  Trying to value people because of what they like is as 
short-sighted as trying to value things by putting a price on them.  In the 
end, an individual is known by their works over time.  You can't truly honor 
someone just by liking them - you must emulate them.


-Karl