Date archives "July 2013"

The struggle round Gezi Park and the urban commons as central theme of current conflicts

Excerpted from an extensive and interesting article by MUSTAFA DIKEÇ: “This is a revolt against state-led property development by those who are enraged by the rebuilding of cities for profit maximization with little or no democratic possibility of contestation, and definitely no consultation. This is a revolt against state-led Islamisation by those who are enraged… Continue reading

Jens Dyvik on the Sharing Aspects of the Personal Fabrication Revolution

The new p2p/sharing culture at work: “”Jens Dyvik is a designer specialized in global collaboration and local manufacturing. He works with emotional connections between people and products, and aims to create services and products that help make those connections meaningful. In April 2013 he concluded a two-year research world tour, where he worked at open… Continue reading

Book of the Day: Alternatives to Social Media Monopolies

* Book: Social Media Monopolies and Their Alternatives. Unlike Us Reader #3. Institute for Network Cultures, 2013 From the Institute of Network Cultures: “The Unlike Us Reader offers a critical examination of social media, bringing together theoretical essays, personal discussions, and artistic manifestos. How can we understand the social media we use everyday, or consciously… Continue reading

Essay of the Day: Trust Frameworks and the Rise of Digital Common Law

* Paper: The Rise of Digital Common Law. An Argument for Trust Frameworks, Digital Common Law and Digital Forms of Governance. By John Henry Clippinger and David Bollier. ID3, 2012. David Bollier and John Clippinger: “As more of life and commerce are mediated by digital technologies and Internet platforms, the tensions between legacy institutions (centralized,… Continue reading

Italy Launches Liquid Feedback Platform to Give Citizens Digital Seats in Parliament

“The platform has so far seen some “frightening” success, according to Puppato. Within the first four days of launch, it saw the creation of 1,344 profiles, 85 proposals and 147 suggestions to existing proposals.” Excerpted from REBECCA CHAO: “15 members of the Italian Parliament launched Tu Parlamento, a Liquid Feedback platform that allows Italian citizens… Continue reading

Is the networked and fragmented nature of current protests a strength or a weakness?

Excerpted from Peter Beaumont: “A driving force from Tahrir Square to Occupy is a redefinition of notions of both what “freedom” means and its relationship to governments that seem ever more distant. It is significant, too, that many recent protests have taken place in the large cities that have been most transformed by neoliberal policies…. Continue reading