Framing Questions Week #4

1. In chapter 2 in The Wealth of Networks, Benkler discusses how information production is non-rival and that we have a lack of information access because of copyright law and copyrighted information. But because we have access to free information via wikipedia and other websites, doesn’t that dismiss this idea? That now because of volunteers we have a whole plethora of information at our fingertips (literally)?

2. In chapter 3, Benkler talks about the relevancy and credibility of peer produced information. Although relevancy is subjective, how do we measure the credibility of content? To go along with the previous question, wouldn’t it be smart to pay someone to put information onto wikipedia rather than allowing volunteers to post whatever they want at will? Information coming from someone who is getting paid to post that information is more likely to be valid, right?

3. In chapter 10 Benkler discusses networking. It made me think about job opportunities and how it is a good idea to be on social networks such as twitter so you can “follow” a company that you might be interested in working for. Job networking has certainly moved to the internet but will it be the primary source of networking in the future? What are the advantages and disadvantages if this does happen?

Tags: networking