One of my zany ideas…
As you glance out in the Web 2.0 space, many of the dominant social networking players such as Facebook, Friendster, and Myspace are ego-centric networks primarily focused around an individual; who the individual is, to whom they are connected, and so on.
Maslow would be so proud.
After all, the market is preying on our intrinsic need for social acceptance and belonging. How can anyone blame the media moguls for such tactics? They see the real power of a social network isn’t from the communication and data flow between each connection, but how one can harness and leverage that information. Combined with self-expression, these social networks have become the primary media distribution channels of the 21st century.
Yet, I’d like to see the power of a social network be leveraged not to bankroll some large corporation but for the benefit of society. As a society, we have to ask ourselves, how many of these sites proactively contribute back to the community? Where are the social networking sites to help track and find lost children, to anonymously post tips about escaped felons, and to facilitate forming community-focused volunteer groups?
I know there’s a few small ones out there, but there could be a lot more.
So, I propose this idea. I propose a network for people to anonymously provide tips about criminals who have escaped jail, have outstanding warrants, or have skipped bail. The community that has contributed to the capture of such said criminals will receive a percentage of the reward. Not only are the members financially rewarded, but the community has also reaped the benefits of their streets being safer for their children.
Sorry, Dog, my bet is on the power of the people.
November 19th, 2006 at 12:31 pm
Dang, you stole my thunder! Was about to say you’d be pushing the Dog out of business.
November 20th, 2006 at 12:39 pm
Interesting idea but I think you give too much credit to the altruism of the people. While there are definitely those driven by the greater good, I think for the most part, that after a long day at work, you just want to chill and not worry about the problems of society.
Instead of going after felons, people just want to be entertained. Did you hear about TomKat’s wedding? Did you know baby Suri also wore Armani? What about the mayhem around the PS3 release? They want to pretend to be a rock star and play that guitar. How about that Zune? Britney’s sex tape - is there or isn’t there and is it an appropriate Christmas gift?
And I can’t remember where I heard this, but isn’t there some kind of reward for people who tip off suspected spies or terrorists, but to date, no one has ever claimed the financial reward? I don’t think people want any kind of record of their possible involvement in law and order. The retribution could be too costly if tipsters are found out.
Just some counterpoints.
November 21st, 2006 at 1:30 am
If you need more inspiration from the Dog.
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