My problem is that I know a lot of writerly types IRL... none of whom could do a deadline of this Thursday. It's not a lot of time to find someone, and have them write a thing. I've asked someone, but I know they're busy (and it's someone I don't know well) so now I wait. And panic. Heh.
I agree that the Internet has drastically changed the way we interact with and get our news. The news outlets are desperately trying to make money and get eyes, and with the saturation of information, they have to resort to the click-bait style stuff and sensationalist headlines in order to make that happen. It kind of sucks, because everything gets shaped around this quick interest-grabbing kind of framing that really doesn't add anything to the content, and definitely makes people more inclined to be reactionary (I think anyway. It's not like I've done a study. Heh).
It kind of sucks, because everything gets shaped around this quick interest-grabbing kind of framing that really doesn't add anything to the content, and definitely makes people more inclined to be reactionary...
Exactly :nodding: The more eyes on a piece, the more ad revenue. The more ad revenue, the more $. It's a vicious cycle. And yeah, encouraging reactionary commentary plays directly into that. If people weren't being reactionary, what's the point of reading it?
At least you KNOW writerly types IRL. I rarely speak about writing IRL because it's seen as pretentious in the "who the F do you think you are?" kind of way. I miss the days where I got NO repercissions in any way, shape, or form from something I truly enjoyed doing.
One of the things I find interesting is just how effective click-bait headlines are. I mean, I hate the things, and get grumpy about them, but when I'm scrolling past something that's all "you wouldn't believe what happened next..." or "this simple trick will blow your mind" or whatever, I actually have to fight with myself sometimes to keeeeeep on scrolling. The people who crafted these systems are really good at manipulating human psychology. It reminds me some of those old timey ads for snake-oil drugs, with all the testimonials about the Wonder Product and how life changing it is.
I'm really sorry that writing isn't a thing you can talk about IRL - that really sucks! Have you considered joining up with a local writer's group or anything, to find other folks in a similar situation? There are a couple of those run out of the library here, and I've seen ads on craigslist for them, and some posters in local bookstores, too. The NaNo forums are often a good way to keep in touch with local writers even when it's not November, too.
Both articles are good, but the second is especially elegant. I think there are a couple of different types of problems at work. One is public shaming (looking at Zoe Quinn) which occasionally has something to do with ethnicity but can happen regardless. Another is calling out figures of authority and/or for their abuses of social power. The second of these should always be possible. The first should have limitations. Making a white person live as a representation of their race is a good lesson handled badly if it gets to the point that they receive death threats--that's putting a group's freedom of speech above an individuals freedom from harm. Worse, such actions often, as the NY Times article demonstrates, can result in leaders of shaming movements finding themselves in similar pickles. This is why I am starting to believe that the freedom of speech will need provisions added soon.
I was just thinking the same thing about Penpusher! LOL Freedom of Speech will be one very tough steak to chew. This is an excerpt from a blog on Constitutional Law
Nahmod Law
Freedom of Speech
“Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
I want to emphasize three important take-away points at the outset. One is that the First Amendment protects us from the government; it does not apply to relations between private persons. Second, the First Amendment, like all individual rights in the Constitution, is not absolute. And last, freedom of speech has costs."
Now, tell me, who should regulate those costs? Should Government enforce punishments for Hate Speech? Or should the populace use its moral judgement as to appropriate amends for damages?
I do love the possibilities of recruitment! It is a bit of a time crunch, though. I'm intrigued by the idea....
Mob mentality is one of the most frightening aspects of human psychology, imo. There is no question that the internet has shrunk the world down to a global village and viruses can become epidemic. Perspective is important. And this feeds into the pondering on intersubjectivity.
In the spirit of this 'champion' concept, I have recruited someone who has had nothing to do with Idol, or even LJ. But they're a great writer, I think. I'm looking forward to you guys getting to read them.
So what happens if a contestant can't find a Champion or whose Champion isn't able to / forgets to fulfil their duties? Is the contestant automatically out??
You mean what happens if someone misses the deadline and doesn't submit what they were supposed to submit?
We know the answer to that.
If someone is having a difficult time finding a Champion, hopefully they will get the word out. I'm sure there are people are here who, while not "ideal" because they already know about Idol, would be willing to help out in a pinch.
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I agree that the Internet has drastically changed the way we interact with and get our news. The news outlets are desperately trying to make money and get eyes, and with the saturation of information, they have to resort to the click-bait style stuff and sensationalist headlines in order to make that happen. It kind of sucks, because everything gets shaped around this quick interest-grabbing kind of framing that really doesn't add anything to the content, and definitely makes people more inclined to be reactionary (I think anyway. It's not like I've done a study. Heh).
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Exactly :nodding: The more eyes on a piece, the more ad revenue. The more ad revenue, the more $. It's a vicious cycle. And yeah, encouraging reactionary commentary plays directly into that. If people weren't being reactionary, what's the point of reading it?
At least you KNOW writerly types IRL. I rarely speak about writing IRL because it's seen as pretentious in the "who the F do you think you are?" kind of way. I miss the days where I got NO repercissions in any way, shape, or form from something I truly enjoyed doing.
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I'm really sorry that writing isn't a thing you can talk about IRL - that really sucks! Have you considered joining up with a local writer's group or anything, to find other folks in a similar situation? There are a couple of those run out of the library here, and I've seen ads on craigslist for them, and some posters in local bookstores, too. The NaNo forums are often a good way to keep in touch with local writers even when it's not November, too.
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I have more thoughts, but need to go find a champion, and also write a thing. Heh. Back later when I'm not frantically scrambling.
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I'll have to read the second article, and send it to her for a later decision!
I *knew* someone would have a link!
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Where is penpusher when you need him?
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Nahmod Law
Freedom of Speech
“Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
I want to emphasize three important take-away points at the outset. One is that the First Amendment protects us from the government; it does not apply to relations between private persons. Second, the First Amendment, like all individual rights in the Constitution, is not absolute. And last, freedom of speech has costs."
Now, tell me, who should regulate those costs? Should Government enforce punishments for Hate Speech? Or should the populace use its moral judgement as to appropriate amends for damages?
Reply
Mob mentality is one of the most frightening aspects of human psychology, imo. There is no question that the internet has shrunk the world down to a global village and viruses can become epidemic. Perspective is important. And this feeds into the pondering on intersubjectivity.
:)
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In the spirit of this 'champion' concept, I have recruited someone who has had nothing to do with Idol, or even LJ. But they're a great writer, I think. I'm looking forward to you guys getting to read them.
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We know the answer to that.
If someone is having a difficult time finding a Champion, hopefully they will get the word out. I'm sure there are people are here who, while not "ideal" because they already know about Idol, would be willing to help out in a pinch.
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