Shirky 7-9

In the third part of the book, (chapters 7-9), Shirky talked about transparency. We discussed this issue quite a bit in class and brought up the example of libraries. Because of the way technology is changing, companies such as libraries are having to change the way they do business. We no longer physically go to the library as often, but instead we go online to find sources or check out books. These book then get sent to us in the mail. This type of thing is happening with all kinds of businesses. One that comes to my mind is the bank. People c an set up direct deposit for their paychecks, have bills come right out of their account, and with ATM’s in most every businesses, they no longer have to go to the bank if they need to get cash out. Although, like libraries, we are no longer having to physically go to the bank for all our financial needs, the bank is still working behind the scenes, so to speak, managing your accounts.

Shirky also talks about how connected we are, and what a small world we live in. Social networking sites are making it easy to find friends of friends and be more connected. These sites suggest friends to you, based on mutual friends. It’s like we don’t even have to work at finding friends. They are given right to us. On several occasions, I have been on vacation and met someone else from the same town as me, even though I’m clear across the country. It is quite astonishing! It just goes to show that it is quite a small world after all..