What Technology Wants
I’m really enjoying Kevin Kelly’s new book – What Technology Wants. Here are some of the tenets. Available from Amazon
- Technology is the most powerful force on the planet.
- Technology is an extension of evolutionary life, best thought of as the 7th kingdom of life.
- Humanity is our first technology; We are tools.
- Technology is selfish; as a system it exhibits its own urges and tendencies.
- Technologies cannot be banned, and none go extinct.
- The progression of technologies is inevitable.
- Because technologies are inevitable we can prepare to optimize their benefits.
- Technology is not neutral but serves as an overwhelming positive force in human culture.
- We have a moral obligation to increase technology because it increases opportunities.
- The origins of technology lie in the Big Bang.
- Technology preceded humans and will continue beyond us.
- Among the things technology wants are increased diversity, complexity, and beauty.
- Technology may be as much a reflection of the divine as nature is.
- Technology is an infinite game, a grand story we can align ourselves with for greater meaning.
Free is Never Free
Interesting to see Microsoft going after OpenOffice. But do they validate it in the process? While a nicely done video – and it makes very real points – surely OpenOffice can’t be getting enough momentum to warrant their attention?
One of the key questions any message needs to answer before it is delivered is “by delivering this message, do I draw attention to exactly what I don’t want attention drawn to?”.
On Brand, Off Brand, Or, Just Funny
Not sure what to make of these new Air New Zealand Ads – apparently for Internet release only. Did elicit a chuckle though.
It’s also amusing that marketers somehow draw a line between the Internet and traditional media. As if though doing something on the web gives them a remit to be a little more risqué. That boundary departed a long time ago. If you are going to push the brand, push it everywhere.
Either way, gotta love the new Premium Economy seats. Looking forward to a trip in those soon!
Can You Sell Something for $3.26m on eBay?
As it turns out, you can, if it is a gorgeous 1959 Ferrari GT.
