Work(ing Title)

A long-standing source of intrigue around Microsoft headquarters in Redmond is, ‘The Golden Helmet.’ Apparently his real name is Stephan, and he has the horror story to justify his glittered headgear. From Ariel Stallings’ interview:

So, you never feel dorky wearing a gold helmet?

Come on: I’m riding a Segway — I’m already dorky.

(The Golden Helmet - Microspotting)

Danah Boyd and Henry Jenkins launched the YPulse Mashup this morning at the Nikko with a discussion centered very much around everyone’s favourite teenage wizard. Mr. Jenkins, who directs the Comparative Media Studies Program at MIT, pointed out that it’s unlikely we will see another phenomenon on the scale of Harry Potter. The petrol of the Internet has fuelled the fire of niche markets to a point where individual interests are now rarely singular.

Ms. Boyd noted that Usenets developed the model of groupings of users based on interests rather than traditional demographics, and that 20 year old model has grown into World of Warcraft guilds where users of all ages contribute to common goals and therefore socialize. This notion of dissolving international borders was crystalized by Chinese Harry Potter fans translating the sixth book in 48 hours via a wiki, rather than wait for the official release, which was ultimately shown to be edited for the Chinese market.

The Chinese Harry Potter story illuminates one of the concerning elements of adult control over the youth Internet experience. Students are being warned off of the Wikipedia for fear of it’s inaccuracy, and this will prevent participation in these egalatarian communities. Second Life is a powerful example of this participatory culture, and as it evolves a resident v. tourist dynamic may develop. This can be seen today with the individual v. corporate use of Second Life currently.

All in all, the keynote was a good primer for the remainder of the day. Together Danah and Henry highlighted the contrasts between offline and online social models as they relate to age, class, and nationality.

Sometimes an idea comes along that’s so dash cunning, it is both incredible and instantly understandable why it hasn’t reached mass adoption. The Wet-Wipe Manifesto sheds light on one of the clumsiest human behaviors with the excellent use of analogy.

Let it also be known that the first person I thought of upon finishing this read was my ludicrous coworker Rory Blyth.

[via kottke.org]