The social cloud
Feb 14th 2008NiaLLLarkinSocial networks & Social software & Uncategorized & autisticsocialsoftware & danahboyd & designsocialtool & flow & hardproblems & opensocial & socialsoftware & trust
via Ina
Social network is a terrrible metaphor
If you’ve ever talked to me, I have probably taken you by the pin of your collar and blasted something like this in your direction: ‘Social networks!? Don’t talk to me about social networks! I despise the term. Not only is a terrrible metaphor for reality. Its dangerrous and damaging as well”
We must start using the social cloud
If you didn’t manage to escape at this point, I’d have continued “We need a new metaphor, such as a social cloud, that recognizes the esssential fluidity and dynanism of social relationships. Only then can we hope to build platforms that don’t direct people into autistic-style interactions that plague these so-called social networks”
At which point, I’d generally point up to the sky and get a far away look in my eye. Which was also your cue to slip away unnoticed.
Its not just me…
Well, I think its only fair to warn you that there’s more of the same coming. You’ll no longer be able to escape by simply avoiding me. Other people are starting to say the same thing. Normal people. Respectable people. Using almost exactly the same words. But unaccompanied by the wild-eyed look.
Skip the first 14 minutes and watch to the end.
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