May 8, 2008
I regularly benefit from content whose authorship I’m relatively clueless about.
Like this post?
Because of the internet’s democratization, who says something is becoming significantly less important than what is said.
Is this good or bad?
* * * * *
It’s good, of course, until you inadvertently quote some of the cuddly things Hitler said, and people notice…
I think it’s bad.
…So that’s what I think. (Now, back to bed.)
The internet’s dissemination of information is bad for those who rely on royalties for income, and good for teachers who suspect plagiarism
Bad for accountability. Ironically, it’s exactly what’s holding the “old media” accountable now.
I guess I didn’t answer the question, did I?
I find it somewhat refreshing and it reminds me of how panels would attempt to read “blind” proposal papers for academic conferences, in order to gauge the merit of the presentation/paper apart from the name (or lack thereof) attached to it.
I do think, however, it’s good to try to learn a bit about the source prior to sharing it or referencing it.
But, I’m also not averse to using the quote of someone with whom I might have general or even vehement disagreement on other things.
I think that content has greater force and influence if the source is known and respected. The value of content is very heavily influenced by the wisdom, character, and experience of the one issuing it. Anonymous content without the context of the author is somehow less weighty.
I mean, what if I told you my real name is not Chris? See what I mean? :)
22 Words of warning
Be very careful. You might inadvertently quote Merton or Nouwen . The “discernment” nuts will notice and pillory you. It’s what they do.
The problem is once you agree with someone once everyone thinks you support all they say and you might be a more reliable source than that person.
I’m thinking about this for an upcoming review of Calvin for Armchair Theologians. It is a helpful overview of what Calvin says, but can I recommend a book that has an author who will alternate between he and she for God?
It’s a good thing.
x Joe Nobody
I think that depends greatly on who you are and what you’re hoping to achieve. I personally find it to be a good thing.
An all time favorite comment/quote:
“Somewhere it is written.” Or, just as great…”Someone once said.” After that, you can make up anything you want! *: )