[Air-l] cfp: new network theory (amsterdam, june 28-30, 2007)

[geert lovink]

FIRST CALL FOR PAPERS

NEW NETWORK THEORY
International Conference

Location: Amsterdam
Dates: 28-30 June 2007

Organized by: Amsterdam School for Cultural Analysis, Institute of 
Network Cultures (Amsterdam Polytechnic, HvA), and Media Studies, 
University of Amsterdam.

http://www.networkcultures.org/networktheory

New Network Theory, the 2007 ASCA International Conference, organized 
by the Amsterdam School for Cultural Analysis (ASCA), the Institute of 
Network Cultures (Amsterdam Polytechnic) and Media Studies at the 
University of Amsterdam, has issued its first call for papers. The 
conference, to be held on Thursday, 28 June to Saturday, 30 June, 2007, 
also includes a public program with renowned speakers.

Significant dates

Deadline for Submission of Paper Abstract (500 words) and Biography 
(100 words): 10 January 2007

Submit to: networktheory at networkcultures.org

Acceptance Notification:  1 March 2007

Further inquiries to: Dr. Eloe Kingma, Managing Director, Amsterdam 
School of Cultural Analysis, Oude Turfmarkt 147, Oude Turfmarkt 147, 
1012 GC, Amsterdam, tel: +31 20 525 3874, asca-fgw at uva.nl.

Conference organizers:

Geert Lovink (Institute of Network Cultures/University of Amsterdam)
Sabine Niederer (Institute of Network Cultures)
Richard Rogers (University of Amsterdam)
Jan Simons (University of Amsterdam)

Locations: Pakhuis de Zwijger Media Warehouse (28 June), University of 
Amsterdam (29-30 June)

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General Introduction: Rethinking Network Cultures

The object of study has shifted from the virtual community and the 
space of flows to the smart mob. When the object of study changes, so 
may the distinctions that dominate, particularly the schism between 
place-based space and place-less space, both organised and given life 
by networks. We would like to exploit the potential of writing 
contemporary network theory that suits and reflects the changes to the 
objects of study that come to define our understandings of network 
culture – a post-Castellsian network theory, if you will, that takes 
technical media seriously.

It is time to look for elements that can make up a network theory 
outside of post-modern cultural studies (which marvelled at the 
place-less place) and ethnographic social sciences (which reminded us 
of the ground). What network culture studies needs is a ‘language of 
new media,’ perhaps even signage, to speak in terms of Lev Manovich; 
what it currently has is a science-centered ‘unified network theory,’ 
to paraphrase the language of Albert-László Barabási.

Whilst it may come as no surprise to critical Internet scholars, the 
notion that networks are not random but have underlying structures 
remains the key insight for network scientists. Instead of posing new 
questions, the work that follows from that insight often seeks to 
confirm that structure and its accompanying patterns, across more and 
more network-like objects. The question remains which specific 
contribution critical Internet scholars and practitioners can make to 
opening up network thought. Such is the purpose of the network theory 
conference. How must we rethink network culture with a renewed emphasis 
on technical media and social software?

Suggested Topics:

Networking and Social Life
Social Software and Insider Networks
Network Policy
Network Governance / Organised Networks
Actor-Network Theory and the Assemblage
Network Knowledge Production
Networks and Disengagement
Media Networks
The Link
Locative Media and Networks
Mapping Quests

Other topics may be suggested.

More on http://www.networkcultures.org/networktheory/ due to Air-l 
mailinglist restrictions on the length of posts.