[Air-L] Freedom and Its Digital Discontents: Information Overload ( Economist Debate Series)

[Gerry Mckiernan]

***APOLOGIES FOR RECEIPT OF DUPLICATE POSTINGS***
Colleagues/

If You're Not Been Overloaded [:-)] you may wish to participate/vote in this virtual debate.

_Freedom and Its Digital Discontents: Information Overload ( Economist Debate Series)_

[ http://www.economist.com/debate/ ]

/Gerry

Tomorrow marks the opening of the latest debate in our three part 
series, Freedom and its digital discontents. Come to the hall to vote, 
comment and share your opinions with the floor.

"This house believes that if the promise of technology is to simplify 
our lives, it is failing."

Many of us are discovering that the proliferation of information tools, 
services and channels makes managing our own personal and professional 
information increasingly difficult. Some go so far as to claim that 
information overload is diminishing people's ability to be effective. 
Are there better ways to manage the vast amounts of information 
assaulting users on a daily basis? Do new technologies and information 
streams promote progress or confusion? And are people losing their 
ability to reflect rather than just react?

The speakers

PRO
Richard Szafranski, founding member and partner, Toffler Associates.

Founder member and previous managing partner at Toffler Associates, 
he has extensive consulting experience with firms in defence, security, 
aerospace, manufacturing, communications, services, and US and international government agencies.

CON
John Maeda, president elect of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

Named by Esquire magazine as one of the 21 most important people of the 
21st century, John Maeda first made his mark by redefining the use of 
electronic media as a tool for expression for people of all ages and 
skills. He is a world-famous graphic designer, visual artist and 
computer scientist at the MIT Media Lab and was a founding voice 
for simplicity in the digital age.

As always, our debate will also benefit from the insights of notable 
guest participants. Watch for their opinions, but remember: your 
comments shape the debates and your votes decide its winner.

Debate event schedule

* Feb 26th - Opening statements posted 
* Feb 29th - Rebuttals: share your comments on the issues so far, 
and vote 
* March 5th - Closing arguments by the speakers. Post any additional 
comments you would like to share and vote for your winner 
* March 7th - Debate winner announced 

Happy Monday !

/Gerry

Gerry McKiernan
Associate Professor
Science and Technology Librarian
Iowa State University Library
Ames IA 50011

gerrymck at iastate.edu 

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