Report on Chapter 11 from Release 2.0 by Esther
Dyson
cc. 1997. Broadway Books, New York
"A Design For Living"
This is the final chapter of the book. Dyson begins the chapter by stating that it is now time for the reader to "reflect and act on" the issues she presents in the book from within the context of the readers own life. Dyson then states what I consider to be a possible thesis for her work, that is laying out "some of the landscape (on the internet) in a way that makes this new world more intelligible and its structure visible." (p.277)
I must say that this was my favorite chapter from the book. The pages are easy to read and Dyson discusses principles and ideas which one can apply to all areas of ones life. It is also an inspiring chapter as Dyson urges the reader to get involved and take action in regards to using the internet. The net offers opportunities for individuals to become "creators" and ..."ongoing participants in commercial and noncommercial intellectual processes." (278) After completion of this class I hope to continue to be an "ongoing participant" in this process of using the internet. After all this work, time and expense it would be a shame to just let this newfound information and skill atrophy.
Dyson describes her book as a "prescription" of ..."what you can do [on the net]." (279) "The net is a tool for some purpose" Dyson states, and using the net we now have a potential to influence the communities within which we operate for the good. (280) Now it is time to start creating. The net allows us to: ..."build communities, find ideas, share information, connect with other people." (280)
Knowledge of utilizing the internet is powerful. Dyson states:
My hope is that what you do on the Net will change your offline life, too, by making you less willing to accept things the way they are and more sure of your ability to build a life to suit yourself and your family. The trick is to set your own priorities. (280)
I believe that Dyson feels that the internet can be use as a tool for empowerment for individuals to build better lives for themselves and their families. She refers to her positive vision as "Realistic Idealism".
"It's the very diversity of approaches", [Dyson states], that makes the Net, and life, so exciting and so rich." (281) Each person must contribute uniquely, in his or her own way. Dyson has developed her own "rules for living" which she shares with the reader:
1. Use Your Own Judgment.
Newcomers to the Net may defer to others knowledge but need to be able
to make up their own minds. Realize you have choice.
2. Disclose Yourself.
"Let people know who you are and what you stand for." (282)
3. Trust But Verify.
"It is better to be a sucker than a jerk, but it's best of all to know
you can trust the people with whom you are dealing." (283)
The Net offers ways to check credentials of strangers such as TRUSTe.
Encrypt email for security.
4. Contribute To The Communities You Love Or Build Your Own.
Don't just be a lurker, get active! A good community is fun!
5. Assert Your Own Rights And Respect Those Of Others.
6. Don't Get Into Silly Fights.
Avoid ridiculous flame wars.
7. Ask Questions.
..."Be humble and willing to appear stupid." (284)
8. Be A Producer.
9. Be Generous.
Share ideas, information, time.
10. Have A Sense Of Humor.
Don't take life too seriously. "Laugh at problems even as you
try to fix them. A perfect world would be boring; an imperfect world
offers opportunities for humor." (286)
11. Always Make New Mistakes.
But acknowledge and learn from them.
12. Now Design Your Own.
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