Writing in a digital age: embrace the unfinished
I hope you will indulge me in a little experiment.
Below is a mind map. It was created for free using a site called bubbl.us and is a brainstorm of what, when tidied up a bit, may be my speech for Monday's Big Debate panel.
You should be able to zoom in and out and move around it, much like a Google Map. There is also a larger version of the map available to explore.
I admit it is rather a splurge, but it gives you an idea of the thoughts I have been having about the topic, which is Digital: More Power or Powerless.
It will also show up the holes in my argument and, I am hoping, anyone with an interest in this issue will pick me up on them.
Presenting unfinished thoughts in this way is an interesting phenomenon that has arisen from the collaborative nature of the Internet.
As the online world puts us in touch with a international network of people with different expertise and knowledge, the myth of the "finished" article has been exploded. There will always be another angle to explore, additional points of view to garner. There is even a case to argue that it s preferable to place unfinished work online, to give people the opportunity to help shape it.
This is something that media organisations are having to learn to embrace - with tools such as the blogs - stories will continue to be written online, even after they are published.
So, in the spirit of digital, I present my unfinished speech, in the full knowledge that there are people out there that will be able to use, disagree, correct and build on my thoughts. If that helps create a better speech for me to read on Monday, so much the better.
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Jonathan Walker - The Birmingham Post's political editor
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So what you're saying is, the internet is a great way of getting other people to do your work for you? You're good! ;D
It's tricky to say anything because it's just a splurge, like you say. I'm not sure what you're planning to pick out from that, in what order or what the general thrust of your argument will be.
Given their day jobs, I'd expect all the panelists to be 'pro' digital so I'm not sure where the debate around the pros and cons will come from. Maybe your different experiences with using digital tech/media will set you apart though, maybe the debate will come from q's from the audience.
Oh, and as far as accountability is concerned, how about mentioning that someone was helpful enough to set up Bham CC on getsatisfaction without the council's involvement?
Hi Simon,
In a way, I guess that is exactly what I am doing, but I hope it is a little more complex than that.
Whilst I am hoping people will contribute to my posts, I also know I have to contribute to others. It is a system of reciprocity.
Just as I am not forcing them to make a contribution, nor are they asking for anything specific from me.
But, when a contribution is made, it is valuable. It is part of the process of building networks, contacts and friends online, which is exceedingly valuable.
I also have my ideas challenged, making me less likely (I hope) to produce self-opinionated or mis-informed twaddle.
Jo ... You don't need the internet to do brainstorm 'stream of consciousness' notes like this - I've been turning notebooks sideways and refusing to make lists since before you were born, as recommended by edward de bono and other mind games lateral thinkers for many, many years. What the digital age does is let us share them with millions of others instantly - if we can catch their attention
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the comment and welcome on board as a temporary Post blogger!
I take your point. Perhaps it is too much of a splurge.
The honest truth is, I'm not sure where to start my argument, but I want to cover as many of the points in the mind map as I can.
Much of what I talk about is related to education, which is not my areas of expertise. I suppose I would want to focus on how More Power for individuals may mean Powerless for traditional media structures that can not adapt.
Yes, I expect that all the panellists will be pro-digital, but then just because there is no dichotomy of views, doesn't mean there isn't a debate to be had. Digital may empower, but how best to ensure it does?
Excellent tip on the Get Satisfaction site. Although it doesn't look too busy, it highlights an interesting point. Thank you!
Hello Sid!
Yes you're right, I don't need the Internet to do a mind map. Actually I quite like drawing them out as I can use nice, multi-coloured pens that way (I have a minor obsession with stationery).
However, as you say, it's all about the sharing.
Nothing on there about how the web empowers people with disabilities or other special needs - but then, as its presented graphically, with no text equivalent, and requires JavaScript (both breaches of industry-standard web accessibility guidelines: http://www.w3.org/TR/WAI-WEBCONTENT/full-checklist.html) why would there be?
Oh, and your CAPTCHA is also a breach of those guidelines.
Where does accessibility feature in the Post's plans for digital content?