And if I may interject something here, we shouldn't forget that there are
all different kinds of systems where society can function. The idea of "I
own this. You work for me and I will pay you for your labor. What you make
belongs to me." is not the only system out there. With the world wide web, I
think that we may be rediscovering the power of a very old system, the
system of the "commons."
The commons was a place that no one owned, that no single person was
responsible for, but everyone used it for grazing and watering their
animals. Therefore, it was in everyone's personal interest to keep it
decent, and if somebody came around and trashed it, they had to deal with
the entire community because everyone was hurt. There was a real power and
efficiency of function in the commons, but the idea was shoved aside. I
think we may be rediscovering this sentiment now because so many are
beginning to see that there are untapped possibilities and powers based on
sharing, so that everyone benefits, not just those who say they "own"
something. Of course, those who say they own things will not agree.
While such a concept as a commons may seem strange to us, I suspect that if
a European peasant miraculously appeared today, he would find many strange
things of course, but perhaps this idea of mutual sharing on the world wide
web, would be more familiar to him.
Jim Weinheimer
Received on Sat Sep 19 2009 - 08:12:17 EDT