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A review by mirasapphira7
Future Perfect: The Case for Progress in a Networked Age by Steven Johnson
3.0
Interesting — offers a lot of quotable examples of how flexible peer networks ("Baran Webs") can be more effective than centralized control structures ("Legrand Stars", and incentives better than mandates. I love the idea of "liquid democracy," where you can allow trusted friends or experts to cast your votes for particular issues or offices. The account of radical grassroots democracy in a Brazil city was fascinating, too.
I appreciated his clear, pithy outline of the basic dichotomy of the Legrand Star vs. the Baran Web. And it's great to read his takes on Occupy Wall Street, Kickstarter, NYC's 411 program, and the fight against SOPA. I wasn't that interested in his articulation of the "peer progressive" political viewpoint, and his blithe dismissal of predictions of impending environmental doom frustrated me. But perhaps I should seriously consider adopting the new category, and it's certainly nice to hear a positive perspective! It was also awesome to see that he's based in Marin. I hope I bump into him one day :)
I appreciated his clear, pithy outline of the basic dichotomy of the Legrand Star vs. the Baran Web. And it's great to read his takes on Occupy Wall Street, Kickstarter, NYC's 411 program, and the fight against SOPA. I wasn't that interested in his articulation of the "peer progressive" political viewpoint, and his blithe dismissal of predictions of impending environmental doom frustrated me. But perhaps I should seriously consider adopting the new category, and it's certainly nice to hear a positive perspective! It was also awesome to see that he's based in Marin. I hope I bump into him one day :)