Closed Wikinomics tonight and felt a real sense of sadness.  This is a book that personally I never wanted to end.  I can't really explain what this book has done for me in direct relation to what Caspar and I are building, because, without trying to sound too emotional about it [and failing], it just sums up the whole thing....

The "whole thing" is that within the covers of this book is the clearest description of one the most compelling reasons why the internet and web are simply breathtaking.  You know how, if you walk around talking about second generation web, nearly every second person you meet goes what's that?  Well from now on I will just point them to the book.  So far, my pointing has been directed at senior people in some very impressive organisations.  I hope they read it; it will give them such a shot in the arm.

There is much to say about its content obviously, but for me the most exciting element is the Wiki Workplace.  Simple collaborative tools such as the wiki, are powerful because of their simplicity, not despite it.  I wonder for how long complex KM systems will be sold now open source developers push more and more free applications on the web, which can be easily modded for specific purpose....

For me it is like reading the answers to all the cloudy thoughts I have been having over the past 2 years as I wrestle to get to grips with the whole area.  And maybe that's the point, it takes a book like this to make the cacophony of noise quieten down,  leaving a simple clear explanation in its place.  So when you open your ears to the public arena once again, it's not a jumble of noise but messages each unique that you can filter for relevance to yourself.

Picked up http://www.wikinomics.com/blog/index.php/2007/07/27/wii-meets-second-life/ from the Wikinomincs blog earlier.  Totally agree with the sentiment, Second Life will start to gain more traction if avatars have a greater sense of reality through motion.  We are looking at an incredibly innovative project for Second Life with a healthcare client.  If it comes off it will be really something to be proud of.

Comments

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ed percival, about 1 year ago

ed, thanks fr the inspiring recomendation for wikinomics. my next click will be amazon. i shall let you know how it works for me. ed percival

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