Benkler

1. Benkler recognizes the limitless opportunities available to us when we share the information that we have with others. Think about when you're working in a group: one person may throw the idea out there, but someone else can expand on it, and yet another person can even improve that version based on the original idea. Limiting ourselves limits humankind, when you think about it. Benkler is a proponent of the shared information, and states, "This shift is also based on the increasing freedom individuals enjoy to participate in creating information and knowledge, and the possibilities it presents ..." Benkler realizes that the amount of growth happening now due to this shared knowledge is really unprecedented in human history. It's also a scary time because anyone can share anything, and there are consequences to actions.

2. Social networking is such an intense thing now. It's a pervasive part of our society - so much so that people use these words like verbs - "I'll Facebook you the story tonight." One network that is helpful is LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com). Think of it like Facebook, but strictly professional. People can recommend you here - for example, if you've worked with them before, a colleague can relay examples of your work ethic, team spirit, etc.. And, you can also put why you're on the website. On Facebook, you may put that you're looking for friendship, or looking for a relationship. On Linked In, it's possible to tell people that you've made it in the business and you're willing to give out advice, or you're looking for new networking connections. It's really a great tool. I think more companies should be looking into this. It's a great way to headhunt employees and really utilize the global social sphere we're given when working with the Internet.

I remembered reading an article from CNN about eight digital alternatives to business cards. One that I found particularly interesting is a device called the Poken. It's a small device that you carry with you. When you're around someone else who has a Poken, you simply have to hold them next to each other and they automatically exchange information. They're good in theory, but obviously only helpful if the other person is also a Poken owner. This brings up a great point about all of the options out there - how do we make all of these great little devices compatible with one another?

3. Social networking has been an extremely useful tool for my sister. When my nephew (her son), Jack, was born, he was born without his right hand. Because my sister wasn't aware of this, she hadn't had time to prepare for this information. She spent a lot of time immediately after his birth doing research on the Internet regarding amniotic banding. Along the way, she came across a lot of chat rooms for parents of children with missing limbs or people with missing limbs. She received a lot of moral support as well as great tips for helping Jack learn how to do certain tasks with one hand. She forged such a strong bond with some of these people that she's met up with them face-to-face.