Where Most Needed

Blogathon Demonstrates Long Tail (Up to a Point)

Shared vision is largely absent from a twenty-four-hour blogging event to raise money for charity, which could be why it wasn't more successful.  And the winner was online editor for a newspaper in Midland, Texas, who blogged from a 30-foot Genie scissors lift in a grocery store parking lot (isn't that cheating?)

Kitchen Democracy Turns into Online Oligarchy

A tiny nonprofit operates a web site that allows citizens to weigh in on local issues like zoning changes without attending city council meeings.  But there are complaints of ballot stuffing in online polls, which a little analysis shows is a credible claim.   

Using Information Technology for Social Change? Insert Coins Here

A new technology journal relies heavily on old closed technologies, to the dismay of those who want to see real change to open models.  And I make a modest suggestion. 

Wikipedia Reinforces Digital Divide

Blogger points out that the coding required for Wikipedia entries has the effect of excluding all but the most technically literate and wonders whether it's deliberate.

Pastor Gains National Attention with $100 Bills

But after six years, giving people $100 shows the limits of charitable creativity. 

Charities in Forefront of Drive to Save Pluto

A pair of scientists employed by nonprofit research institutes used an Internet petition drive and plan an alternative conference as part of a grassroots campaign to restore Pluto's planetary cred.  Could Pluto be the next Snakes on a Plane?

Universities and Wikipedia: Like Napster in Reverse

College students downloaded volumes of free music against the wishes of corporate copyright holders.  Now Wikipedia thrives by getting University Ph.D.s to upload content for free.