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COMMONS MAGAZINE

Media and Internet

The Internet offers an unparalleled opportunity for generating and expanding the commons in many ways. The mass media, often relying on free use of the airwaves, is a powerful public resource that too often represents the views of a narrow strata of society. Thinking of communications itself as a commons opens up broad new possibilities for sharing of information and insight.

May 29, 2007

Sharecropping on the Star Wars “Commons”

Digital sharecropping on the Lucas plantation. You can mash-up _Star Wars_ clips for free, but the media giant owns what you produce.
April 18, 2007

Re-public on Wiki Politics

Can wikis change the world? A debate.
April 18, 2007

The Original Intent of the Postal Service

A short history of the U.S. post office shows the foresight of America's founders – and the shortsightedness of today's leaders.
March 16, 2007

Some Interesting Commons on the Web

Interesting new websites about the commons sprout up.
January 4, 2007

Placeblogger: A New Genre of Local Communication

Placeblogs: a promising new movement to promote pride of place.
October 17, 2006

Can Digital Media Renovate Democratic Culture?

For centuries, media was a one-way street. What will happen now that the reader/viewer can easily become a writer/filmmaker?
September 28, 2006

The Product-Placement Invasion Intensifies

The product-placement invasion intensifies. Ads pop up everywhere from soccer jerseys to your favorite TV show.
August 18, 2006

BookMooch: A Gift Economy of Book Lovers

BookMooch: a gift economy for book lovers that uses the internet to launch a literary swap market.
August 11, 2006

The Power of Using Spectrum “White Space” as Commons

Opening up more opportunities in the broadcast airwaves: the power of using spectrum "white space" as commons.
July 28, 2006

Reinventing Journalism in the Networked Age

Reinventing journalism in the networked age. People (formerly known as "the audience") want in on the action.