Against the Machine

I purchased this text for 6.97 (pounds) on Amazon. It was a recommended text alongside some of my other purchases.

Overview

 * Spiegel has an axe to grind with what he calls "internet boosterism" and attempts to critique not only perceived naivete among "internet boosters" (his term) but also criticize the literature that has emerged on the subject.


 * He begins the text by comparing the internet to the automobile industry in the 1950's, a dangerous industry that was "enjoyed" by millions of Americans and no one (until Nader) debated the fatalities associated with the industry.

My problems

 * Spiegel is highly elitist in his definition of culture.
 * He claims that "good" talent may be crowded out by "everyone else"


 * Also, he's what I would call a "production essentialist" which is someone who believes that participatory culture is bad because it degrades professional quality production in fields.


 * Claims the internet is homogenous.


 * Most of his "work" is anecdotal personal observation and critiques of popular technology literature


 * Reactive culturally: calls Dangermouse's "Grey Album" "diverting" but ultimately wants to just hear the originals (142).
 * If you don't like the remix, how can you like the internet?

Major Refs

 * Fred Turner's From Counterculture to Cyberculture
 * Alain Toffler
 * Wisdom of the Crowds
 * Chris Anderson The Long Tail
 * Douglas Rushkoff Playing the Future
 * Lessig Free Culture
 * Steve Johnson Interface Culture
 * Malcolm Gladwell The Tipping Point