criticism

Notes on Satire

by Brian on 06-05-2010

in art,civics,creativity,culture

I worry I enjoy ambiguity, irony, “meta” and satire a little too much. I’m worried my last post about copyright laws might seem too resentful (it is somewhat resentful — regretfully) because I genuinely sympathize with all sides. In the case of copyright, I appreciate the economic [and social!] stability it enables, and I want [...]

Steven Johnson has an excellent column in the New York Times, on the iPhone and the mixed merits of open and closed platforms. He begins with a reference to Jonathan Zittrain’s work on “generativity,” (familiar to readers of this blog) i.e. “the ability of a self-contained system to provide an independent ability to create, generate [...]

Focusing on Opportunities

by Brian on 01-11-2010

in canada,civics,media

I’ve learned not to care as much when other people are being stupid. It’s their problem. Last year I did more blogging in the spirit of “someone’s wrong on the internet,” but lately I’ve learned to lay off and let people screw up. (I’m so kind.) When I started writing about media it was because [...]

Late last night I had a serious lapse of faith in social media — as we all must from time to time. We should have serious doubts questions about this stuff… Which is why I chuckle whenever I read editorials merely pointing out “there are hazards” and digitization “isn’t all good” — as if any [...]

Easily Affected Ways: Journalism Edition

by Brian on 05-16-2009

in art

I’m in the habit now of picking something from the ‘Discovery Zone’ every time I goto the Central Library — which is every Saturday. Last week I picked up Outlaw Journalist: The Life and Times of Hunter S. Thompson. I probably won’t finish it. I usually don’t finish what I grab. I was bored when [...]