David Weinberger was on NPR last week with a short commentary on how Wi-Fi availability, combined with laptops, blogs and IM can add a subtext of rich communication in and around technology conferences.
So what were people typing? Well, that's where the Wi-Fi effect gets really interesting. People weren't just taking notes for themselves. I mean, why be so selfish when you could press a button and post your notes to the Internet on your Web log, as at least 15 people were doing? Oh, and there was lots and lots of Web linking to one another, to further content on the topic being discussed, to articles arguing for it, against it. It was competitive linking, soon to be a major Olympic event.
So, here's the question for us (by "us" I mean you and me, dear reader). How long before we get this going at major medical association conferences. I know there are folks out there who work with the medical associations who's answer would be an immediate "Never." I'm a little more optimistic than that. I think it will come, eventually, but it will require one extremely forward looking Association to take the lead and prove the concept. Any out there? If you are, let me know.
8:48:33 AM 
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