Here's a really nice essay by Stuart, where he's reacted to the current debate fueled by the article in Wired - Futurism is Dead.   

His views (definitely worth reading the full post) :

"Who would have predicted that futurists would evolve into a scrappy dialogue? In a field where differences are embraced, curiosity, concepts and ideas will be part of the social nature of futurism. While futures, scenarios and strategic foresight has received it share of criticism, it's from those seeking answers rather than better questions. The future is inherently unpredictable. Insight drives the things we do differently. Instead of selling the future, the sale should be made on "curiosity" and "wonder". Only a real pessimist takes the future too seriously. The optimists on the other hand perhaps make too light of the challenge and only speak of those that already seem obvious. Those in the middle are left to do the real work that can harness people, collective intelligence, collaborative methods, and emergent networks, or they can sit on the fence and be castigated.

While I liked Alex's history and I understand the anger from WFS, is it also possible everyone here is looking in the wrong place? Two lessons I learned during my time at GBN and prior to GBN included seeking out "Remarkable People", and the importance of delivering on "Change". Scenarios, future plans, dreams and concepts are nothing if they fail to enthuse the hearts and minds of participants. Organizations that are more adaptive, more in tune with their environment are more likely to live another day. For my two cents it is all about making better decisions today. That require "context". Without context -- the today-- too many projects are just fishing expeditions"

He goes on to talk about the internet and blogging too.  As living networks inherent within which are concepts of connectivity and flow.  In the context of a collaborative and collective environment.   Where asking better questions, and probing more can be more effective than seeking readymade answers and predicting solutions. 

This is our today - and our future breathes through it.  I think sometimes adults struggle with these concepts and debates - while kids really are the ones creating the contexts for their futures. They're networked and connected, and i'd like to add curious.  Always seeking new ways and more often than not, tending to be early adopters. 

And there is wonder in that ! 

2:53:01 PM    comment []  trackback []

I've been talking to Robin Good.  And i've been learning so much. 

Robin's definitely a change agent, promoting better understanding of technology for better and more effective communication. He's developed an Official Guide to best Web Conferencing and Live Presentation Tools.  Its a terrific resource - well-documented and very comprehensive.  Useful for anyone who uses or wishes to use online collaboration software.  Whether individual or groups, whether SOHO or enterprise markets.  Thanks Robin for sharing it with me - i learnt so much studying it.  I did a search for other such resources - and came up with just one that comes close - Thinkofit.

Robin interviewed me as part of his series on the future of online collaboration.  Here's the full interview with his comments (highly flattering :):):))and a full transcript - i loved answering this question in particular :

Robin Good: Can you describe your ideal dream conferencing/collaboration system in its main characteristics?

Dina Mehta: Hmmm - I'd like a work space like Groove - its synchronous and asynchronous, its clean and easy to navigate even for a non-techie - with most of its tools like Browser, Picture Chat pane, Discussion, Document review, Messaging, Meetings, Notepad etc. But need much better voice - something like Skype - and video conferencing facilities - that would be terrific.

Additional goodies would be a blog or wiki like application - where the conferencing system can actually move into a more collaboratory mode - with threaded discussions and a space that encourages brainstorming issues, new product innovations or any other 'task at hand' that requires a group of people to work together within a community or simply in a more collective environment.

It was neat to actually think about my online communication and collaboration habits.  I use the word habit - because its something i've been doing for a while now - and haven't really sat back and contemplated or evaluated consciously much before. 

Late last evening, Robin introduced me to Voxwire - and we experimented some with it.  The voice is really good there - crystal clear and with no time-lag whatsoever.   Just found it a bit tedious to have to press the control key each time i had to hand over voice to Robin.  Perhaps a feature more useful when there are more than 2 persons conferencing.  There's a nice text messaging window pane too, and we could navigate and browse sites together.  We got to the video part when i realised it was late - and family was calling.  Hope to experiment some more with you Robin.    

I've also been experimenting with Glance - another web-conferencing space.  I love the concept of screen-sharing. I've tried it just once yet - and it was a little slow - perhaps a server problem or high traffic.   Too early yet for any conclusive comment. 

1:20:54 PM    comment []  trackback []