“The computer gathers a cluster of previously scattered information about each individual, making the control of society unbearable, especially since this control will be exercised not just by ‘authorities,’ but also by the public, the ‘others,’ by public opinion.” Ellul, 1977
Great post, like the comments though I believe cryptocurrencies are a feint. They will be sold as game points, of course (do X get extra crytpobucks/special privileges that all those still dealing in cash/barter/metals can't get), to hook people. But come on, they are useless in a prolonged grid down situation, and that's the situation I'm betting on.
Love the idea of illegibility--reminds me of the Wendell Berry poem Margaret Anna Alice quoted in her post of a few weeks ago. One of the lines is "Every day, do something that does not compute"
As I begin to look further into NFT and blockchain technology, what is being referred to positively as web3, the idea of legibility seems to be a double edged sword in hedging our bets against inflationary fiat currency. On the one hand, it seems necessary for the entire framework of user-centered blockchain and cryptocurrency/nft based transactions for the sake of validity, but at the same token, now I am absolutely appalled by the notion of FB trying to get ahead of the surge of decentralized creator-space with their metaverse. I fear it is just one more avenue that could potentially benefit the people and decentralize information but the technocratic albatross is aware and swallowing it whole.
“The computer gathers a cluster of previously scattered information about each individual, making the control of society unbearable, especially since this control will be exercised not just by ‘authorities,’ but also by the public, the ‘others,’ by public opinion.” Ellul, 1977
Great post, like the comments though I believe cryptocurrencies are a feint. They will be sold as game points, of course (do X get extra crytpobucks/special privileges that all those still dealing in cash/barter/metals can't get), to hook people. But come on, they are useless in a prolonged grid down situation, and that's the situation I'm betting on.
Love the idea of illegibility--reminds me of the Wendell Berry poem Margaret Anna Alice quoted in her post of a few weeks ago. One of the lines is "Every day, do something that does not compute"
Thanks.
Also, thank you for clarification of the name. Apropos on many levels. I'm looking forward to what else you will be writing about.
As I begin to look further into NFT and blockchain technology, what is being referred to positively as web3, the idea of legibility seems to be a double edged sword in hedging our bets against inflationary fiat currency. On the one hand, it seems necessary for the entire framework of user-centered blockchain and cryptocurrency/nft based transactions for the sake of validity, but at the same token, now I am absolutely appalled by the notion of FB trying to get ahead of the surge of decentralized creator-space with their metaverse. I fear it is just one more avenue that could potentially benefit the people and decentralize information but the technocratic albatross is aware and swallowing it whole.