Comments on: Web’s inventor now wants to link the world’s data

By: Paul Sutton

Paul Sutton — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:11:36 +0000

I’m reasonably certain that the goal is not to “liberate” classified information that’s in a secure data base on a secure network, so let’s take that worry off the table. Likewise, I’d disagree with the notion that “Most peoples (sic) private data is already out on the web somewhere.” If you’d like to prove otherwise, go look for it. What’s next, banning books because they might contain information that in the wrong hands could be used in a bad way? Revoking the first amendment because it might expose government corruption or malfeasance that might embarrass an administration? The virtuous have nothing to hide; the bad guys, nothing they want exposed.

I’ll put my money on openness and transparency over the protectors of information deciding what we should and shouldn’t see. Frankly, worrying about the damage that openness COULD result in rather than on the benefits that WILL flow from it is a tempest in a teapot.

Is Wikipedia “a bad thing” because people collaborate to share data and information? Wikipedia is a simple example of what transparent collaboration can accomplish and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Will “bad things” happen? Sure, but there will always be people who say “We shouldn’t do this because something could go wrong,” and others who will say “We should do this because we can and the benefits will be enormous.” And of course, the benefits are always enormous and things do go wrong, then we get them right, and fewer things are wrong with each successive improvement.

We do things like this because we can, but mostly, we do them because we must. The benefits will far outweigh the negatives in the same way that movable type was good for the masses while it was undoubtedly bad for those whose power was predicated on the ignorance of the masses. Expanding access to data will have the same impact.

By: Wesley D. Brown

Wesley D. Brown — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 02:13:17 +0000

Lets talk, knowledge as you know is power, but even greater allows infomed decisions that actually have value. “The lost art in America”. So few know or realize what is actually out there. Several years ago in various courts operations divorce, I noted that each time the attorney’s or Judge manipulated the facts the actual was actually still there, plus their changes. They just did not understand the concept. All of that and more exists today. A sample the Gasoline prices, the suppliers actually get about $ 40.00 per barrel and that is a rasise this year, not last. Thus the facts we are shown comes from a “special interest” group in England that if examined does not have facts at all just politics. Thank you George, Dick and Tony, while in fact real facts existed all along. Only manipulations affect Oil’s prices, it is all for personal gain, with no relationship to market. Actual Knowledge puts a stop to that, let alone in financial, medical or any other area applied. If the robber barens still want to proced at least they will have to wear a mask and carry a weapon. When and if the public ever finds out what is really going on, I would guess there will be changes. Another example Congress and Senate, the kickbacks, payoffs, corruption exists, all that has to be done is post it beside the persons name. Suddenly who they really represent is no longer a question, but their removeal is instant. Then there is the missing Billions, it is not gone just reloacted to certain parties pockets at the expence of all others.

By: Jeffrey Rademaker

Jeffrey Rademaker — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:35:50 +0000

I would be concerned that too much data would be available. Most peoples private data is already out on the web somewhere. Linking all the data could increase identiy theft of other acts of fraud. Additionally, having too much government data available worldwide could have a destabilizing effect when highly classified information is leaked which it eventually would.

I am all for openess and data sharing but there are many more who are opportunists who would find a way to use all the data to do bad deeds. Remember, we are dealing with the human race and the diversity that comes with it. Just risk assess it before you do it.

By: Stephen Alter

Stephen Alter — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:30:03 +0000

We would say that anyone that truly wants liquidity can simply start uploading all of their documentation, images, audio and video with their own privately branded virtual deal room provided by Realcapitalmarkets.com This way you have total and complete transparency for whomever has the appropriate permissions. Increase liquidity through efficiency and transparency.