Chapter 8: What Nothing Says
Main Point: Explicit information, such as metadata, barely begins to scratch the surface of what implicit information really exists related to a particular object. Much of the meaning of implicit data is based on personal connections, perhaps obscure, and the context of information, so explicit information out of context has little or no value to the user. As computers collect explicit information and cross-reference it with more metadata tags, implicit meanings will become clearer to everyone, not only those who created a tag.
“So What?”: I like to think of the digital order of tree of knowledge more as an infinite string of twine. Everything is connected through something else, by a certain degree of separation. When that piece of twine is all balled up, information that didn’t seem to correlate is suddenly directly connected.
Not everyone carries the same implicit knowledge about a subject, but though as information is continually tagged, and computers make inferences and digitally connect concepts, places, ideas, and people, we will have the ability to access, reference and share implicit knowledge based on an explicit system of tags. Maybe one day we will be able to instantly access and share any information, definition, memory or incite we have with anyone in the world. I can’t help but think of the Borg.
Chapter 9: Messiness is a Virtue
Summary: Simplicity often helps people understand the truth of a situation, but if it’s too explicit, they will still not understand why it is the truth. The whole world cannot be divided up into cut-and-dry Aristotelian categories, rather categories are built around “good” examples of a concept, and the sort-of and kind-of good examples are clustered around them, but often can be placed in multiple categories. This messy, miscellaneous way of organizing information is more natural than the Aristotelian way, because it reflects how humans think.
“So What?”: Using a system of organization that is inherent to the way the brain works allows better access and interconnectivity between people. The “messiness” of digital order makes everything more useful. This goes back to Britannica categorizing topics with similar or relevant information. This kind of organization allows us to acquire knowledge about different subjects that may interest us based on how others have carved their path.
Mapping knowledge in this way makes it easier to find what we are looking for, and will help fully connect us as a global community.
3 notes:
Chapter 8
I agree that in the third order of order everything is connected through something else. But I see it as a web, rather than an infinite string of twine, because information is linked to other information in so many different directions. Twine makes me envision us all going down the same road of knowledge.
Chapter 9
The “messiness” of digital order does make everything more useful. If I am looking for ANYTHING, I go directly to the internet because I know if I follow enough links I will find what I am looking for. That can’t be said for printed material.
I couldn't agree more with your so what in chapter 9. I wrote about the exact same thing. Organization is more of a personal taste and people have different views of what organization really is. I also believe many major websites are beginning to figure this out because many websites are changing their layouts to fit their customers better.
Great post, Amy. I know you're quiet, but I'd love to hear your voice in class more as you are generally really spot on with the readings.
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