December 1, 2009 6:00 PM - 83 attended
Under the Bridge: Net2NO and the Digital Divide
The gap between those who have access to the Internet and those who do not seems like a fitting topic for the Net2NO community to explore. Afterall, it perfectly combines techie stuff with complex social issues, online connectivity with real world consequences.
However, while it is a seemingly perfect fit, it is also a highly volatile one. There are socio-economic, racial, psychographic, demographic, even geographic issues all at play here. Another factor is that with current Census data lacking at best, the truth is, no one really knows to what extent this gap even exists. Is it larger than we assume? Smaller?
The debate over how big or small the gap or how to close it often overlooks another prescient point: WHY does it exist? Assumptions abound, but sometimes getting to the heart of why something exists is the only way to even begin to address it.
So in the spirit of Crowdsourcing, we invite all Net2NO members, non-members, offline, online, to join us as we delve into this issue through working groups and breakout sessions in an attempt to even remotely begin to understand what steps are needed to bridge the gap.
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Melissa Rae Bennett
In 2004, 70% of the world's population had never heard a dial tone.
Amazing to think that within only 5 years, this statistic is no longer true, thanks in part to mobile technology - something that has contributed in an enormous way to closing the ?digital divide.?
(50 Facts that Should change the World - Source of 70% stat)
Nevertheless, I'm pumped about this meeting & hearing all the ways we can change the world by closing the divide... See u all there!Posted November 22, 2009 at 4:08 AM
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damien lamannaEvent HostCo-OrganizerIt's true that both topics are nebulous ones... Where we as a community go from here and how to tackle the Digital Divide, if at all.... The discussion was lively, the feedback insightful, and the drinks strong. That's aces in my book. Indeed, we are going through some growing pains right now, but the braces soon yield a brilliant smile, the acne gives way to beauty, and a crackled voice becomes a powerful one.
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tungly+1 guestconversations didn't go anywhere. breakout groups didn't relate to the discussion or moved it forward or specialized the topic. there was no clear respect for the meeting purpose or may be even knowledge of the purpose.
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James A. LancasterI think it's great that Net2NO is asking the members the direction it should be moving in. Everyone there, besides the drunk guy, were working collaborativel
y to improve the organization, and that's always great to see.
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JerryThought there was good discussion on what Net2NO should become, but as one of the MC's put it "Net2NO is going thru its awkward stage" Felt some internal hesitation on exactly what Net2NO wants to be and is struggling between forcing it to have some direction, or just letting it to continue to evolve naturally... not an easy task to keep that balance, but having the discussion and the participation is certainly one way to till the soil and see what grows from it. I know I'll always be surprised and impressed by what comes out of this creative and dedicated group - if you don't participate, engage and interact, you are nothing more than a sideline quarterback whose comments are encouraging at best and defeatist at worst and should be ignored. Keep up the good work - it does not go unnoticed.
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Will NorrisThere was too much to consider in the small amount of time in the groups. 'What is the Digital Divide' is a large subject with many levels.
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Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency
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I think another valid point is there are people who do not CARE to incorporate technology. It is normally a touch subject explaining to an individual why there are benefits to having a website or any other sort of web presence (whatever suits their particular situation). Often times individuals just do not care to be online. This is also a topic worth discussing I think.