Circumspect: The Finite Life of Cultural Ideas
Karatzas, Evan
Can the conceptuality and functionality of a book be structured in such a way that the reader's actions, particularly with respect to the subjective determination of importance and relevance, shape the very content of the book? How can a system be developed that allows each reader of a collaborative publication to weigh-in on the relevance of the ideas and expressions that comprise the publication as it grows? Furthermore, can this be done in a transparent manner? That is, can system rules be developed that accurately capture the intent of the reader with respect to the evaluation of viewed content without specifically asking the reader to rate the content?
The experiment begins with a one-time global distribution of 25 "devices" based on evenly spaced geographic coordinates. The devices are self-contained webcams with high-capacity Flash card memory, a small color LCD display, global positioning satellite (GPS) capabilities, and the ability to upload data to a central web server. Recipients are encouraged but not required to make one or more recordings with the device before passing it along to another person. Each unit has a prominent "new user" button or similar function that allows the notation of time and location of each hand-off. When the device is activated, users are prompted to select from three subject areas or themes.
While the devices provide the sole means of generating content and expressing ideas for this new book, a secondary outlet is needed - a web-based repository of the captured and uploaded assets. Here, the general public will selectively view and ignore content of interest to them and by so doing, empower the system algorithms to either protect or facilitate the digital degradation process. Only content deemed relevant by the public will remain intact and relatively true to the original expressive documentary act. Others will degrade beyond recognition and can no longer be discovered or shared.
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Circumspect
