Week 15 Journal

Technology undoubtedly plays a significant role in everyday writing and composing. After reading the article, my view on its exact significance changed. Its role isn’t as lofty or essential as we have always assumed it to be. Technology is important, but what is more important is its function, and how we choose to utilize that function. This belief is expressed in our assigned reading, where Shirky states that some “articles came from a focus on the technical means rather than on the social opportunities of that communication”. He also makes a profound statement, saying, “No one wants e-mail for itself, any more than anyone wants electricity for itself; rather, we want the things electricity enables”. This supports the idea that technology itself isn’t as valuable as one may think. Having said that, the presence technology should not be overlooked. The ability to enjoy all of the things that e-mail enables, such as gossip, discussion, argument, etc. is not possible without the actual presence of the technology (e-mail). The same goes for electricity. The things that electricity enables, some of which includes light, television, etc. is not possible without the presence of the technology (electricity). Shirky made a very good point early in the reading when he said, “We create opportunities for one another that we wouldn’t otherwise have. By treating one another well (fairly, if not always nicely), we can create environments where the group can do more 98 Cognitive Surplus Opportunity 99 than the individuals could on their own”. That is probably my favorite line of his in the entire reading, and I couldn’t agree any more with that sentiment. This brings back up the concept of collaboration. The ability and willingness to cooperate with others is almost always beneficial to all parties involved. I thought the quote Shirky used from Farrell was interesting. Farrell states, "Most collaborative circles consist of a core group who interact frequently and a peripheral 'extended' group who vary in their degree of involvement. The core comprises those members who meet together on a regular basis, discuss their work, and through their interaction develop a new vision, while the extended group disseminates the ideas arising from the core”. The way that Farrell separates divides the concept of collaboration into two more distinct groups is quite interesting.