Had a neat conversation yesterday with our funded innovators about the power and the value of a source of information. The conversation came about as we debated the use of SMS in the organization of flash mobs. It seems like I would balk at a SMS flash mob invitation from a corporate company, but would welcome one from a friend to the same event.
There is a clear issue of trust and who we believe, and more importantly what level of authority we are willing to heed to. The point I see in this is a reversal of authority in this media. I would probably balk at a government sponsored flash mob (unless it was a hurricane flash mob evacuation), and would more than likely show up to a flash message from an old friend that I have not seen in a few years.
I agree. The phenomenon of flash mobs is based on a counter culture perspective. However, depending on the issue, I do see where this could evolve to where an issue that is compelling enough to develop a passionate response could be accepted coming from a credible organization.
Posted by: Danny Ingram | August 13, 2004 at 11:38 AM
I agree to the extreme side of your sentiment. I think that for the underground flash mob to accept authority it would need to be for a very charitable and infrequent cause. I can actually see hurricane cleanup efforts being organize if we had a better grasp of SMS here in the US.
Posted by: Randy | September 03, 2004 at 11:03 AM