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May 12, 2006
Jonathan Zittrain is Not a Rap Mogul
This afternoon's session about online communities got distracted somewhat by the real-time question and answer system used at the conference. As panelists talk, participants and virtual lurkers are able to submit questions and respond as the panelists are speaking.
The last panelist, Berkman co-founder Jonathan Zittrain, participated over a Web cam from Oxford, England. Ethan Zuckerman introduced him as "JZ," and this caused a long list of comments over whether the JZ in question was no other than rap superstar/business mogul Jay-Zee.
Here's a taste of the thread:
# Who is this "JZ"? (5 votes)
[vote that it be answered] [answer briefly]* EthanZ: Jonathan Zittrain, law professor at OII and Berkman
* snoop: isn't he a rap mogul?
* Anonymous: A famous Rapper known his love of cyberlaw and hos
* duwop: a man sitting in very dark room. why?
* Anonymous: darker and rainier in oxford than cambridge (ma)
* Godess: JR realy is God - I know - look at how strong he looks
* Anon: JZ - God - just made the lights dim
* patrick duffy: JR? Wasn't he shot?
As Jonathan gave his talk, this chat went on back and forth on a large screen in the plenary room. What started as sporadic giggles became a vocal minority of participants who struggled to contain their laughter. (I must confess - I was one Snoop and Patrick Duffy in this thread.)
It was a fun little break in the seriousness, but it also demonstrates the risks of having wifi access and real-time chat during a conference. People are going to say what they'll say, constructive or not. But that's the beauty of Web 2.0 - letting go of the old rules and trusting in your fellow community members to do the right thing. Admittedly, I listened a little less to Jonathan's talk than I otherwise would have if I hadn't been reading or participating in the chat. I just hope they don't use it if I'm ever invited to speak here - someone, no doubt, would exact their revenge and find some creative way to make jokes about my initials. :-) -andy
tag: beyondbroadcast
Posted by acarvin at May 12, 2006 3:05 PM
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