May 1, 2012
flickring out
D'Arcy Norman,
D'Arcy Norman dot net, May 1, 2012.
One of my motivations for using Flickr was that my photos would always be available for people to use, even if for some reason I stopped paying them money and uploading more. Some time between when i started with Flickr and now that ceased to be the case, and Flickr will make available only the most recent 200 photos of non-paying members. That's disappointing because it seriously damages Flickr's utility as a photo library. My 17,000 photos on Flickr have gathered more than 900,000 views all told. I'm not pulling the plug just yet but I am thinking about contingency plans.
Video of TheNextWeb keynote on The Future of Crowds
Ross Dawson,
Trends in the Living Networks, May 1, 2012.
The talk gets a bit racy near the end, but before that argues that "crowds are the future of everything."
What the Microsoft Investment in Barnes & Noble Means for E-textbooks
Rob Reynolds,
E-Literate, May 1, 2012.
"This morning," writes Rob Reynolds, "Microsoft and Barnes and Noble announced that the software giant is investing $300 million in a new B&N subsidiary that will include the Nook and B&N College divisions. Microsoft’s investment gives it a 17.6 percent stake in the newco and ensures that Windows 8 will launch with the Nook digital bookstore in tow." He suggests that the result will mean increased competition for Amazon and ultimately lower textbook prices, which it will, but I would not expect these commercial interests to reduce prices dramatically.
More on the Sakai/Jasig Merger
Michael Feldstein,
e-Literate, May 1, 2012.
Michael Feldstein explains the dynamics behind the proposed merger of the Sakai (an LMS) and Jasig (ePortal solutions) communities into one overarching community that would be called the Apereo Foundation (which would be modeled roughly on the Apache Foundation). He focuses on the 'community source' model, in which development is by and fora particular community, rather than (say) the general public. This model, he argues, makes sense when the acquisition cost of the commercial product is high, and when communities want to control their own futures. But as the product matures and as the commercial market commodifies, there is less inclination for community members to donate to development or even community support, hence the need for a foundation to manage the projects. What this tells me is that both projects have reached a kind of end point.
MOOCs: Two Different Approaches to Scale, Access and Experimentation
Phil Hill,
E-Literate, May 1, 2012.
There are two types of MOOCs, wreites Phil Hill, the connectivist branch and the Stanford branch. He adds:
- "The two current branches of MOOCs are different and will not merge – despite the common name, they have different aims and methods. It is a mistake, in my opinion, to overlook the differences.
- "Both branches are early prototypes or pilots. The future of MOOCs will be based on further developing the concepts and techniques – we should not expect massive adoption until future generations of MOOCs evolve"
And while the MOOC is not as yet the "answer" to anything in particular, he suggests they will be, as they are merged with either badges or accreditation.
This newsletter is sent only at the request of subscribers. If you would like to unsubscribe, Click here.
Know a friend who might enjoy this newsletter? Feel free to forward OLDaily to your colleagues. If you received this issue from a friend and would like a free subscription of your own, you can join our mailing list. Click here to subscribe.