OLDaily

Feature Article
Where Do Blog Post Ideas Come From?
Stephen Downes, Half an Hour, 2020/06/01

I was asked, "do you have any advice on how to come up with blog post ideas?" This is my response, talking about the sources I use to get ideas and the framework I use to convert what I read and see to interesting and useful (I hope!) blog posts.

[Link] [Comment]

Publishers File Suit Against Internet Archive for Systematic Mass Scanning and Distribution of Literary Works
Association of American Publishers, 2020/06/01

According to the publishers, "IA’s conduct bears little resemblance to the trusted role that thousands of American libraries play within their communities and as participants in the lawful copyright marketplace. IA scans books from cover to cover, posts complete digital files to its website, and solicits users to access them for free by signing up for Internet Archive Accounts." Actually, that kind of is what libraries do. Readers borrow books and read them. Even so, it's hard to imagine the Internet Archive (IA) prevailing here. Which is too bad, because the big problem with books is (a) cost and (b) access. Especially when your regular library is closed.

Web: [Direct Link] [This Post]

The TRUST Principles for digital repositories
Dawei Lin, et.al., Scientific Data, 2020/06/01

This article outlines a framework "to facilitate discussion and implementation of best practice in digital preservation by all stakeholders," the TRUST principles:

• Transparency - To be transparent about specific repository services and data holdings that are verifiable by publicly accessible evidence.
• Responsibility - To be responsible for ensuring the authenticity and integrity of data holdings and for the reliability and persistence of its service.
• User Focus - To ensure that the data management norms and expectations of target user communities are met.
• Sustainability - To sustain services and preserve data holdings for the long-term.
• Technology - To provide infrastructure and capabilities to support secure, persistent, and reliable services.

The principles are now in the process of being endorsed by various organizations, for example, the Open Preservation Foundation, which endorsed them today.

Web: [Direct Link] [This Post]

How to Safely and Ethically Film Police Misconduct
Palika Makam, Teen Vogue, 2020/06/01

A lot of the media being recorded around the world in these turbulent times will become online learning resources in the future. Your efforts to document these events will be appreciated by educators. This article, authored by the human rights organization WITNESS, provides excellent guidance, and applies to a wide range of circumstances. Note that the specific advice regarding U.S. law does not apply internationally; videographers may have more or less protection, depending on the jurisdiction. Above all, if you are recording any media for the public historical record, please be safe. More resources.

Web: [Direct Link] [This Post]

New Map of SEP Based on Reciprocated Entries
Justin Weinberg, Daily Nous, 2020/06/01

I refer to articles from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy from time to time. This is what it looks like as one giant graph. This is how is understand philosophy (and, for that matter, everything else). Not necessarily as a graph of references from one article to another, as depicted here, but as a graph of what one thing makes me think of another. You don't need to click on this link necessarily (and be warned, it's a lot of content and will probably bog your computer right down). The main thing is to understand is that this - and not some pile of facts - is what constitutes knowledge.

Web: [Direct Link] [This Post]

A Looming Financial Meltdown For America's Schools
Cory Turner, NPR, 2020/06/01

People like Bryan Alexander have been documenting this for a few months now, and the coming 'meltdown' is beginning to be recognized in broader circles. "Cuts to funding at schools will forever impact the lives of children... The harm children face from these cuts, Beutner warned, is just as real a threat to them as is the coronavirus." My fear is that the opposite will happen - that (as usual) the bulk of the resources will reach those who are already advantaged and privileged. My response is to ask what we can do, right now, to address this? I think that the answer is for governments and (what's left of) institutions to put resources into helping students help themselves as much as possible, while ensuring that the bulk of the effort is directed toward those who cannot help themselves - children and students from poor families, from traditionally disenfranchised communities, or who are suffering special circumstances.

Web: [Direct Link] [This Post]

Online conferences should be different
The corridor of uncertainty, Alastair Creelman, 2020/06/01

There has been a number of reflections on how online conferences could be difference, and this post looks at a few of them. One idea comes from Online Town a clever video format where you can mingle as you might at a reception. Another is Matt Webb's proposal for a month long conference, which we covered here a few days ago. Another is Qiqo chat for Zoom with collaborative documents allowing participants to move themselves into different breakout rooms. We've seen variations of all of these before, and much more besides, but I don't think the ultimate formula for online conferences has been found yet.

Web: [Direct Link] [This Post]