When one uses Google Wave, like any communication form, there’s the competing elements of signal and noise.
Already the signal is quite strong. Most technophiles already have access but we’re all trying to find out how best to use this medium. It’s obviously strong in collaboration and seems to be a great balance of email and instant messaging at the social or community level. It’s good for working up collaborative documents too for business and other development.
Public waves are out there, many of which are quite informative, from camping groups, the things to do in my local city and even how to use Google wave itself. One public wave is even committed to a manhunt of the killer of the four police in Seattle.
But there is also noise. Many gawking tourist-type comments, hihi-type comments, empty replies and so forth. As Google Wave accepts more people into the fold we’ll have a more mainstream mix and with it will come the spam. Already I’ve seen a few primitive spam efforts. If Google doesn’t improve its strategy public waves will be inundated with spam chocking out their usefulness.
What do you use Google Wave for?
01/12/2009 at 11:48 pm Permalink
What could be of concern to tin hat wearing folk like myself is what lies beneath the wave, (sharks?).
The Data Analysis thing. Google will know where you are at and possibly what you are up to. They will use that information to sell marketing and the like.
Who else will have access to that info? A government? Possibly a business rival that paid a government employee? And of course anyone that hacked your account, phone or whatever the hell else you use to surf the wave.
I know what your thinking, Steve where can I get me some of that tinfoil? Well tinfoil is a metaphor for fine copper mesh, a screen. Just google it…erm on second thought go to a hardware store,(pay cash).
02/12/2009 at 6:37 am Permalink
Well it’s true that Google knows the wealth they can get from information mining and it’s likely Google Wave will do that too, not that I have read the fine print, nor necessarily trust it.
Of course most online information is already mined. So one favours one corporation or another. It’s a major problem and privacy polices are no protection at all.
BTW Steve who the hell is Hunter Thompson?
02/12/2009 at 8:57 am Permalink
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_S._Thompson
“Thompson left the Air Force in 1958 as an Airman First Class, having been recommended for an early honorable discharge by his commanding officer. “In summary, this airman, although talented, will not be guided by policy,”
I have totally hijacked this thread, delete my comments, it’s your only hope.