I told a now-retired colleague in the early days of the Internet boom that we might not have to think anymore, if point and click takes over.
Signs that this is taking root: Microsoft is at work on a political aggregator called “blews.” (What focus group begat that name?) Apparently, it attempts to sort out what’s important, and color-codes it.
I find aggregators convenient for certain things, like job hunting. Rather than go to a jillion sites, an aggregator can bring you several opportunities in a field that’s suitable for you.
But politics is one of those areas (like entertainment, religion, sports) where individual preferences, thought and emotion are very important. And one of the pluses of the Internet is that everyone’s equal. So kinda scary that Microsoft is trying to become the authority here. (On technology or software, I’d understand it.)
Word is that MSFT will be presenting “blews” the week of 3/31/08 in Seattle. Stay tuned.
On the other hand, maybe it will create a backlash and induce MORE individual reaction. We shall see.
