From: hau...@labdien.cc.columbia.edu (Michael Hauben)
Subject: The Emergence of a Global Public Commons: Internet and Usenet:
Date: 1996/10/08
Message-ID: <53cstb$3v0@apakabar.cc.columbia.edu>#1/1
X-Deja-AN: 187964182
organization: Columbia University
reply-to: hau...@columbia.edu
newsgroups: 
alt.culture.usenet,news.misc,alt.culture.internet,alt.amateur-comp,alt.cyberspace,comp.society.futures,comp.misc,alt.online-service.freenet


Following is an introductory proposal for research concerning the
Internet and Usenet as a growing global public space. Please let
me know any suggestions, comments, or recommendations on topics,
sources, background and the like. As always, my research is based
on-line so you will be able to see how it progresses and
contribute where you wish :-)

	Research - Independent Study Proposal -- Fall 1996
	  Michael Hauben <hau...@columbia.edu>

   Internet and Usenet: The Emergence of a Global Public Commons

With the development of Usenet and other public computer
communication forums, a new public space is emerging. This public
space or commons is different from past public squares and forums
in that there are no geographic boundaries or limitations. The
speakers soapbox is no longer rooted in a particular corner of a
particular public square.

As more and more people connect to the Internet, Usenet, etc it
is important to study and understand the benefits and problems of
such an emerging powerful entity.

I intend to see what research has been done about computer
communications and public commons. One thesis I have found
focuses on Habermas and the Internet. The recent decision for an
injunction against the CDA clause of the Telecommunications Act
of 1996 will also be important source material. In addition, I
intend to survey the scholarship on the historic development of
public commons to see where the Internet fits in.

Part of the power of public spaces is the ability to uncover and
share with others any form of underhanded dealings or problems.
This is where much of the power of public is possible. Through
this sharing, collaboration towards organizing grassroots
movements is possible.

Thanks,

/Michael

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael Hauben                 Teachers College Dept. of Communication
Netizens Netbook               http://www.columbia.edu/~hauben/netbook/
WWW Music Index                http://www.columbia.edu/~hauben/music/