Original Content
This week, I talked to Brett Scott, author of The Heretic’s Guide to Global Finance, about Hacking the Future of Money. Watch here.
Geeking Out
“…that world is uncertain and full of novelty.” And that’s why robots need to learn to program themselves—so they can learn to load dishwashers. Not certain on the explanation for why my 11 year-old can’t learn the same skill.
Will you someday drive a 3D printed car (or will the robots drive it for you)? And before that robot-driven car can get on the road, what laws will we need to update?
Sharing, Solidarity & Sustainability
What’s a happy medium between your public bus system, and a private car service like Uber or Lyft? Check out Bridj, a new way of scheduling multi-passenger trips. And while we’re on the subject of ride-sharing, this new website lets you compare what you’d pay for the same ride on Uber, Lyft & using a traditional taxi.
Reputation, reputation, reputation
Are you a Facebook Messenger user? You might be surprised to see how much data they’re collecting about you…even when the app’s not running.
Organizing Theory
This article looks at the evolution of independent media from the ‘70s to today, and wonders if the onset of the internet has robbed the politics from the DIY movement.
“…for every voter who registers through an app, there are many more who would be better served by making Election Day a national holiday…” On civic tech, and what challenges it should turn to, next.
From Partners
Amalgamated Bank has a new video out, featuring their commitment to creating an economy that works for everyone.
The New Economy Coalition is sponsoring a week of action asking a series of questions to get people thinking about what it will take to build the economy we need, October 13-19th. Organize an event in your town!
What’s Going on in the Workforce?
What exactly do we mean when we talk about digital labor? Is it the online freelancer? The programmer in India? The guy who mines minerals that are needed to make smartphones? This new paper looks at what those jobs—and others—have in common.
Do we need a new type of worker classification, something between permanent employee and independent contractor? In the words of my Magic 8 Ball, “Signs point to yes.” A long read, but an excellent paper exploring the ups & downs of the peer to peer economy.
“…overwork is not elective, it is part of a new social contract.” An essay about a little magazine that thought it could talk about work and technology in a new way…wonder why that appeals to me?