Disqus - Latest Comments for CulturalEngineer

Re: It's time for Congress to investigate corporations, again

CulturalEngineer — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 07:27:40 -0000

Without "heat-from-the-bottom" this will likely go nowhere. And without methods for meaningful citizen impact on decision that's just what will happen (no matter how high the bi-partisan support for the issue). The volume micropayment in lobbying is an essential tool for balance... AND will lead to limits and reform.

Re: Malloy shrugs off Clinton fee flare-up

CulturalEngineer — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 03:39:20 -0000

Giving some clarity:
A one-click payment capability (including but not necessarily limited to a micropayment) available across multiple Internet pathways (e.g. as opposed to a capability restricted to a closed proprietary silo like x-box, Amazon, etc) especially designed for politics, charity and journalism.

The resulting natural monopoly run as a public utility forms the root for a needed civic web.

Re: Malloy shrugs off Clinton fee flare-up

CulturalEngineer — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 03:29:03 -0000

Fees from private donors are a great way to cement the social class relationship w/o having to deal with pesky things like campaign finance limits. And it helps her to feel better about how she and her fellow Democrats have been such key players in the increased wealth division. OH? Do you believe its just the Republicans that created the problem! Well look at history... yes, there's always been the 'gimme' guys... but they've always needed a wealthy "Left" on the other side... that won't fight too strenuously.

Finance limits... along with a simple small contribution method for 'natural persons' will change that. A simple one-click method. is in the works... one patent issued, more coming... and its importance and ramifications are getting noticed by a few Internet "thinkers.".

Re: Napster billionaire's next mission: Conquer politics

CulturalEngineer — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 07:12:21 -0000

From: Princeton Study: U.S. No Longer An Actual Democracy

"The central point that emerges from our research is that economic elites and organized groups representing business interests have substantial independent impacts on U.S. government policy," they write, "while mass-based interest groups and average citizens have little or no independent influence."

A publicly owned, neutral utility allowing simple one-click political contribution is an essential and fundamental tool of democracy... and is fully compatable with public funding of elections, limits and transparency

Characteristics of the Monied "Like" Button
http://culturalengineer.blo...

One-Click Micropayment Capability for Volume Solicitations and Multiple Providers
http://culturalengineer.blo...

This has been clear to me for quite a while now... this needed network addresses multiple problems and nobody seems to see it. And if the micropayment is too scary for the oligarchy (who fear it will lead to anarchy) and some on the "Left" (who think it just means more evil 'money in politics').... at just what level would a one-click contribution capability be tolerable?

And just why ISN'T this the best way to actually bring about other needed reforms as well?

Is the problem that for it to come about it needs the co-operation of entities who are much too satisfied with things being broken? Or they just don't realize they need to play a part?

This concept isn't going be ignored too much longer... but this story about another billionaire in politics says a lot about just what the media pays attention to. If you're not rich... they don't know you exist. Its a very sad story.

Re: Building the Facebook of Neighborhoods

CulturalEngineer — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 18:50:15 -0000

Gaining traction will be a big problem...

A citizens utility for certain forms of transaction..; especially the micropayment and its speech related capabilities will form the necessary anchor.

Along with the latest Supreme Court decision on campaign finance... I'm finding at least some with an interest in this meta-political approach.

Its been very surprising to find the lack of interest or understanding in the effects and requirements of this capability.

I call it electoral-geographic networking and it arises as an inevitable and easily incorporated element of such a utility.... and has been envisioned as central from the start.

Characteristics of the Monied "Like" Button
http://culturalengineer.blo...

One-Click Micropayment Capability for Volume Solicitations and Multiple Providers
http://culturalengineer.blo...

Scaling Influence: Campaign Finance, Small Money and Large Numbers
http://culturalengineer.blo...

Patents issued and pending. Represented by Perkins Coie and Sheridan Ross

Sooner-or-later this will be noticed.

Re: PDF14 Theme: Save the Internet | The Internet Saves

CulturalEngineer — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 07:18:51 -0000

The Internet as the root of a new global community has not gone exactly as its academic founders may have hoped... both its commercialization and use (or misuse) by governments has shown it to be a double-edged sword.

The requirements for a viable micropayment... which is itself a missing element necessary for a more equitable political environment... and inevitably will lead to practical limits, transparency... and most likely at more public funding of election... as well as a populist vehicle for advocacy...

ALSO leads to a universally-owned, distributed network.

I believe this resultant network... also becomes a missing and necessary vehicle for currency creation as a supplement to... or a replacement for... the use of Primary dealers... and has use in addressing what may well turn in to persistent technological unemployment. (This takes more explanation than can reasonably be offered here... but is the practical path towards an remedy to Douglas Rushkoff's dilemma expressed in "Are Jobs Obsolete" )
.
Moreover, this resultant network... IF constructed as a for-profit network... (profit payable to its 'universal membership) becomes essentially a check and balance on unchecked corporate/governmental excess.

Characteristics of the Monied "Like" Button
http://culturalengineer.blo...

One-Click Micropayment Capability for Volume Solicitations and Multiple Providers
http://culturalengineer.blo...

Scaling Influence: Campaign Finance, Small Money and Large Numbers
http://culturalengineer.blo...

Decision Technologies: Currencies and the Social Contract
http://culturalengineer.blo...

Issues in Scaling Civilization: The Altruism Dilemma
http://culturalengineer.blo...

Represented by Perkins Coie and Sheridan & Ross

I've been astounded by the lack of understanding or interest in the importance of both the micropayment... as well as its network.

Re: Before There Was the Like Button, There Was ... the 'Radiovota'

CulturalEngineer — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 09:45:01 -0000

Its time has come again... and the need is urgent.

Characteristics of the Monied "Like" Button
http://culturalengineer.blo...

One-Click Micropayment Capability for Volume Solicitations and Multiple Providers
http://culturalengineer.blo...

There is nothing else that will so effectively and so quickly tip over the campaign and advocacy finance models... leading to effective limits, transparency and public funding of all or part of the election process.

Scaling Influence: Campaign Finance, Small Money and Large Numbers
http://culturalengineer.blo...

This is a public utility waiting to be born... and unfortunately dependent on two sectors who don't want their lobbying apple carts upset: the banking and Internet sectors.

Re: The new Knight News Challenge focuses on strengthening the free and open Internet

CulturalEngineer — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 12:59:05 -0000

I hope my work will be considered:

The capability and the network it creates briefly described below are essential to journalism... and an independent net...

The unification required by the monied Like button (a micropayment vehicle designed for an open ecosystem rather than the micropayment used on closed systems like GooglePlay or ITunes)...

Characteristics of the Monied "Like" Button
http://culturalengineer.blo...

Whether its offered via the single provider model or the multiple provider model...

Forms a common core with universal participation.

This entity... I suggest run as some form of user-owned co-op (one user; one share, non-transferable; expires with death)... is I believe a key element in providing a counter-balancing force to web dominance by both government and corporate interests.

P.S. If you walk far enough outside of the box... its even possible such a network could actually BUY vital pieces of Internet physical structure and hold them under common ownership.

P.P.S. Such a co-op structure (neither privately owned nor government run)... operating as an interbank network like ClearXChange... (encompassing both the problematic TBTF banks and others)... also has a certain aesthetic appeal not easily expressed.

Represented by Perkins Coie.

Re: Bernie Sanders: "I Am Prepared to Run for President of the United States"

CulturalEngineer — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 18:54:17 -0000

YES! That's exactly what happened... I had built a granny unit with my own hands and had the house rented out so I had low overhead and could focus on my art... and advancing this vital community-owned utility. My tenants had medical problem and had to move in with relatives... and Wells Fargo would allow me NO time to replace tenants when I missed one payment.

Moreover, when I tried to arrange a short sale whereby I could at least remain as a tenant in my room over the garage... I was solicited for a bribe in order to make it happen... which of course I could not afford... and unfortunately cannot prove.

The rich got richer, my home was stolen.... and Wells Fargo got bailed out. These are criminal enterprises... and the elites of both parties support this.

P.S. I got two $500 checks from the OCC in 'compensation' for this theft... and needless homelessness.

P.P.S. I'd owned the house since '91 and never missed a payment... now 64 and too old to do it all over. I used to be a moderate... and if I could have even kept my 500 feet I probably would have stayed that way... but...

I am now a fierce enemy of this duopoly

Re: Nader jabs Sanders in letter

CulturalEngineer — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 15:07:59 -0000

A speech-related micropayment capability (a simple monied "Like" button") WILL weaken both Party structures... its a no-brainer... and is very, very doable...

Characteristics of the Monied "Like" Button
http://culturalengineer.blo...

This can easily be done via a user-owned inter-bank system simiar to ClearXChange (except here NOT controlled by the banks)

However, it seems neither the TBTF banks nor the TBTF Parties want to talk about it much. Can't think why... they don't seem to mind the BIG money.

Even though its likely such a capability and network would lead to campaign finance reform, transparency... and even public funding of elections (while retaining and ability for truly powerful citizen lobbying).

Can't think why they wouldn't want it. Oh well, they're the experts.. best not think about it.

Re: Bernie Sanders: "I Am Prepared to Run for President of the United States"

CulturalEngineer — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 14:25:21 -0000

PLEASE RUN BERNIE!!!!

The SPEECH RELATED MICROPAYMENT is a GAME-ENDER FOR POLITICAL DOMINANCE BY BIG MONEY... especially via a user-owned network. It will eventually be recognized as a fundamental of speech and essential tool for a better political balance... which will inevitably and beneficially lead to spending limits, transparency and a greater public funding of elections while allowing a true 'citizen-based' advocacy... (I also believe it can be used to quickly end corporate personhood)

Characteristics of the Monied "Like" Button

http://culturalengineer.blo...

One-Click Micropayment Capability for Volume Solicitations and Multiple Providers

http://culturalengineer.blo...

Patent #7,870,067 granted January 11, 2011 for the single-provider model

Multiple-provider model patent pending (and can be accomplished via an inter-bank system similar to ClearXChange... except I want this one run as a user-owned Co-op rather than controlled by the TBTF banks.)

P.S. I'm homeless which all began with my pursuit of this vision... following a very needless foreclosure by Wells Fargo* which I believe is going to make a fairly good tale of bank greed, stupidity and inefficiency... all profiting them... and leaving me (and millions of others) needlessly destroyed. I'm very grateful to the attorneys at Pekins Coie for listening.and understanding and representing this endeavor.

Re: Fighting big donors with big dollars

CulturalEngineer — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 07:59:38 -0000

I'd echo a couple of points in comments: They won't change w/o strong external pressure. I've been at this a while... and my experience has made it clear that (for the most part)... both politicians and the financial services sector are for some reason (not having to do with either monetization or technical issues)... scared to death of an empowered and involved electorate.

Re: Fighting big donors with big dollars

CulturalEngineer — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 07:50:38 -0000

TO THE EDITORS & READERS:

I'm a cultural anthropologist represented by Perkins Coie in relation to what I believe is a very important innovation.

The control of politics by powerful interests is not a new phenomena... its as old as civilization. Money itself is a mechanism for creating 'chains-of-decision' (decision = an Intention + an action).

Limits and transparency are part of the solution... but alone are not sufficient. A ban will not address the issue of advocacy... while leaving other avenues of influence affecting candidate selection in place.

The speech-related micropayment IS and will eventually be recognized as a fundamental of speech and essential tool for a better balance.

While we are finally making progress... the total avoidance of coverage of this potential remains unexplained.

Characteristics of the Monied "Like" Button
http://culturalengineer.blo...

One-Click Micropayment Capability for Volume Solicitations and Multiple Providers
http://culturalengineer.blo...

Re: How the Rich Get Richer

CulturalEngineer — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 11:39:55 -0000

While it would be nice if the wealthy would 'help' drive political change.. and that angle should be pursued... I wouldn't hold my breath.

And we hope for alternatives to another violent revolution leading to another oligarchy...

Scaling human society will not be easy...

A suggestion for at least part of an answer: Large numbers... and small money... through a user-owned utility.

Characteristics of the Monied "Like" Button
http://culturalengineer.blo...

Re: Why There’s No Outcry

CulturalEngineer — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 10:09:31 -0000

moderate away... but please pay some attention to this needed innovation. I don't matter... but the concepts do. This needs exposure.

Re: Bones to pick with the Citizens United decision on fourth anniversary

CulturalEngineer — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 11:07:53 -0000

There's a bias which inherently tends towards wealth concentration in scaled human groups... and this applies to political power as well.

A recent book touches on the issue here:

White-Collar Government: The Hidden Role of Class in Economic Policy Making (Chicago Studies in American Politics)
http://www.amazon.com/White...

I contend that this is a result of a decision bias I call "the Altruism Dilemma"... (briefly this has to do with why it is we're more upset by the death of our pet dog that the death of a 1000 strangers... and why this is an unchangeable characteristic)...

Issues in Scaling Civilization: The Altruism Dilemma
http://culturalengineer.blo...

This is not a Left/Right issue... however the lack of meaningful opinion inputs from the greater numbers of poor leads to an inadequate 'force' of representation by even those supposedly sympathetic (i.e. the rich cannot effectively represent the poor even if they want to)

While the micropayment is not the only needed correction it is a requisite.

Characteristics of the Monied "Like" Button
http://culturalengineer.blo...

One-Click Micropayment Capability for Volume Solicitations and Multiple Providers
http://culturalengineer.blo...

Represented by Perkins Coie

Re: Predictions 2014: A Difficult Year To See

CulturalEngineer — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 10:05:26 -0000

I made a payment prediction back in 2007 that a viable micropayment requires a core... and now have a patented model for this via a single provider and pending for multiple providers. I further suggested then and continue to suggest that this capability is a fundamental of speech vital especially in areas of public concern: charity, politics and journalism.

I'm represented by Perkins Coie (on their dime)... this isn't a hypothetical... this is a needed institution. I look forward to the Internet industry addressing this responsibility soon.

Re: Predictions 2014: A Difficult Year To See

CulturalEngineer — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 13:53:45 -0000

Sorry I missed it. I'm pleased that some are starting to see the connection this needed institution has to both Doc Searls ideas re VRM as well as the work of David Brin and The Transparent Society. I'm grateful for their interest.

The collective force of the micropayment is a NEW capability in human history. This needs to be recognized. I'm convinced its a necessary tool for overcoming the consequences of the altruism dilemma... though not without risks.

Moreover the design of the 'core' I believe it requires has important implications for the viability of "Commons-oriented" interests which narrowly focused forces may not adequately address.

I'd like to see Adam Smith's work revived. He not only believed in the importance of competition... but the need for a level playing field.

Issues in Scaling Civlization: The Monsters-from-the-Id Dilemma
http://culturalengineer.blo...

Re: Predictions 2014: A Difficult Year To See

CulturalEngineer — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 21:26:49 -0000

A humble prediction from an outsider:

I'm not quite sure how long it will take... and I didn't thing it would take THIS long... but I'm convinced some understanding will arise very soon regarding just why the "monied Like button" (a viable one-click micropayment)... is such a big deal... why it requires a unified core... and why its of considerable public interest.

I'd also suggest that the Internet industry as a whole needs to play a responsible role here. It sometimes seems the focus of the industry is too focused on toys, entertainment and games...

Not that those are bad things... I love all of them (I'm an Xbox addict)...

But there are other things to be done...

Characteristics of the Monied "Like" Button
http://culturalengineer.blo...

One-Click Micropayment Capability for Volume Solicitations and Multiple Providers
http://culturalengineer.blo...

Other than leaving out this elephant soon to enter the room... I'd say your predictions are pretty good.

Re: Who Owns the World’s Biggest Bitcoin Wallet? The Feds

CulturalEngineer — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 11:19:57 -0000

I'm hoping all the BitCoin Pollyannas will begin to understand why its a bad idea. Believe me... I also see the current monetary systems as corrupt and biased towards the wealthy. But beware of simplistic solutions. The devil is ALWAYS in the details. And frankly, its the details which have screwed the Commons every time over the last several thousand years.

I didn't write the post below... but I wish I had:

Why I want Bitcoin to die in a fire
http://www.antipope.org/cha...

Re: Facebook Must Win The Grownup Vote

CulturalEngineer — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 08:51:08 -0000

The core required for the establishment of a monied "Like" button... which by necessity would extend beyond the population of Facebook users provides a more stable home for a 'grownup' utility.

Though its true that Facebook would play a role... it may be that an agreement between the various browser/email providers... which includes Facebook... could do a better job of it.*

* i.e. a structure in some ways similar to ClearXChange which is an independent creation of Wells Fargo, BofA and Chase.

The potential for the monied 'like' button extends well beyond the button itself.

Characteristics of the Monied "Like" Button
http://culturalengineer.blo...

One-Click Micropayment Capability for Volume Solicitations and Multiple Providers
http://culturalengineer.blo...

Re: else 12.16: “It’s not entirely rational”

CulturalEngineer — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 08:25:20 -0000

Its possible that the the ownership and governance design for the core required for the establishment of a "monied" Like button could play a role in providing the 'Commons' a much stronger position in relationship to data, the government... and corporations.

It may be that direct user ownership of all or part of such an entity... perhaps constructed as a 'for profit' enterpirse.. (one human, one share, non-transferable, expires with death)... would be worth thinking about.

The potential for the monied 'like' button extends well beyond the button itself.

Characteristics of the Monied "Like" Button
http://culturalengineer.blo...

One-Click Micropayment Capability for Volume Solicitations and Multiple Providers
http://culturalengineer.blo...

Re: What's wrong with '60 Minutes'?

CulturalEngineer — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 11:43:00 -0000

I've been noticing the decline of 60 minutes for quiet a while now. In fact its now fair to assume that ALL there work is essentially a degradation of journalism in order to please narrow interests.

They've become part of the problem... and are afflicted with the same narrow vision as the banks and government.

White-Collar Government: The Hidden Role of Class in Economic Policy Making (Chicago Studies in American Politics)

http://www.amazon.com/White...

"Why is it that most politicians in America are so much better off than the people who elect them; and does the social class divide between citizens and their representatives matter?

With White-Collar Government, Nicholas Carnes answers this question with a resounding and disturbing;yes."

Re: Yogaglo Patent Issued | Yoga International

CulturalEngineer — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 10:30:40 -0000

You're right.... its a stupid patent. And eventually it will hurt them more than you. (the PR is going to be a killer)....

Meanwhile I suggest you just put your cameras at 3 feet 1 inch... and tell them to 'stick-it' as others have pointed out.

Don't sue them... let them sue you if they want.... they'll get nowhere.

Re: Retailers have themselves to thank for lower Christmas sales

CulturalEngineer — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 11:22:46 -0000

OH! I see... the solution to the nation's woes is for the financial services sector to suck out even a larger share.

I hadn't realized it was so simple.

Seriously, if this is what passes for economic thinking... (actually this is just the sort of rationalization that oligarchies always find apologists to present)... its no wonder we're in such trouble.

Unbelievable that its even printed.

P.S. I'm no supporter of either party... and I actually like Adam Smith..

I just don't like stupidity.

Here's another article from a friend... David Brin. But this one actually makes sense:

Liberals, you must reclaim Adam Smith
http://davidbrin.blogspot.c...

And here's why Conservatism (which has much to offer)... has to abandon its attachment to Ayn Rand and Laissez-faire capaitalism and wake up to the existence of science and evidence.

Issues in Scaling Civilization: The Altruism Dilemma
http://culturalengineer.blo...

Really this article is childish economics and leads to pathological politics.