DISQUS

This is a great example and I've seen it happening a lot, too, on facebook and twitter both. All participants can access exactly the people they need to be speaking with. It might seem obvious, but don't forget: most social networks have a search function that can greatly speed your access to information. Financial aid officers need to hop on board and participate where the conversations are happening.

Chris, what a great post. I do tire of constant doom and gloom. Crisis = danger + opportunity. The future belongs to the creative, the communicators and those who "see a need, fill a need." (Stole that from the Robots movie - but it's a great motto for these times!) I'm honestly excited about the prospects for innovation, collaboration and ingenuity that the economy will provoke.

I agree whole-heartedly with your assessment but would tweak one little thing: I don't consider the conservatives doing the yowling and freaking out to be real conservatives...this type of blind hysteria belongs squarely on the shoulders of Neo-Cons.

Robert, at the risk of sounding airy-fairy, let me say how much your sentiments made me and my heart smile. There is *no argument* that credit is valuable and should be given/attributed.

However, i think we're poised on the brink of a business revolution where sharing (value/info/content/networking) becomes a more standard and respected model.

As far as "everyone stealing your content" goes, I think that establishing strong relationships across various networks kinda helps put the kibosh on this. People will stand up for friends and colleagues and shun those who steal content without adding value or enhancing relationships.

Does this make sense to you?

The new business paradigm is far more relationship-driven, so if you poop where you eat, you're screwed and people will hold your feet to the fire - eventually!