Socio Analytica

I have been trying out Bright Kite for a while now. If it were not for the fact that it has some issues with Verizon (Verizon causing the problems apparently), I might be using it more. It is a little bit like a location-based Twitter. You can set it through SMS, e-mail or web-based interface to set your location at various degrees of resolution depending on the level of relationship (Friend, Anyone, etc.)

I think it is really best to be used in a fairly populated area or at a conference-type of environment. By posting location you can see who else might be or was at your location. However, it is useful to see where people you know might be, particularly if you want to get in touch. For example, if a person you are tracking is in London as opposed to San Francisco.

There is a sense by some that this is “stalker-ware” but I think this is only the case in general. You are the one that sets the position, and if you are even going to bother to set your location. Like Twitter, it is essentially a micro-blogging platform with location added in — Bright Kite pushes the idea of setting location without a GPS. While I would not like to “stalk” my friends it is a good way to get a sense of where they are if I want to get in touch.

I have a few invites if anyone would like one.

Tags: Blogging, Community, Web 2.0 by mlwhall

This article from Knowledge@Wharton: Leadership and Change talks about the need for 4-way integration of Work, Home, Community and Self. Stewart Friedman talking about his book, Total Change argues for this integration. I really believe that this is crucial — I have tended to argue that one should integrate their personal or home with their institution of greatest influence (work, church, politics, etc.) But the integration of these four areas resonates with me. Given my work in values, the personal is essentially implied here. And I have kind of merged Work and Community.

I think the key issue here is integration. While you may have some different “preferences” many of the common values will be the same just the order may change. The danger that I see people getting themselves is that they believe that the values and the institutions in which they interact are somehow separate. The priorities will can and often change but the core values stat the same.

First, it is very difficult to separate or compartmentalize like this. And if one is able to do it, it will likely create a high level of internal conflict. It creates a kind of institutionally enforced schizophrenia. Moving between these compartments can create tension and conflict. This frustration can, of course, come out in ways that do not create the best environment for those areas.

Tags: Analysis, Behavior, Community, Identity, Leadership, Values by mlwhall