August 2008

Yochai Benkler’s work on the productive possibilities of distributed peer groups relies, in part, on the example of casual carpooling.  In the U.S. casual carpooling developed in the San Francisco Bay Area in the mid-1980s and a short time later (I believe) in Northern Virginia.  A street corner or bus stop acquired “focal point” status for riders; drivers with empty seats in their cars would line up and collect riders; and the resulting “casual” carpools would use nearby HOV lanes.

Public transportation authorities were not amused.  Were riders opting out of their cars (reducing traffic congestion and pollution), or were they opting out of the bus and subway system (and reducing the system’s income)?

Whether in music or software or transportation, as Benkler notes, these issues just won’t go away.  Naturally, entrepreneurs have found ways to commodify and commercialize casual carpooling, and naturally, the established business model empire is striking back:Read More »Carpooling Threatens the Public Transport Business Model

The FCC issued its opinion and order in the Comcast dispute. There will certainly be a flurry of press and blog coverage over the next few days. Some will champion the decision, and others will attack it. There is plenty to digest. My initial thoughts are below the fold.

Read More »The Comcast Order and Network Neutrality

Out in the Northern District of California, Judge Jeremy Fogel denied a motion to dismiss filed by Universal Music in… Read More »Notes from the Fair Use Front