Net11 SP2 2009

"This approach to technology and information as ‘ ecologies’ is further explored in the following readings:
Rafael Capurro, Towards an Information Ecology. In: Irene Wormell (Ed.): Information and Quality. London: Taylor Graham 1990, 122-139.

Information Ecologies by Felix Stalder

As you read, think about the following questions – you may want to discuss with other students, or make notes in preparation for your concept project -

LOG ENTRY: make sure you include some reflections on these questions in your learning log:

• 
  how might the metaphor of an ‘ecology’ impact on the way you think about, understand or use the Internet? (Allen, M n.d)

Ecology by definition is the "relations between organisms and their environment"(Wordnet). In this case, we think of the internet as the environment and the users, information and communication as the organisms. And as Stalder states, "the very nature of the ecological environment is its connectedness" (Stalder, 1997). Stalder also talks of "nodes", thinking of these as individual sites he notes that while each one is different and unique, each one connects to other sites which ties them all together in one large "shared environment" all dependent on each other. I think this sums up the internet perfectly.

• 
  how are the concepts ‘information’ and ‘communication’ understood within the framework of an ‘information ecology’? (Allen, M n.d)

Stalder notes that "Information is not objective data, however, information is the relation that arises within the environment" (Stalder, 1997) and depending upon the environment of that information and how it is interpreted by the user will determine how or if, it is used for communication. One is relyant upon the other, without one there would be no need for the other.

• 
  why don’t we talk of a ‘communication ecology’? (Allen, M n.d)

As previous stated I don't believe one can exsist without the other, and for communication to begin there must first be information. So for anything further to exsist there first must be an "Information ecology".


Allen, M n.d, "Module Five: Info-Communication Concepts", Retrieved on August 13, 2009 from http://lms.curtin.edu.au/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_18825_1%26url%3d

Stalder, F 1997 "Information Ecology", Retrieved on August 13, 2009 From http://felix.openflows.com/html/infoeco.html