Or, rather, this is the dawning of the Age of Transparency, the Age of Transparency . . . Transparencyyyyyyy . . . . Transpaarreeeencyyyyyy. Come on sing along . . . .
Sorry, I got sidetracked.
Todd Defren’s post about transparency and Shel Holtz helped crystalize a line of thinking that’s been swirling around in my head.
“I am absolutely convinced that ‘transparency’ is the #1 most positive ideal to rise from the Social Media era. . . . (Shel’s well-chosen words), but because ‘transparency’ speaks to a belief in fairness, and to the wisdom of crowds.”
We are at the dawning of an age of transparency. Or, better stated, an age of honesty.
Honesty by choice or by force.
For those who are inherently honest — have no fear. They will continue down that noble and right road.
For those who are not honest — someone out there in the blogosphere or the general public — will find out about it. And, that person or persons will uncover that dishonesty on a blog or a forum. And, it will be picked up and spread like wildfire. If you don’t believe me, ask Sony.
Keeping us honest used to be only journalists’ jobs. They are still good at it — but with dwindling numbers and tight budgets, investigative journalism is becoming a lost art.
Journalists are now joined by you and me. Each of us has a passion or passions that will dig and uncover the veil of deceit. Whether or not that deceit is intentional or by ignorance or sincere poor judgement.
Note that I say dawning. We’re not at the age yet. Blogging, discussion boards and other social media vehicles are still very new. We’re all just babies here. Most of the world, most of the U.S. population, most of the Internet population are not “into” blogs the way many of us are. But, it’ll grow to be substantial enough to keep corporations, politicians, associations and individuals honest.
Or, better stated, transparent.
– Mike
Technorati tags: transparency, Todd Defren, social media, blogging
