Once we allow one industry to carve out exemptions and then streamlinine how certain files can be removed from the web, what’s to keep other industries from proposing more categories of information that can be blocked in advance?
How Are Open Data Programs Related to Investment Flows in Developing Countries?
Once data resources are digitized and made available for access and use, restricting or limiting their use can become difficult, complex, and expensive. Traditional and private sector institutions that rely too heavily on such distinctions for controlling social and business activities may find it difficult to adjust to and take advantage of such trends.
Looking Beyond Open Data Availability to Managing Open Data Value
Policy and theory are great but only usefulness and impact lead to real sustainability.
Don’t Just Make Data Open, Make Open Data Useful!
In this post we dive a little deeper into the topic of “open data usefulness.”
USAID’s Evolving Open Data Culture
I learned last night at the latest Open Data Leaders Meetup in Washington D.C. that they really are serious about “open data” at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
CityGram NYC: A Model for Open Data Efforts
At last night’s Open Data Enthusiasts meeting in Washington DC, Chris Whong of Socrata talked about the CityGram NYC system.
Twitter, Building Trust, Ferguson, and Staying Calm
Just as I resist being “driven” to a sales oriented vendor by advertising posing as legitimate engagement, so too do I resist having my political viewpoint “driven” in one direction or another.
Using the New Kindle Fire TV Stick: A Mixed Review
I think that Amazon is facing a major challenge in developing a media consumption device like the Fire Stick because so far Amazon has not figured out how to effectively insulate the Fire Stick user from the rest of the Amazon ecosystem.
While it is true that a platform such as GitHub is not really designed to be as user friendly as, say, Facebook, the fact is that the sharing of technical expertise among mid-level IT staff and data administrators in different governmental agencies has probably been at least as important to open data progress as the Administration’s top down support.
“Mobile First” Is An Obsolete Strategy
Government “mobile strategy” must evolve beyond a device focus to a user focus. What we refer to as “mobile devices” today are just the tip of the iceberg as we contemplate our movement through an increasingly interconnected world.
Is the Movie INTERSTELLAR “Good for Girls”?
I had just published a glowing review of the movie Interstellar on my web site. I tweeted a link to the review and received a reply: “is it good for girls?”
These are the podcasts I’m listening to now:
Challenges of Public-Private Interfaces in Open Data and Big Data Partnerships
I would not be surprised if government agencies find themselves experimenting with different organizational and governance structures as they begin to take open data programs more seriously.
Another Advantage of Being a Cord-Never
I’ve learned to tune out the commercials.
Thank goodness for streaming Netflix and Amazon Prime. I’ve seen many movies this past year that I would not have seen otherwise. Many were from previous years but were still new to me.
Getting Real About “Open Data” Part II
When it comes to the “open” data associated with the program, some users will want raw data to do their own thing, some will be satisfied with self-service tools that allow them to interact with the data in various structured or defined ways, and others will be more comfortable relying on the services of intermediaries that understand the data, the tools, and are qualified to interpret the information requirements of those they serve.
When are collaboration “barriers” good for innovation?
I’ve seen too many instances of “bottom-up” or “middle out” innovation where groups of people got together, grabbed the tools at hand, and started working together without waiting for senior management or central IT to show the way.
If you’re going to do that, and if you’re serious about providing data in a manner that enhances its availability and usefulness, you need to understand your audience’s needs in order to provide data in the right size, shape, and form.
It’s probably too easy to blame HR for latching on to what programmer resumes say about tool experience and certifications.
Good and Bad: Update on My Experience Using Two Windows 8.1 Machines
There are just too many variations in the basic user interaction experience that aren’t being easily handled in a unified fashion by Windows 8.1. That’s a serious issue that goes back to basic design decisions regarding the relationship between software functionality and physical delivery platform.