I have no time to write now about my view of UNIX as a form of cultural property but one day I want to make ‘em. IN the meantime, enjoy the new legal battles over UNIX. That’s what happens when this thing, is at once a commercial product, a tool, a teaching method, a techno-philosophical paradigm, a collective adventure, and cultural heritage…. A huge fascinating muck.
Speaking of muck. I am in one right now trying to write a paperfor the digitalgenres conference. My paper puports to compare IRC banter to the social banter produced by the Caribbean “man-of-words” who loiters and talks for hours in public spaces building reputation, extending networks of friends, gaming with cards and dominoes, entertaining those around him, meta-commenting on all things local and global, and even engaging in some good ol business transactions. Let’s see if I can clear the muck in time…