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NetSquared enables social benefit organizations to leverage the tools of the social web.
My answers
What's *really* new on the Web, as opposed to buzzwords and soundbites?:
what's really new on the web is citizen journalism and people-powered politics. people are being empowered as never before to participate (and or at least know about) what is going on in the world.
the problem is--it's not ALL people. (not everyone has web access, etc.)
Which tools best embody the new opportunities from your point of view and why?:
blogs. because they are simple, in many cases free. ....and they are participatory.
rss feeds because they allow lots of info from lots of places.
also creative commons licenses, etc., which allow for redistribution of information (in some cases) without restriction....very helpful.
Who's doing the best work with the new tools (technically or in terms of social benefit or both)?:
good question. don't know. lots of people.
What's the bad news? What are the greatest barriers preventing web-based technology from producing social change?:
the digital divide (although it's been bridged a lot--still everyone, and i do mean everyone, needs accessible web service.)
broadband needs to be available everywhere too--I live in a very rural area, can't get it for love nor money. (we'll disregard satellite which is too expensive...)
also, the "decision" by congress to "ignore" web-based mail from their constituents that comes from services like move on.org, etc., should have engendered fury....instead, it was barely a blip......
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