Every big company has some little guy who is an enthusiast off in the corner working on technology. In Japan, it is integrated into their high-level strategy. They see it as a communication medium, because for them, just the wordsโ - โand this is the problem that they have with Americansโ - โjust the words they say to you is not the complete message. Their facial expressions, their body language, there is a lot of context. Also, their written language doesn't translate to keyboards well.
Howard RheingoldThe Amish communities of Pennsylvania, despite the retro image of horse-drawn buggies and straw hats, have long been engaged in a productive debate about the consequences of technology.
Howard RheingoldThere may be a jump on electronic LSD with virtual reality, and the problem just with saying LSD, enough time has gone by that there is no distinction between psychedelics and other drugs.
Howard RheingoldDemocracy is not just voting for your leaders; it's really premised upon ordinary citizens understanding the issues.
Howard Rheingold