Jaron Lanier’s critique of the web’s infatuation with the hive mind raises many interesting points, and while I can’t say I agree wholeheartedly with him, I do think his approach is spot on: digital collectivism should be evaluated on its merits, just like any other physical or social institution. Be sure to read the critiques of the critique too.

Computers have been used as a tool in performing experiments. Now there’s an open source application designed to help scientists use computers to analyze and compare experimental results.

Carrie Vaughn’s “Real City” is now available in audio form. Listen to it now.

Seems to me there’s a market there for whoever can figure out how to do the market right, but the current crop of Ultra Mobile Personal Computers appears to be a complete failure.

Here’s a nice collection of links to reviews of the 2006 Hugo nominees.