What we feel about Bill Joy's article:
Matthew: There's no doubt that Bill Joy has written a revolutionary
article. People tend to look only at the good side of things when it comes
to new technology. This is a much-needed wake up call for America and the
world. His credibility (ethos) is unparalled. For someone of his background
and experience to come out and talk about the threats of his business,
you know it has to be serious. He knows what he's talking about and is
a non-ludite that is genuinely worried about our future. Well-founded I
must say. While he may stretch some of his theories out of proportion,
that may be what was needed to scare some people into listening. While
the benefits and seduction of continuing in our forward direction with
genetic engineering and robotics might be huge, society needs to take a
step back and look at the big picture. But even if the masses were educated
with this article, what differences would it make? I have a feeling that
it would make none whatsoever as long as there is money to be made, reputations
to raise, glory to be had, truth to be discovered, and power to gain.
Jim: This article definitely appeals to the standard subculture audience
of "Wired". From the current cultural scene, people were still talking
about the Matrix, and still are for that matter, and Joy takes full advantage
of those ideas, along with the ideas of other cult classics, Terminator,
Gattica, and Star Trek, just to name a few, and uses them to his advantage.
While the majority of Joy's comments do have solid backing, their tone
slightly undermines their strength and validity. Also, by repeatedly
making the claim of not being a luddite, Joy throws doubt on the validity
of this statement. Since past actions only suggest, not direct our
future actions, Joy's experience with technology could have turned him
into a reformed luddite, a "luddite lite" if you will. His points
for caution do make good, logical sense, but because of the process by
which technology must evolve, it can be monitored in its development, and
this is practically moot. Joy simply seems to be the modern equivalent
of chicken little, but if we are not careful, we'll think we's just crying
wolf, and there be wolves in them thar woods.