Sci/Tech

Recently I had a chance to sit in on two panel discussions on 3D printing and personal manufacturing hosted by Public Knowledge that took place, surreally, on Capitol Hill in the august conference rooms of the US House of Representatives.

I am just returning from a two-day trip to South Korea. My purpose there was to remind communications ministries around the world that while the gadgets may be stylish and entertaining, the technology could be used to improve the lives, productivity and future of countries without the resources of South Korea and South Koreans.

When I read the title above I immediately think of being part of a huge crowd of people and I associate it with danger. How comes? Maybe I don`t like the feeling of dependence or maybe I just need some private space around me.

One of my favorite parts about the tech revolution is the sheer amount of data that we, as end users, generate. I’m thrilled when companies or organizations use data, voluntarily offered by their users, to write impromptu market research reports. It’s even more exciting when market research isn’t their core competency.

This three-part series on South by Southwest Interactive 2011 concludes with a look at some award-winning Web sites, a core conversation on education, and a panel discussion on crowdsourcing in politics.