A draft strategy recently released by Tourism New Zealand seems to be in danger of presenting a redefinition of their own role as the ‘promoter of New Zealand to the world’s tourism market’ and, in the process, a redefinition of all our concepts of nationhood. 

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Recent discussions about Google’s ambitions to take over the world via the internet run a shiver through many. Certainly, it does seem to be a human condition to assume an imperialistic position when confronted with such opportunity, but I sense that it won’t quite happen as some might fear. (more…)

My friend at Internet on Crack Blog argues that the “all seeing eye of the internet” (Google), is putting the whole thing at risk.

As always, we’re challenged constantly by apparent contradictions in the galloping age of the internet – what are the forces of good (to be enabled) and what are the forces of evil (to be controlled beyond our personal control). (more…)

Gavin is quite right to defend escapisim and entertainment on the web. And his point is well made when he says that people can establish their own notion of identity without having to translate it literally into the real world. Anyone who enjoys the fantastic freeedoms of this medium has the opportunity to indulge themselves without a ‘Big Brother’ to stop them. (more…)

The internet can be obsessive for many. It can take these people away from traditional activity in real communities, because they do feel connected, but globally or selectively rather than connected to someone, say, next door. That’s a bugger because it just takes up people’s time and energy with little more than entertainment. But positive communities have also emerged online which mobilise and connect people to very real activities, so that it enables better human interaction, away from the technology. Sites for towns and special interest, such as the vocations and education are typical. So yes, the internet a tool for good if harnessed in this way.