It is a future where pseudoanonymous identities with persistent reputation contract, over the web and in person. Decisions are guided by anonymous betting on idea future contracts. Reporters must be honest and accurate, because bi-directional, reputation endorsed public commentary follows them wherever they go. And Shiva V is coming to destroy the world. Welcome to Marc Stiegler's latest book, "Earthweb". It is a space opera with a bibliography. (And the bibliography includes some of my favorite links: http://www.communities.com/company/papers/security/ http://www.erights.org and http://www.crit.org) Highly recommended. [Ecommerce note: I found my copy at the local supermarket on the same day a co-worker's advance order copy arrived from amazon.com.] ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Frantz | The availability and use of secure encryption may | Periwinkle | offer an opportunity to reclaim some portion of | Consulting | the privacy we have lost. - B. FLETCHER, Circuit Judge |
