So as I’ve mentioned before, the one promise I keep to my family is a month away, sans Internet, each year since my kid was born. This is year two. The month (or so) begins today. But I’ve lined up an incredible group to blog in my absence.
This weeks is Cass Sunstein. Cass is certainly the most influential law professor of our time (the only rival is Judge Posner, but he’s currently a judge (as you might have guessed)). In 2001, Cass published Republic.com, a brilliant if dark story about the costs of digital culture. Cass is in the first stages of a new book with the other side of the story — the good in digital community. I thought he could see something of that from the mix of sorts who live here.
Then beginning July 25, the kids from freeculture.org will blog for a week about the Free Culture Movement, and what students can do to advance it. As I’ve explained again and again, this is a movement begun far from my influence. But I am a strong supporter, and am honored they would spend some time here (during summer vacation, no less!).
Then for two weeks, beginning August 1, the extraordinary Jimbo Wales, founder of Wikipedia will have two weeks on this page. (He’s staying in my house with his family while I’m gone. You’ve heard about the high rents in San Francisco.) Jimbo has a project to figure out what things should be “free.” I suggested this might be a great place to explore that.
Finally, for the surprising close, beginning August 15, Hilary Rosen, former Chief Executive of the RIAA will visit this page. She has of course been a visitor in a different sense from the beginning of this page. I’m honored that she would spend sometime understanding and explaining here.
I’m sorry to be gone for such a long period of time. But with this lineup in my stead, you shouldn’t be. Thanks to these guests. Please be decent, however direct. And see you on the other side of a month repairing the bonds that distance has created.
good for you professor lessig, taking a proper european style vacation with your family. THIS is the sort of free culture that we three blind mice appreciate and respect: free time spent with one’s nearest and dearest.
and a warm welcome to professor sunstein.
fresh cheese for the mice. yummmm!
Wow what a lineup! With all due respect to the other guests, I have to say I am most looking forward to the visit from Hilary Rosen – and not for the reason many may suspect. As a true zealot of Libertine ideals I find myself often in agreement with many of the points made on the other side of the hall and I look forward to hearing her address this group.
Where, exactly, does one find someone who advocates for something but is not a zealot? Precisely what makes them so, in your view? I see this term used frequently on technical blogs like this and on discussion sites like Slashdot and I think it is overused. It seems that anyone who defends their arguments by citing examples and diligently debating concepts is a “zealot”.
Just after the story about Grokster ended, the show shifted to its call for public support. ..