Scott's Random Thought for the Day (I learned a new word)



Earlier this week Thomas Freidman published a column titled "Calling All Luddites," another in his series of columns warning Americans that we're getting too far behind the rest of the world in terms of technology. Seriously, we're #16 in the world when it comes to broadband capacity. How does that happen?

Beyond that, he talks about Andrew Rasiej, who is running for the position of "public advocate" in New York City. I assume "public advocate" is one of those made-up-but-real-sounding positions big cities have, like "deputy mayor." But this bit caught my attention:

"Rasiej is also promoting civic photo-blogging - having people use their cellphones to take pictures of potholes or crime, and then, using Google maps, e-mailing the pictures and precise locations to City Hall."

The thing is, I've done that. Back in March I noticed that the same patch of asphalt was staying wet for hours, even though the sun was shining. Upon closer inspection I saw that water was flowing out of cracks. I took a picture, uploaded it to Flickr, and e-mailed the particulars to the local municipal authorities.

By early the next morning there were barricades around it, and by evening the problem had been fixed. Considering that I sent my e-mail on a Sunday I figure it must have been a pretty serious problem to get such a quick response.

I think this is a really good idea. If you're wondering where Google Maps come into this, check out Rasiej's website. Though it isn't obvious, FLickr's code is being used there too.

I've realized that main difference between me doing this months ago (before Mr. Rasiej's website even started) and Mr. Rasiej getting press for doing it now is mainly that I didn't think of a name for it. I was basically just throwing way too much technology at a simple problem, which is my way. But if you make up a name for what it is you're doing it becomes much easier to get other people to do it too.

Posted: Sun - August 7, 2005 at      

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