Trouble for Elsevier- Customers say that Elsevier is placing a "stronghold" on the information it provides. People say libraries can restrict what the public can view at the library. Librarians say that the root of the problem is industry consolidation. Elsevier's profit margin is the highest out of all databases. A boycott was formed against Elsevier. More than 6,000 journalist formed the boycott. Elsevier argues that the per article cost of scholarly published articles have declined over the past years.
New England's Journal of Medicine's 200th year Anniversary- People want the journal to be free! No subscription needed. Owner says they put "important" information on the journal for free. Editors were against admission of women into medical schools. Biggest achievement of journal- reports of AIDS, Leukemia, and breast cancer.
The Changing Nature of knowledge in the internet age- It's said that the "smartest person in the room is the room". Talks about findings of Charles Darwin. One argues that facts are not the facts anymore. Meaning people want more than just facts to explain something.
These segments all relate to each other in some way or another. They all have to do with technology taking the place of human knowledge. We rely on computers to do our research for us rather than finding information ourselves. I thought these segments were very informal. And I think we need to go back to thinking for ourselves. Not just relying on technology to do everyday things for us.
I think we may rely on computers a little too much these days. It gets scary when people are saying the smartest thing in the room is the room. Computers are a good thing but one day they might become to powerful.
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