The Machine is Us/ing Us 2.0

Big fat hat tip to Greg Verdino for finding the "2.0 version" of this video.  Be sure to check out how you can add comments directly to the video in real time.

Comments

[Gavin Heaton]

Speechless!

[Clay Parker Jones]

I saw the video a few days back on Faris' blog. It's brilliant. But I GREATLY prefer the non-pop-up-video version. The simplicity and power of the message is great by itself, without all the sticky notes. I feel like some of these 2.0 things happen just because it's possible, not because it actually helps.

[David Armano]

Clay, I agree—the first version is more effective as a story. The second version shouldn't replace it but it does underscore the nature of the message—which is that we are building upon our ideas adding, mixing and discussing along the way.

Point being—there isn't a final anything anymore (at least theoretically)

We may need to re-think the idea of versioning.

[Clay Parker Jones]

Well, hmm. I think the idea of everyone being able to contribute is great in lots of places. In others, I really, really appreciate being able to see someone's unadulterated work, raw and pure the way they wanted it to be seen.

It's like the difference between UpWords and Scrabble. Scrabble's a way better game, and is a certifiable classic. In UpWords, you're allowed to cover other people's letters over and change their words around. Not nearly as cool.

[Adam]

Can't quite put my finger on why, but this video is rubbish.

Maybe it's the title which appears to me to refer to some kind of google = the matrix scenerio. Maybe.

I just don't need to be educated in the history of the printing press or hypertext. I strongly suspect anyone who has come across this "promotional video" already understands how 'literary' culture has transformed us and our view of the world.

The gameboy music gives the false impression something new and modern is being said. Actually, this could have been released 10 years ago and still been a little pedestrian.

Anyone who rates this 'promotional video' is simply caught up in the rapture of the webby blogosphere.

The video preaches a sermon to the already converted.

[Michele]

I agree with Adam.

[DA]

"I just don't need to be educated in the history of the printing press or hypertext."

Michele and Adam. I respectfullly disagree. And Adam, with all due respect I feel your cynical perspective comes off as being a know-it-all "Digital Native" who scoffs at the idea that anyone would find value in this. (making those of us that do feel like we are stupid or something)

The fact of the matter is that this thing popped up in my inbox at least 20 times and is all over the Social Network. It's sticking with lots of people—Both Digital Natives and Immigrants. So maybe the joke is on us?

Or maybe it's so successful because at the core it's a story about human connection that many of us are relating to for reasons we can't quite "put our finger on".

Hey, I get the point you are both making. And we shouldn't get behind something just because everyone else is—but for me this video is one of the few where I watched it from beginning to end as did many people whom I know and respect.

That's my litmus test. Rarely something comes along that does this for me—and when it does I accept it for what it is. A successful piece of communication.

[Clay Parker Jones]

And...

It's nice to have something to show to people who don't exactly know what's going on. I'm always looking for bits and pieces of content that I can use to convince coworkers, clients, bosses, etc. that there's something interesting going online. This vid definitely helped. I don't care if it is a promotion...

And I thought that Game Boy music was hot.

[Adam]

I had a good reply typed in this comments field and accidentally closed the browser tab thus deleting it.

!

I'll be back. Something more needs to be said.

Critical NOT cynical. And yes, I know a thing of two. Does that mean I'm not allowed to play?

And no, this isn't about connecting people.

When I have a spare minute...

Adam

[Clay Parker Jones]

Clearly it had something to do with the Game Boy music.