Concept 5

5. The mobility of electronic digital data
Email and similar forms of asynchronous communication carry with them the possibility for rapid, efficient, almost invisible 'multiplication' of the addresses to which communication is being sent. Functions such as carbon copying, forwarding and so on enable the most rapid form of communication 'expansion' - bringing other people into communicative circuits - yet seen. It is very easy, with forward for example, to simply 'pass on' information without processing it or, without processing the dynamics of the communicative relationship between you and the forwardee or without realising that you are establishing a third relationship - between the original sender and the final recipient.
Moreover, once people begin to use email and realise that information can be copied and forwarded very easily, there is a tendency for this 'mobility of data' to become a cultural given in which, routinely, we include more people within circuits of communication than are necessary; or include them in ways that are inappropriate.
Advanced Internet communicators always think about the ways in which their own exploitation of the technological ease of mobile data can impact on other Internet users, seeking to ensure that technical possibility is not simply substituted for effective communication requirements.
Another complex aspect of the ‘mobility of data’ can be seen in the way internet users routinely send each other URLs. The addresses, or reference points, of Internet information are incredibly mobile, then. But, to exploit this mobility requires a little work prior to sending, or after receipt. For example, sending URLs to work colleagues without any ‘contextualising’ information is not very useful. You can assist recipients of your URLs by briefly indicating why it is being sent, what is ‘behind’ the URL, and how useful it might be. You should also recognise that passing URLs around may be less effective than passing around summaries of information or comments. For example, would you prefer to receive a short precis of an important article 9and the URL) or just the bare URL? While the ability to move data rapidly and simply, and the cultural sensibility of constantly forwarding and sharing information, is to be valued, it does have certain problems.

The mobility of electronic digital data aka cut and paste violations over the email. Nothing worse! I have indulged myself the luxury of ignoring emails from people who waste my time by communicating this way. Allowing me to sift through jargon that they have possibly already sifted through or worse, not bothered. There is a lot of good PR in explaining to the recipient the value contained within in a large piece of communication, not to mention credibility earned to sustain quality communications for the long term. Either way there is a distrust about what is actually intended by the communication when it is just a subject: FYI and Message: url (with a massive amount of meta-data) oo!

There can be massive negative consequences resulting from information carelessly shared in this way by multiple recipients. It is just useless. It does happen a lot though. I find that when I am sorting through data searched on the internet, there is always so much more information accompanying the sought after part. It is a constant and tiring task to stay on topic. I do understand why the copy paste bad habit has made a home for itself on the email. I guess it's easier than playing information policeman for the plethora of information available, especially when it is rarely done. If you have a mind to do it you end up being cc'd on everyone's emails, just so you can clean up the mess. I'm exagerating, but you get my drift.

Despite or because of 'Boolean logic', there is still a need to comprehend once you have found a phrase which may lead you to what you are seeking. There could still be a lot of useless information to sift through. The internet is effective when you know exactly what you want. It is a trap for browsers.

Take this search:
_________
Question:
'In the wake of the current financial crisis what is the next best alternative to superannuation?'.
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Big ask? Let's see what happens when I google this.
The second site to come up is an Aussie sight, so that's good!
I then clicked for similar pages. They felt unconvincing, real estate, money manager, The Age, Guardian, finance.yahoo.
No I think my first search result was the strongest.
As for an answer, let's see....
reading.... oh here we are Mercer spokesman David Anderson said.
"....However, the more knowledge someone had about their super and the workings of financial markets, the more likely their latest statement was in line with expectations...."
Good answer. But the answer was in what I didn't find, considering the question was fairly specific.
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My answer:
Currently there is no alternative to superannuation in Australia, there are options in how to manage the shortfall in superannuation but basically it is advised that individuals take responsibilty for the knowledge they have of financial markets as they stand in the present and learn to be realistic about the feasability of long term forecasts.
FYI: Some background information to support my answer can be found on this url.
http://www.news.com.au/business/money/story/0,28323,25092879-5013954,00.html
__________
I found that this search resulted in an articulate, accurate, easily found, easy to read and understand format, the site itself was fast, relevant and original. It was responded to by other comments in the form of very energetic and intelligent dialogue on the article, it was not unimpressive to view, it suited its purpose.
The problem with sharing the information I have found is that my answer is an opinion on the article. It needs to be accompanied by the URL. 571 words.

Barrymore, K. C. (2009) Herald-Sun A superannuation crisis of faith, February 23.
http://www.news.com.au/business/money/story/0,28323,25092879-5013954,00.html
This article was written as part of the News Limited web site under the headings of Money, superannuation. It is considered impartial as it is part of a recognised world news source. Ii itself it doesn't supplort this concept. It is included because the information it contained has aided me in illustrating my point about interpreting information contained within a url.

Whittaker, P.C (2008) The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia Media Release Is email crippling your business? May 2008
http://www.charteredaccountants.com.au/news_releases_2008/may_2008/A121417602
This media release covers other email ettiquette concerns including cost implications to business productivity and the additional demand on staff due to email protocol not being standardised for businesses.