[Nettime-bold] Re: <nettime> NetHierarchies & NetWar

[josh zeidner <jjzeidner@yahoo.com>]

--- windseye <windseye@cei.net> wrote:
> Brian and Willard,
> 
> Regarding the differences and similarities and the
> interaction between
> hierarchies and networks, or the incorporation of
> one inside the other, it
> is critically to examine some of the characteristic
> defining differences
> between the two types of organizations and to
> examine the temporal
> consequences of each. Hierarchies are premised on
> control, power,
> information, and decision making dispersed from high
> to low. At the lowest
> levels the scope, range, degree of power, control
> and choice are extremely
> limited. Capacity to respond, revise, modify either
> overall tactics or
> strategy is either extremely limited or
> non-existent. Certainly shifting
> the field of action and objectives is not possible.

  This touches on Deleuze.  Network=Rhizome,
Hierachy=arborescent/tree.  A network is not
necessarily a progression from a hierarchy, nor is one
abstraction "better" or more condusive to "happiness"
than the other.  These two systems are necessary
counterforms of the other.

> 
> Networks on the other hand are premised on open
> information, autonomy,
> dispersal of power and responsibility, independent
> analysis and decision
> making, identification of problems to be solved
> within the context of the
> overall set of guidelines, and capacity to assist or
> guide the network
> into redefining its range, scope, needs, and goals.

  networks or informational dispersion is not always
the optimum situation for idealized "freedom".

> 
> Watch over time to not whether individual people
> within a hierarchy or a
> network become more "democratic" over time and
> experience in one culture
> (net or hierarchy)  or another. The characteristics
> of a network are more
> congruent with democratic stance and functioning.
> Which is more conducive
> to developing functioning autonomous individuals who
> act democratically?

  Which is more condusive to misinformation and
propoganda?

> 
> It may well be that anyone functioning long enough
> in a network,
> especially successfully, make take on the
> characteristics and behaviors
> most useful for the network approach to be
> successful and they may become
> "radicalized" in the process; they may never be able
> to blindly
> participate in a hierarchical organization, again.
> This could be
> simultaneously the real threat to existing
> hierarchies, and the real
> promise of networks.
> 
> 
   the promise of the internet never materialized, and
it never will.  Nettime is a hierarchy, and you are
participating in it.

  -josh


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