Electronic communication commandments

Commecon

version 3.0 (Gamma content)

Whereas - Freedom without accountability results in bad things...

Whereas - Markets and scarcity promote thoughtful actions...

Whereas - Keystroke distribution is becoming a profound element of communication...

The following electronic communication commandments are proposed:

Commandment 1: All content shall bear the mark of categorization

While many different categories could be used improve finding and organizing information - breaking electronic communication down into three major groups would be useful in a world where everyone is a publisher (even Fabio):

1. Alpha content - Fully vetted content that has only come into being after rigorous review (example: www.thomas.gov )
2. Beta content - Content that has been open for review/comment/modification by a diverse audience (example: Microsoft support forums)
3. Gamma content - Pure opinion, conjecture, or rambling (example: this document)

Wikipedia probably falls somewhere between Alpha & Beta

Commandment 2: Judge thy neighbor

All electronic communications should be subject to user feedback/rating and prominently display the current aggregate rating.

Commandment 3: Remember to keep empty my inbox (monthly e-mail allotment is assigned to each individual, no family plans at this time).

Structure

Each individual may send up to 100 e-mails a month

Rollover concepts apply

Accounting is on an inbox basis (an e-mail sent to 10 people = 10 e-mails)

When you are out, you are out... Bub!

Benefits

Less e-mail (duh!)

Fewer hoaxes and chain letters

Greater judgment applied by all e-mail senders

Better quality of life for all e-mail users

Unintended, but still fully welcomed benefits

A burgeoning black market for selling excess e-mails (e-mail ebay)

Commandment 4: Jargon is the sign of the beast

It really is. But if you must use jargon, here are some home-made terms to try out.

Note: Please help me out and e-mail me ( kelly.thul@gmail.com ) any additions/suggestions/enhancements. These e-mails are exempt from the commandment 3. I am aware of the hypocrisy of this approach, but I am at peace with it.