Flawed concept?

The argument with regards to the “openness” of the Internet has sparked many different views based on the differing perspectives, be it in terms of a content producer or even the audience itself. I must admit the #crossover between the group in Singapore and UK really broaden the scope of the subject! (Credits to Ebrahim for the suggestion!)

As I took on the subject in a general approach, it was fascinating to gain insights from the group in UK. It was clear that most of us had a skewed argument of the subject. For instance, I was intrigued by Sophie’s Vlog, which covered different aspects of the “openness” of the Internet. However, what caught my attention was Andy’s view when he revealed the “flaws” in the concept of “open access”. As we are all grateful of the benefits that we are able to reap from the concept, it is crucial not to disregard the flaws. I supported his stand on this as he introduced “predatory publishers” in his argument. As I looked further into this, I chanced upon another upsetting discovery of “publication bias” in health research:

Initially it struck my mind that “open access” may very well be the solution to this prevalent problem. However, upon further research, a study by PMC (2012) revealed that majority of the “open access” publications were funded by the industry itself. This in turn, could lead to “preferential publication” which supports the industry products (medicine). Therefore, the aspects of “open access” which includes the high cost and low incentives that the authors may receive from negative publications may not be the solution to “publication bias”.

These real issues with “open access” really question the viability of the concept. However, I do believe that it is essential to embrace the positive aspects of this concept as it could still be brought further in the future.

References:

Collins, S., 2014. access to online materials. Available at: http://sophiecatherinecollins.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/access-to-online-materials/comment-page-1/#comment-30 [Accessed December 10, 2014].

Nature, 2012. Predatory Publishers are corrupting open access. Available at: http://www.nature.com/news/predatory-publishers-are-corrupting-open-access-1.11385 [Accessed December 10, 2014].

PMC, 2012. Publication bias: What are the challenges and can they be overcome? Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3341407/ [Accessed December 10, 2014].

Sugden, A., 2014. Open Access Journals. Good, Evil, Or Not-As-Dramatic? Available at: https://andysugden.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/open-access-journals-good-evil-or-not-as-dramatic/comment-page-1/#comment-32 [Accessed December 10, 2014].

TED, 2012. Ben Goldacre: What doctors don’t know about the drugs they prescribe, TED. Available at: http://www.ted.com/talks/ben_goldacre_what_doctors_don_t_know_about_the_drugs_they_prescribe/transcript?language=en.

Comments made on:

Collins, S., 2014. access to online materials. Available at: http://sophiecatherinecollins.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/access-to-online-materials/comment-page-1/#comment-30 [Accessed December 10, 2014].

Sugden, A., 2014. Open Access Journals. Good, Evil, Or Not-As-Dramatic? Available at: https://andysugden.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/open-access-journals-good-evil-or-not-as-dramatic/comment-page-1/#comment-32 [Accessed December 10, 2014].

Digitization, the underlying factor

Interactive Web Visualisation by amattox mattox

“One of the most important properties is its openness” – Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web

These were the exact words of the Internet pioneer when he addressed the first Knowledge Conference held in Dubai on 7^th December 2014 (The National 2014). As we immersed in the argument for and against “openness” of the Internet, these words by the inventor himself, held my thoughts as he addressed the audience, pleading to keep the Internet “open, free and accessible”.

The value of the argument is not intentionally degraded by introducing the address made by the Internet pioneer himself. However, it is imperative to understand that the whole concept behind the World Wide Web was to share the knowledge and embrace the cultural differences in the world (The National 2014).

From a content producer’s perspective, the argument is iterative. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of having to produce materials freely available online is challenging. For instance, the argument for “open access” in academia is prevalent as they are bounded by the cost, quality control and sustainability of their work (Edanz 2013). This argument is parallel in the context of creative works as well. I believe that there are underlying factors that lead to the possible emergence of more “paywalls” in the future.

The growth of “digitization” is believed to be one of the reasons for the possible occurrence (The Drum 2013). BBC (2013) revealed that Robert Cailliau, the unheralded other half who invented the World Wide Web, mentioned that “the idea of dealing with the value of information” has been around for 20 years. From the interview, they revealed that he supported the idea of “pay-as-you-go” model for online content. This is a huge contrast to the prevailing view of the “other half” of the inventor of the World Wide Web.

Again, the tendency of “evading” the real value of the argument was not done purportedly. I believe the idea of “openness” of the Internet is contextual upon the content that is built. For instance, the media industry are building “new models” to compensate for the growth of “digitization” (BBC 2013) and therefore, it only make sense to charge for content that used to be offered through “prints”. In the context of academia or creative works, it is still subjective upon the producers’ belief of what they are trying to achieve ultimately.

References:

BBC, 2013. Are the days of free content on the net numbered? Available at: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-24759239 [Accessed December 9, 2014].

Edanz, 2013. Advantages and Disadvantages of Open Access. Available at: http://www.edanzediting.com/blog/advantages_and_disadvantages_open_access#.VIbBaIsVdlI [Accessed December 9, 2014].

The Drum, 2013. 90% of online content to be held behind paywalls in three years media company survey suggests. Available at: http://www.thedrum.com/news/2013/04/12/90-online-content-be-held-behind-paywalls-three-years-media-company-survey-suggests [Accessed December 9, 2014].

The National, 2014. World Wide Web inventor makes plea to keep internet free and open. Available at: http://www.thenational.ae/uae/technology/world-wide-web-inventor-makes-plea-to-keep-internet-free-and-open [Accessed December 9, 2014].