2008 Predictions

I’m not a psychic (although I’m sort of related to one), but since Eugene Chan blogged about the 2008 New Year Resolution thing, I thought I’d blog about the 2008 New Year Prediction thing. So here are my predictions about community technology for 2008:

• Disenfranchised communities will flock to social network sites and mobile devices to mobilize for the 2008 general election, making a significant impact on outcomes at all levels of electoral politics.
• Mainstream media will open up to distribution of community created digital content, allowing for a surge in niche market growth, and proven economic potential of heretofore undeveloped consumer markets.
• Community and municipal wifi networks will proliferate, allowing for greater civic participation, economic opportunity, and access to information by individuals on the wrong side of the digital divide.
• FCC actions will result in a more open and competitive environment for information and communications technology, providing all consumers with cheaper and better options and a wider range of choice in mobile, video and internet products and services.
• Social change organizations will realize the advantages of incorporating community technology solutions into their mission-based strategies, and will develop technology supported best practices that attract funding from non-traditional donors and supporters.

Ok. So maybe this is more a list of hopes than predictions. And maybe these predictions have an uncommonly strong link to the kinds of investments this foundation is making in community technology. But I believe strongly that hope is a powerful catalyst. And I also believe strongly in the infinite possibilities of community action so who’s to say it won’t happen? Check back with me in January 2009 and we’ll see whether my cousin’s psychic abilities run in the family.