An Introduction
"He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine, as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me."
Thomas Jefferson, 1813
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So, what exactly is a universal exchange of ideas?
Well, in lieu of a comprehensive definition (which has thus far eluded me), I have created this site to present a conceptual overview of one. First of all, let me put your mind at ease by telling you now that you will not be inundated with series of technical specifications for a new software application. That will come later. I should also let you know that that there are no visual aides to help you picture the thing that I propose to create. That is to say, there are no pictures or graphics to show you what its interface would look like on a computer screen. For now, you will have to use your imagination in the same way one would read about some new invention in a science fiction novel. In this case, it is the primer or rulebook for an interactive messaging game called ideologi (pronounced "ideology").
Let me make this perfectly clear: I did not post this idea for the purposes of having people give me free advice so that I can then business plan for myself. I am asking you to consider the benefits of turning this into a open source project for the benefit and use of everyone. Please do not misunderstand this as the rant of some Utopian dreamer. If it does work as I have described, then there will be plenty of opportunities for those who wish to capitalize on a myriad of possible applications. The question is whether or not we would prefer to have it operate as adversarial islands of closed (or incompatible) communication or as one vast global system as open and as ubiquitous as the Internet itself.
Therefore, I would like to formally extend an open invitation to anyone interested in helping me refine
the concept, organize its development, and ultimately create and distribute
it freely (like Linux) throughout the online world. My hope is that those already working on complimentary projects will recognize its potential and choose to provide us with the advice and assistance we will need to succeed. To begin with, I am offering the content
of this site for republishing under a Creative Commons
license.
As with any idea, the one before you is only as valuable as the quality and quantity of those minds that realize its value and communicate it to others. If you know of anyone who might find this of interest, then let them know about it.
And please let me know what you think!
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