Emergence and Urban Density

The speaker reflects on the events of 9/11 and its impact on urban density, initially questioning the value of urban density but later recognizing the resilience and vibrancy of city life. The talk transitions to the evolution of web interactivity, highlighting the shift from static to dynamic models, exemplified by platforms like Google and Technorati. The concept of a 'global brain' is introduced, where collective decision-making shapes web content. The speaker discusses emergent systems, power laws, and the potential for planned emergence in the blogosphere, emphasizing the importance of collective contributions and adaptability in both urban and digital environments.

What event coincided with the publication of the speaker's book 'Emergence'?

• The fall of the Berlin Wall

• The 9/11 attacks

• The Y2K bug

• The launch of the first iPhone

What realization did the speaker have about urban density after 9/11?

• Density promotes innovation

• Density is irrelevant

• Density is always beneficial

• Density can be dangerous

What aspect of cities does the speaker highlight as a source of strength?

• High population density

• Centralized governance

• Advanced technology

• Decentralized function

According to the speaker, who contributes to the personality of a neighborhood?

• The government

• A single influential person

• Everyone and no one

• Local businesses

What does the speaker compare the new model of web interactivity to?

• A hierarchical structure

• A one-to-one relationship

• Collective decision-making

• A centralized system

What tool does the speaker mention that tracks blog authority?

• WordPress

• Blogger

• Technorati

• Google Analytics

What is the distribution pattern of links in the blogosphere according to the speaker?

• Linear

• Random

• Power law

• Exponential

What is the speaker's view on the potential of planned emergence in the blogosphere?

• It limits diversity

• It democratizes voices

• It centralizes control

• It reduces innovation

What does the speaker suggest is unique about emergent systems on the Web?

• They are static and unchanging

• They can self-organize and adapt

• They are controlled by a single entity

• They rely on government regulation

What does the speaker hope for regarding the conversation about power laws and software?

• That it is ignored

• That it ends soon

• That it is regulated

• That it continues