Smart Mobs - Book Summary A book by Howard Rheingold describes "Smart Mobs," groups of people united for activism or social gatherings via mobile phones, blogs , wireless internet and other technology.

He defined the phenomenon saying: "Smart mobs consist of people who are able to act in concert even if they don't know each other. The people who make up smart mobs cooperate in ways never before possible because they carry devices that possess both communication and computing capabilities.... Groups of people using these tools will gain new forms of social power."

This is key to understanding how our use of technology affects this moment in history and will shape the future. Smart mobs confronted the WTO in Seattle. And they overthrew a government with targeted peaceful protests in the Philippines.

For good and ill these digitally connected masses are already shaping the world around us.

I recognize the reality of the smart mobs Rheingold describes. But I believe people can do more than pull down the ramparts of governments and institutions. With true inspiration we can build and plant a wild new era of hope.

Our band is experimenting with the concept of Smart Mobs in live concerts. So, come on out to a show! -Jeff

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