"The Wealth of Networks" - Booklaunch April 14, 2006

April 14, 2006
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
540 W. 21st St.

Please join Yale Professor Yochai Benkler for the launch of his new book, "The Wealth of Networks". The book explains how a new form of distributed collaboration is transforming the world economy, heralded by innovations such as:
1) Open Source software like Linux and Apache that have surpassed commercial software made by huge corporations
2) A free, collaboratively authored encyclopedia called Wikipedia that rivals Encyclopedia Britannica, and
3) Volunteer research projects like NASA Clicks that are as accurate as the work of paid scientists.

Benkler does not see these projects as isolated examples, but rather as exemplars of an emerging mode of economic production. His book shows why labor done outside the constraints of free markets and giant corporations can still have a huge impact on the economy and social relations. He argues that a "third mode of production" offers the promise of a more free society, but only if we make the right collective decisions.

The evening starts at 6pm with wine, cheese, and informal conversation. At 7pm Jonah Peretti, Eyebeam's Director of R&D, will introduce Benkler and give a quick tour of important and emerging open source and collaborative projects. Then at 7:15pm, Benkler will give a brief talk presenting the core ideas of his new book.

The Wealth of Networks will be available for purchase in the Eyebeam bookstore the night of the event and can also be pre-ordered on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300110561/103-6520487-9511867?v=glance&n=283155

This event is open to the public free of charge.