Data Minors
Perhaps an unpopular position in response to this post.

We live in a world where private companies come up with innovations that become universal needs.
The example I always use is the NYC transit system. Originally independently owned lines, the city became so dependent on the privately run trains, that the entire system was made public at an affordable rate. For the common good.
I have a theory that data mining is in its infancy as well. It’s incredibly important work that is currently in private hands. Over time, the information that we can learn about the human condition through data could be the forefront of the next revolution (on par with the industrial revolution and the technological revolution). It would make schools better, work better, parenting better, health care better and quality of life better in general.
Right now, private companies are collecting and mining data to sell products to us. In the future, we will be using the methods they are pioneering to better our lives.
I guess all this to say. I’m pro data collection for all ages.
Short term pain, for long term gain.
(Blog Post in the style of Seth Godin)
