Commonality Quote by Andrew Piper
““Almost every major textual initiative today is structured around three overlapping notions of sharing: commonality, transferability, and sociability. We want other people to read the same thing we are reading (commonality); we want to be able to send other people what we are reading (transferability); and we want to be able to talk to other people about what we are reading (sociability). “Social reading” is shaping up to be the core identity, or ideology if you will, of digital media. I say ideology because there is also something duplicitous about the new commitment to sharing. Never before has the proprietary relationship to reading and ideas been more in force. Sharing texts has never been more popular—and illegal.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Social Reading and Digital Media” by Andrew Piper, 2015
The quote critiques how digital platforms promote sharing texts while simultaneously reinforcing ownership and legal restrictions on ideas.
In simple terms: Digital sharing is paradoxically coupled with stronger control over content.
Key Takeaway
Be aware of the tension between openness and proprietary limits.
Themes
digitality
ownership
law
media
technology
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- online book clubs
- educational platforms
- research collaborations
- content licensing
- social media discussions
Key Concepts
Intellectual property
network effects
censorship
Questions to Reflect On
- How does sharing affect your perception of intellectual property?
- What balance should exist between openness and control?
A Different Perspective
The push for sharing can be co-opted by commercial interests that limit true openness.
