This is particularly worrisome for people with unique names. John Smith doesn't have to worry as much because he could claim "that's not me". But I'm pretty sure I'm the only person in the world with my name and that makes this less fair for me.
Curious how the press keeps touting the "ad-free"... the true benefit will that video content quality will skyrocket. Five months ago I predicted that YouTube would go public with Paid Channels within 3-12 months. At first, people will hate the idea of paying for YouTube, but eventually grow to love it. Here's why: http://seer.ws/youtube-paid-channels
Thank you, ggchappell, for the thoughtful post. Your response, the fact that someone put deep thought into this, made writing the article worthwhile.
You raise some great points.
Articles about research aren't typically written by researchers. Sure, they write articles too, but their articles are laden with industry-specific lingo and aren't generally written for the public.
So who writes the articles which go viral? PR people. Marketers. People who are talented at describing technology in a way that it's easy to digest and share-worthy. Perhaps they've figured out that positive articles are more successful.
Regarding the regulation...
I agree, there are many ways regulation can go wrong. But I see a way that really could work. It just requires a new infrastructure that would be relatively easy to build!
Technological advancement is MORALLY RIGHT. That's my stance. I guess I'm the antithesis of Amish. :)
We just need to wield technology less recklessly. The need to do so is increasingly relevant.
Consider how much power we'll have very soon. A human from 500 years ago would look around today and think we've become gods. What do you think we'll be in 500 years? Gods, by today's standards. We need to be careful. Not fearful. But diligently cautious.
Back when I used to freelance, here is what I learned: you have to fake it til you make it. :)
I got my first clients by cold-calling. He was probably my two hundredth cold-call. Later that week I ended up with a $1,600 check in my pocket, a 50% deposit on a $3,200 contract.
Also, you need to learn basic SEO. Google "Colorado web design" and you'll find me at rank 3: http://www.broadsighted.com