Brad Rourke’s Blog
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Movie Marketing and the Tragedy of the Commons
A friend of my daughter has become one of my favorite Twitter accounts, as he will occasionally go on a bit of a rant about some aspect of the entertainment industry. “Rant” is probably not the right word, as what he really does is mount thoughtful arguments. His latest fragmental piece outlines the unintended consequences…
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In Praise Of Effort Over Time
A dozen years ago, I was completing my stint leading a national election-ethics project, encouraging candidates to negotiate, sign, and abide by “clean campaign” pledges. It was, as you might imagine, an uphill battle. I was excited when a group in Toledo, Ohio, picked up the idea on their own and pressed for the 2001…
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Means And Ends
Today, and for the past few months, I have been thinking a great deal about moral philosophy. I’ve observed my own convictions becoming unsteady, so I wanted to spend time considering — and articulating — what I fundamentally believe. What is the basis of right action? How do I define right action in my own…
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New Issue Guide From National Issues Forums: What Should Go On The Internet?
I’m delighted to announce that the latest issue guide from the National Issues Forums is now available. “What Should Go on the Internet? Privacy, Freedom, and Security Online” is freshly updated for 2013 and includes new data as well as stories to illustrate key points. (Order.) An excerpt from the introduction: The same Internet that has…
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Having Difficulty With Transitions
Today, in just a few hours, we are taking my daughter to college. My emotions have been on edge and I can barely get anything done. I’m so very proud and excited for her – and selfishly dreading how much I will miss her. In my interactions with people, these past few days, the most…
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I'm Full Time at The Kettering Foundation
I’m delighted to report that, as of February 1, 2013 I’ll be a full-time staff member of the Kettering Foundation, a research foundation that studies democracy. I have had a relationship with the Foundation since 1998, and have been an Associate of theirs since 2005. As a consequence of this, I am shutting down my…
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How I Make 'Bulletproof Coffee'
As many of my friends know, for some years now I have eliminated almost all grains from my life. Save for the occasional cheat, I do not eat wheat or any other grain. I try to avoid added sugar and anything processed. My diet consists of meat (especially grass fed beef and bacon), green vegetables…
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This Space Is Mine
The recent Instagram terms of service controversy has got me thinking. It seems that, inexorably, we have been drawn to social media in deeper and deeper ways over the past three years or so. 2010 was the year Facebook took off and it is now the center of gravity for mainstream social media. Twitter is…
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Nine Rules For Discussing Tough Issues Online
Apropos of yesterday’s lament about uncivil behavior online, here are some rules I try to follow when discussing contentious issues on social media and in blog comment threads: Say nothing online I would not say in person Be very mild with language because it can be misconstrued and taken the wrong way Remember my conversation…
Brad Rourke 