Author: Paul Holmes

  • The Affirmation Society in the Information Age

    Can millions of young fans be wrong when they declare that the Jonas Brothers are the greatest music group in the history of the universe? Of course they can. But they won’t believe you. Why? Because they have received instantaneous affirmation of their belief, and can do so anytime their faith might be swayed. Not…

  • “The Globe and Mail Test”

    In politics I have developed messaging plans, formulated targetted advertising, conducted web campaigns, been responsible for media relations, and managed local campaigns of all kinds.  In my business I consult with companies on their branding and advertising strategies regularly. There is one rule which should be common sense in this day and age.  It states:…

  • The Future of Distributed Computing

    (Originally Published January 19, 2002) What is it? Can one computer program solve seemingly impossible mathematical problems, discover alien life in the universe, cure cancer, or crack the impossible encryption key? Yes, it can. But only when this one computer program runs on thousands of computers around the globe. This is the world of distributed…

  • Freedom of Information: Napster and the Record Industry’s Accident

    (Originally Published March 5, 2001) Every once in awhile a defining historical event occurs. Years later, philosophers argue about what would have happened if the direction was different. What if the South won the American Civil War? What if Hitler had won WWII? What if Communism had swept the world? Sure, we hear rumblings in…