Web Science in the Making – Or is It?

By: Sonny Zulhuda

The first time I encountered the word web science was when I came to know about the then-upcoming OII Summer Doctoral Programme (SDP) 2008 early this year. My first impression was it was something curiously-yet-intellectually stimulating.

Why ‘web’ science? That was among my first questions. All this while my research intersects with issues of the Internet in the society. We have talked quite extensively on how the Internet affects society and how a social reaction in turn shapes the trend and the future of the Internet itself. Then comes the term ‘web’ science. At least from the SDP I knew I was not alone to think that ‘web-science’ may connote a science about the physical infrastructure of the web, per se. This is because the term web for me is too technical to stimulate any discussions on social or humanity issues. But the word ‘Internet’ –being more popular– is not; we’ve heard about the ‘Internet society’, ‘Internet law’, or ‘Internet generation’. This is still very narrow compared to a more generic term of ‘information society’, for example. The word ‘web science’ itself is therefore, to many quiring minds, still an area of debate by itself.

Quotable Quotes from SDP 2008

The Oxford (OII) summer school is a huge pool of idea and inspiration. I have recorded few of memorable quotes here:

“You don’t have to understand it.. it doesn’t matter.” (Gerry J Sussman, MIT, while quickly showing his slides)

“As a computer scientist I would trust technical solutions more (than legal ones).” (Harry, responding during a discussion).

“My supervisor said you must be able to explain your research goal in sixty seconds.” (Matthew, during his presentation).

“Just because you have a computer and an Internet connection, it does not make you a serious journalist any more than having access to a kitchen makes you a serious cook.” (Ulla, in her presentation).

Some Shots on My Research Methods

Lunch of Day 3, OII Summer School.

Spent about half an hour with Danny Weitzner (MIT) on my ongoing research. Danny commented couple of things especially on my methodological aspects, which I think I’d better store them here.

He initially agreed with me on the use of CIA (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability) concept as a model for my framework. However, he notes that such information security concept may not necessarily make a good regulatory framework, i.e. it’s an option. More importantly, he stressed on e priority or the first question should be what risk(s) is being addressed here? For whose interests? Etc.

New Menu for My Dessert-ation…

Al-Shami Lebanese Restaurant

• Day/Date: Monday, 14.07.08
• Time: 21:14
• Scene: Dinner at Al-Shami Restaurant, Oxford
• Menu:  …. (have to ask Gerry again, he knew the names of all the food served!)

The summer school students and faculties were having very delicious dinner serving Middle-Eastern food. I was sitting next to Professor Gerald J. Sussman from MIT and Prof Bill Dutton, the director of the OII. We had a warm and friendly chats, especially with Prof Gerald (or Gerry), ranging from American politics & election to Indonesian coffee (Gerry surprisingly mentioned a fact which i don’t know, that the best coffee from indonesia is ‘Mandailing coffee’). We also chat about one of the best movies each of us had watched: The Beautiful Minds.

I have to thank Gerry especially for his brief insight on what I need to include in my research. He particularly suggested the inclusion of the issue of product liability pertaining to consumer protection against defective software, etc., so as not to unjustifiably cause the loss it the users.

We dispersed at around 10pm. and spray of rain started, briefly lasted though. Thanks to the OII for the treat!

‘Can Internet really works?’ Asks Jonathan Zittrain

Lectures in the second Day feature Prof Jonathan Zittrain from Harvard University’s Berkman Cyberlaw Centre, and Prof. Daniel Weitzner from the Massachusetts Instititute of Technology (MIT)

Jonathan’s presentation’s ttile was ‘Civic Technologies and the Future of the Internet’. Meanwhile, Daniel talks about ‘Information Accountability’.

Copyright Sealed in an Envelope

Oxford Summer Programme, Day One.

Kevin from the States told us this story in his presentation. Since he was six or so, he was taught how to understand and protect copyright for his works. In order to establish such right, they believed they would have to write a letter to themselves, writing about the work and right established thereform, and sent to themselves through a post office (kevin, correct me if I’m wrong). Once received, the envelope would be kept without first opening the content. So it’s kept selaed. This would become a proof in future to show that the copyright over his particular work does exist. This was known as ‘poorman’s copyright’.

Off to Oxford

KL International Airport. 13.07.08, 03:13.

KLIA

Thanks to Faisal abu Azama dan Halim Abu Abdil Aziz…. mereka nganter aku ke KL Sentral. Terus ambil ERL ke KLIA. Sekarang waktu menunjukkan jam 3.13 pagi. Aku udah duduk lebih sejam nunggu di luar boarding room. Insya Allah sebentar lagi boarding. Pesawat ke Doha dijadualkan jam 4.15, Kelihatannya cukup rame juga yang boarding. Tapi sampe Qatar nanti pasti nyebar. Hmm.. aku udah ga sabar pengen dapet senderan bisa tidur… badan capek dan agak kurang enak badan. untung tadi istriku tersayang udah nelpon, dan sebelumnya juga udah ngobrol banyak ama ayah ibu.. dan udah denger suara Utaz dan Ulya juga… jadi pikiran dan perasaanku tenaang… Bismillah. Mau boarding dulu…

Summer Doctoral Programme 2008 at Oxford

On 13-27 July 2008, I am attending the SDP 2008 at the Oxford Internet Institute, Oxford, UK.

University of Oxford

The Oxford Internet Institute’s annual Summer Doctoral Programme (SDP) brings together students from around the world for up to three weeks of study with leading academics in the field of Internet Studies, and provides an academic framework in which to share and discuss students’ current research.