Latour points out that the connection between two nodes in the network is more important than the nodes themselves. The relationship between each player determines how fast information spreads across. I witness the power of these network relationships while working at Machik, whose mission is to strengthen communities on the Tibetan plateau. Originally their plan was just to start a school. As they pulled on more contacts and joined other organizations with tangential missions, they were able to expand into a woman's program, microcredit project, sustainable agriculture, film and social business. This weekend they held a three day networking event where everyone involved with Machik from all sectors came together to share their work and discuss further collaboration. The weekend had a lot of down time where people could chat and build relationships that made their connections stronger; as Latour argued the stronger the connection the more likely information will spread across it.
An interesting trend relating to Latours argument is the rise in organizations specifically designed to make relationships between two unconnected nodes. The creator of Citizeneffect.org was attended the weekend to discuss his website. The goal of the organization is to connect business and individuals who are interested in raising money for different causes and want to make sure their money is well used. He posts specific projects from a wide variety of NGOs allowing individuals to browse and select one to support. This example demonstrates Catells point that technology is fundamental in enabling tnetwork interconnectivity.
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