This blog aims to post links to diverse content concerned with surveillance, robots, drones, and electronic monitoring and organise them into a structure for easy access. However, a link to content does not necessarily indicate agreement, an endorsement, or a guarantee of either truth or factual accuracy; instead, it suggests that I have decided that the content is engaging for some reason.

My reasons for posting content vary, and something may be of interest because it is a radical view or a somewhat contentious opinion, well-expressed, known information, funny, or simply thought-provoking, e.g., a new use of an existing technology. It may be that views expressed are not shared by those reading them, in which case, share your opinions. It is always worth considering that once upon a time, smoking was thought to be beneficial to health, and those who did not smoke were sometimes regarded as suspect. Similarly, coffee drinkers were considered to be a threat to the state. It usually pays to give matters some thought and hang in there until more information filters through.

I would like to encourage, as far as is practicably possible, a relatively respectful, reasoned, unpartisan, and dispassionate analysis of facts, arguments, and opinions rather than simply slamming an opinion because it doesn’t accord with your own and demonising those who have the audacity to have one. This acts as a barrier to many who would like to join a debate but get shot down before they have had a chance to air their opinions.

Generally speaking, I have found that the more open-minded we are to a broad range of other opinions, the more able we are to learn from others, the longer we tend to live, and the better able we are to ultimately form increasingly robust and better-thought-out opinions and theories of our own—rather than being drowned out in a shouting match with those who believe they are entirely right and everyone else is entirely wrong. There are lots of interesting grey areas to discuss.

Where analysis and opinion are offered by me or anyone else, I will do my best to indicate that it is analysis and opinion. Of course, anyone can write relevant comments, and I’ll usually publish them as long as they are in the spirit of learning. DR