There are many theses flying around explaining how we can expand the impact of the new technologies, how we can create a new era of understanding through expanded communication.

There is no doubt that we have a great opportunity in front of us to make sure that new digital technologies are used to bring communities together ö and won't only create profit for companies involved in arms dealing (Motorola).

There are always problems of finance, distribution, exhibition and access but one problem which seems to be mostly ignored is people's ignorance of technology. Ignorance which is bred by the needlessly over-complicated and often superfluous language used when talking about the technology. Today many people still don't know how to use a basic video camera. Do we really expect them to now suddenly develop an avid interest in digital technology when the language surrounding it is so pompous and exclusive or are we only reaching out in friendship to people who have the facilities and education to understand computers? Let's face it: what the fuck is a 'social interface'?

As artists, writers, musicians and whatever else we have the responsibility to take our wares to the public. If we want to expand the technology and its usage we need to dump all the bullshit and use some plain language. In giving technology an air of exclusivity we are betraying the very people and communities that our craft is supposed to be helping. We are wasting our time planning integrated education policies and installing internet access in schools and libraries if at the same time we surround it with intellectualised mythology. If our agenda is to whole heartedly expand the social uses of the internet it is essential that the language we surround the machinery with is simplified.

Nick Gonzales