Decentralized anonymity systems tend to be unreliable, because users must choose paths through the network without knowing the entire state of the network. Reputation systems can improve reliability by predicting the state of the network. In this paper we focus on anonymous remailers and anonymous publishing, explain why the systems can benefit from reputation, and describe our experiences designing reputation systems for them while still ensuring anonymity. We find that in each example we first must redesign the underlying anonymity system to support verifiable transactions.

Reputation in P2P Anonymity Systems [PDF]

Katie Hafner writes about "Net evaders" -- people who steer clear of the Internet and its services despite being in close proximity to connected computers and other avid Internet users. The article is based on survey research by the Pew Trust.

As a bit of a "cellular evader" myself, I would submit that this phenomenon is not specific to the Internet.

Eluding the Web's Snare

Using the rich profile data provided by the users we were able to deduce the attributes contributing to the formation of friendships, and to determine how the similarity of users decays as the distance between them in the network increases.

This research is a collaboration between HP Labs and Google. It will appear in a future issue of First Monday.

A Social Network Caught in the Web [PDF]

We act as though we could wish away what is happening to new products and prices. But the fact is that the on-going commoditization of technology cannot be undone. Products will continue to get better but they will also continue to fall in price. In the face of these dynamics, jobs will melt away. The only growth in the industry will be come from a variety of education, customer support, strategic evaluation and consulting positions. Additional growth can come only from use of the technologies in an open architecture that preserves the freedom to innovate.

This is just one of many worthwhile articles in the latest issue of the Cook Report.

The Paradox of Commoditization

Because it's unhealthy. Because it has become our obsession. Because it is dangerous -- a runaway train, roaring down a path to disaster.

Michael Malone writes in the February issue of Red Herring. (This is the article that John Markoff mentioned in today's NYT article.)

Forget Moore's Law | Red Herring

"Forget Moore's law, because it is unhealthy," Michael S. Malone, a longtime member of the valley's technology community and an eBay founder, wrote recently in a trade publication. Forget Moore's law, "because it has become our obsession," Mr. Malone wrote. "Because high tech has become fixated on it at the expense of everything else -- especially business strategy."

Is There Life After Silicon Valley's Fast Lane?

In a move sure to complicate the efforts of Al Jazeera to get its English-language Web site running, Akamai Technologies abruptly canceled a contract on Wednesday to provide Web services for the site.

"No web cache for you!"

Akamai Cancels a Contract for Al Jazeera's Site

Wrong.

This article appears in the March 2003 issue of MIT Technology Review. A subscription is required for access to the full text. It's also available in print on newsstands everywhere.

Do you have a good idea that In-Q-Tel should know about?

Can Sensemaking Keep Us Safe?

The co-founder of the Internet recalls the non-commercial early days and looks at today's issues of fair use, privacy and the need for security.

Putting it all together with Robert Kahn

... When we net it all out, competition in the telecommunications industry has come at a tremendous cost -- our country has lost its crown jewel.

Bell Labs: Life in the Crown Jewel