WWIC or “the fundamental question of the web”
A 2019 goal for City Ombudsman is a series presenting a general issue that a reader was curious about and seeking input, instead of just seeking solutions to individual problems.
While planning, I discovered Paul Ford’s concept of WWIC. Ford, a writer and editor, announced in a 2011 blog post that he found “the fundamental question of the web.” The question, per Ford, is Why wasn’t I consulted? Or WWIC. WWIC, Ford explained, defines how the internet is different than all other media. It defines what makes our interaction with the internet different from TV, newspaper, books or radio.
“Humans have a fundamental need to be consulted, engaged, to exercise their knowledge (and thus power), and no other medium that came before has been able to tap into that as effectively,” Ford explained.
Consider yourself consulted Cincinnati! WWIC Wednesday (#wwicwednesday) creates a place on City Ombudsman to encourage the exchange of information about a topic. It’s a convenience store penny jar for city issues, i.e. have an answer leave one – need an answer take one.
First up: Pedestrian Crossing Signs
These free-standing pedestrian crossing signs have popped up in crosswalks around town, as in picture above. A reader was wondering about these signs. He wondered if they are effective, especially if they are only used in a few crosswalks. Also, they do not seem to wear well, as in picture below.
The comments are open! If you have thoughts, questions and information, please leave below. For example:
Have you also wondered about these signs?
Do you have any in your community?
Have you tried to get the signs in your community?
Do they seem effective?
If you have signs, are they in decent condition? Do they have to be replaced frequently?
Have an idea for the next WWIC Wednesday post? If so, please send to connect@cityombudsman.com or use the ask a question button at the top of the page.
