Small worlds and networks

I’ve been reading Barabasi’s book Linked: the New Science of Networks, which is not the world’s greatest read but very interesting nonetheless. It’s clear that there’s a lot of intriguing mileage in the notion that the principles underpinning networks span both technical and social systems. Then I came across Steven Johnson’s article about social network mapping software, which in turn reminded me of Kurt Vonnegut’s novel, Cat’s Cradle and Howard Rheingold’s new book, Smart Mobs, which I’ve ordered and Amazon have just told me in an email is being delivered tomorrow. I’ve also had a look at the MIT work in this area. And all without leaving my study. No wonder people love the Web.