Your Vote Counts
The world is voting this month, not for U.N. Secretary-General, but for candidates in a race that could bring tourist dollars to their nations. Yesterday I was at a reception for friend Flavia Monteiro, a Brazilian artist, and the conversation turned to New 7 Wonders Internet voting. In this global publicity stunt, a new list of the Seven Wonders of the World would be announced on 7/7/07.
What was extraordinary was that people at the party were taking their decision as Internet voters remarkably seriously. Brazilian loyalists, who had seen the civic importance of preparations for the Pan-American games, didn't want to miss their opportunity to vote for the statue of Christ the Redeemer that looms over Rio de Janeiro. Transnational guests, who had allegiances to more than one country, France and Turkey in one case, might favor Hagia Sofia instead, especially if these voters were secularized and wanted to see it maintain its status as a museum rather than revert to being a mosque.
The site also has a social media dimension. At MyWonder, visitors can share digital images and video files of their chosen landmark. Although the site as a whole has a strong retail identity, it also claims to have an educational dimension. At the kids page are "classroom tools" and "school projects."
What was extraordinary was that people at the party were taking their decision as Internet voters remarkably seriously. Brazilian loyalists, who had seen the civic importance of preparations for the Pan-American games, didn't want to miss their opportunity to vote for the statue of Christ the Redeemer that looms over Rio de Janeiro. Transnational guests, who had allegiances to more than one country, France and Turkey in one case, might favor Hagia Sofia instead, especially if these voters were secularized and wanted to see it maintain its status as a museum rather than revert to being a mosque.
The site also has a social media dimension. At MyWonder, visitors can share digital images and video files of their chosen landmark. Although the site as a whole has a strong retail identity, it also claims to have an educational dimension. At the kids page are "classroom tools" and "school projects."
Labels: branding, elections, global villages, online communities, participatory culture, social networking, urbanism
posted by Liz Losh at 9:14 AM
1 Comments:
Hello, i just surfed in searching for interesting blogs on new seven wonders of the world, you have a cool blog. Do keep up the good work. i live far from where you are and its nice to be able to see what people from across the world thinks.
Warm Regards from the Other Side of the Moon.
On a related note perhaps you might find the following links interesting. we're reviewing the best among the competing 21 participants for the new 7 wonders competition. i'll like to hear your take on the subject via comments. i'll be back soon...
The Kremlin and the Red Square
Angkor Wat
Eiffel Tower
Hagia Sophia
ps. if you have your own favourites list or if you'd like us to write about other wonders pls do mention about it in the comments.
Bibby
Kerala, India
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