William H. Dutton

I am participating on the margins of a fascinating OII forum on digital companions — artifical, intelligent agents designed to support people in a variety of circumstances. Take for example, Apple Computer’s simulation of the Knowledge Navigator, conceived around 1987 http://www.billzarchy.com/clips/clips_apple_nav.htm. The forum was organized by Professor Yorick Wilks, an OII Senior Fellow, who is [...]

Delighted that OII is one of the University of Oxford’s projects that is showcased on the University’s new Web site. See: http://www.ox.ac.uk/research/research_showcase/showcase_projects/ I’d welcome any feedback on the overview of OII research, or the new look of Oxford’s Web site.

There is such widespread support for freedom of information (FOI) legislation that it is difficult to find good empirical perspectives on its operation and the benefits and problems associated with its management. For that reason, I was impressed with the recent report by Eleanor Burt and John Taylor to the Scottish Information Commissioner, entitled ‘The [...]

I gave my inaugural lecture, entitled ‘Through the Network (of Networks) — the Fifth Estate’, at the Examination Schools on 15 October 2007. Oxford posted an overview of this lecture at: http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/po/news/2007-08/oct/16.shtml Click here for the text on which the lecture was given. As is the tradition, I did not field questions. Therefore, I would [...]

Subject to institutional approval, the Oxford Internet Institute is proposing to launch a unique new MSc programme, provisionally titled ‘Social Science of the Internet’ for entry in October 2009. Further details can be found at: http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/teaching/ To receive updates about our progress with the degree, and to register an interest please email your contact details [...]