Shirky's Article

Shirky is expressing an argument that if we utilize this cognitive surplus that we have, we can contribute greatly to the information on the internet. Shirky also argues his view of literacy. Through this article, literacy is not as much about the ability to read or write or comprehend, but the ability to use our free time to contribute through reading and writing. Cognitive surplus is the time that we have that is not filled with responsibilities, but wasted relaxing or just sitting idle. The point and importance of the article is to express that we need to use our time wisely and contributing.

       The author keeps referring to someone working on a TV show that he is explaining his point to. This person keeps trying to shut down this idea of using time wisely. The intent of the argument is not extreme, but realizing that only so much will change, it is to show that a little bit of change can show a huge impact on gaining useful information. The repetition of the person attempting to shut down this idea is actually proving and even helping the point. It proves it because it is evidence that not everyone will change their ways. There will be many that benefit from wasteful cognitive surplus and will disagree with change. For those who do agree, this helps them see more clearly why this is needed. The first step will change the way that skeptics see this idea of using time wisely. The strategically added repetition of this negative opinion only strengthens the argument. The entire argument is built upon negativity, but strives from productivity.