Just-In-Time-Samaritans, 7 Years Later

I’ll easily admit it.
I hate it when people say “I had that idea 7 years ago!”, as if having an idea means you can claim ownership over it in any way.
I usually hate it also when people quote themselves, especially if it is to prove they really had that idea 7 years ago.
See, having an idea, even a great idea, counts for very little these days. Acting on an idea makes the difference.
Inspiration: easy. Perspiration: hard.

Of course the rest of this entry will be basically all about me saying “I had that idea in 2002!” and extensively quoting things I wrote back then.
It sucks to be me right now.

So there: I had an idea in 2002!
The idea that always-connected mobile devices and their disruptive effect on our relationship with time and space and one another would not just offer new opportunities to keep ourselves entertained or to be more productive, but also simply to be better human beings.
Here’s what I had written on the matter:

“The original inspiration came from, of all sources, the Italian government.
Some regions have been recently using SMS text messages to inform people in specific geographical areas about weather-related dangers.
Italy has been under a month-long shower and the last message was sent to all the phones around Milano to warn about flooding rivers and roads it was best to avoid.
That got me thinking.
What if the message had asked for help rather than simply advising to steer clear of danger?
"You are close-by. If you have nothing to do right now come and help."
To fill sandbags, whatever.
To feel good about yourself.

The other evident issue in this scenario is that trust will obviously rise to be the only currency that will allow a stranger to walk into a person's life and then out of it again, possibly never to be seen again.
New twists on Reputation Systems will be at heart of such a use of connectivity.
The good intentions of connected Samaritans will be constantly evaluated by the people they helped and vice versa, weeding out those who will try to take advantage of the situation on both sides (and there will be plenty).
Who knows, in the end maybe Karma will re-acquire its pre-SlashDot meaning, but with a bit of connectedness still attached to it.

I am glad to report that a group of young social entrepreneurs who call themselves The Extraordinaries has come to similar conclusions:

“The Extraordinaries delivers micro-volunteer opportunities to mobile phones that can be done on-demand and on-the-spot.”

Differently from yours truly they acted on their idea, and are offering an iPhone application that takes a promising first step in the direction of visions above.
Chapeau.

Fabio Sergio is an Executive Creative Director at frog’s Milan studio. During his tenure at frog, Fabio has played a key role in leading both tactical and strategic innovation programs for clients such as BBC, HP, J&J’s Lifescan Telecom Italia, LGE, and Vodafone. He is a visiting professor at the Politecnico di Milano, Domus Academy and Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design.