David Bollier

USA

David Bollier is an independent policy strategist, journalist, activist and consultant with an evolving public-interest portfolio. His work focuses on a few key concerns: reclaiming the American Commons, understanding how digital technologies are changing democratic culture, fighting the excesses of intellectual property law, fortifying consumer rights and promoting citizen action.

In addition to speaking and writing frequently about the Commons, Bollier edits the web portal and blog OntheCommons.org. Newcomers to the Commons might want to start by reading a terrific flyer, "Let's Reclaim the Commons," a report on The State of the Commons, a report on The Commons Rising, or any of his speeches.

Bollier's book Brand Name Bullies: The Quest to Own and Control Culture (John Wiley & Sons, 2005) tells some scary-serious stories about the abuse of intellectual property law to seize control of information, news, images, music, and even letters, silence, smells and yoga postures. It raises the question of whether free speech and creativity truly belong to everyone, or chiefly to commercial interests armed with high-priced lawyers.

David's iSummit '08 keynote address:

Social Movements on the Commons
The Commons is one of many social movements  active in the world today. Many of them share characteristics with the Commons, but there are significant differences. What can the Commons learn from other social movements and vice versa? Is there a more effective way of doing things and has someone been doing it for ages without the Commons noticing?

Watch the video

See the slides from this presentation