Crisis brings challenges, but also opportunities to question long-held assumptions.
Cultural analyst Anthony Citrano kicks off a segment at PICNIC 2009 exploring our current economic situation and introducing alternatives to consider.
Bio
Anthony Citrano
Anthony Citrano has more than two decades of experience in information technology, communications, and public policy.
In 1993 he published The Virtual Journal, the world's first web magazine. From 1994-1997 he served as chief technology advisor to Maine Governor Angus King, helping Maine set an early example of how online technology can improve government. In 1998 he started BrainPaste.com, the company that invented dynamic customer acquisition, and was CEO until its acquisition in 2000. In 2001 he co-founded Boston-based fama PR, which grew to become a leading technology PR firm.
In 1996 - while working for Governor King - he co-founded Pop!Tech, the world's preeminent conference about the intersection of technology and culture. Over the next decade, he served Pop!Tech in various roles, including three years as chair.
In 2008 he served on the Grassroots Finance Committee of Obama for America. This was his third engagement with a major political campaign, having worked for Bill Clinton as state student coordinator in 1992, and on Angus King's 1994 gubernatorial bid.
He has consulted for dozens of corporations, government agencies, elected officials, and non-profits on a wide variety of issues from social media strategy to drug policy.
He is a frequent commentator on American culture, contributing to a variety of publications including Money Magazine, Huffington Post, and Consumerist.
He is also a fashion photographer, with publishing credits that range from major newsweeklies such as TIME to niche fashion magazines such as Iconia and Dazed and Confused.
Matt Costello
Matt Costello has scripted dozens of best-selling games, including the critically acclaimed "The 7th Guest," "Doom 3," "Just Cause," and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." His novel Beneath Still Waters was filmed and released by Lions Gate. His latest suspense novel, "Nowhere," was published in 2007. He also wrote Island of the Skull (Pocket Books), an original prequel to Peter Jackson's film, "King Kong."
Costello has written for television for PBS, The Disney Channel, The Sci-Fi Channel, and the BBC among others. Costello's children's books include the series The Kids of Einstein Elementary (Scholastic) and Magic Everywhere (Random House), as well as books on puzzles and games.
An excellent and often ignored point. Money is a cultural artifact symbolizing the value that has been created, recorded as an IOU for that value,and is recognized by others. It is a symbol of the faith others have in the value of the IOU and expressed in their willingness to accept the IOU in return for their goods or services in lieu of goods or services.
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