Rails Rumble ‘08: ostraka - the project at Linked

This is a rails rumble ‘08 wrap-up post and will be in progress until November 1st

The idea

ostraka is the digital counterpart of ancient democratic instrument of the ostracism. Use your voice and let us know the people you believe most dangerous for your region, country and world.

ostraka

Ostraka is the plural form of the term ostrakon. A ostrakon is a negative vote you give to any public person you feel could be a threat for the region or country you live on.

In Ancient Greece, the voting public would write or scratch the name of a person in the shard of pottery. When the decision at hand was to banish or exile a certain member of society, citizen peers would cast their vote by writing the name of the person on the piece of pottery; the vote was counted and if unfavorable the person was put out of the city, thus giving rise to the term ostracism. If you want to know more about the ostraka just check the wikipedia page.

why?

Any list of the world’s despots is indeed depressingly long. We want to give this problem visibility and raise awareness.

how?

Just explore the world to see the current menaces that people see on their countries or express your fears submitting a public enemy that should be ostracized.