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The Pocket Packet (or PocketPacket™) is a very simple idea which encourages users of public transport to print Wikipedia articles in a particular format, for very easy consumption whilst standing or sitting on a crowded bus or train. Not really an invention, but more of a cultural phenomenon, this Wikipedia microproject, begun in February 2006, aims to have commuters asking each other "What's in your PocketPacket?". It builds upon ideas about the democratisation of knowledge developed by sociologists such as Anthony Giddens and Ulrich Beck, as well as the enthusiasm for educational pamphlets fostered by anarchists and other social movements.
Democratisation of knowledge
A logical extension of the Wikipedia project, PocketPacket™ encourages the democratisation of knowledge. Most commuters find themselves reading random adverts, tickets, and even litter in a bid to occupy their minds. PocketPacket™ encourages people to carry with them various articles about things which are of some interest to them. Users are encouraged to think very widely about anything from the arts, sciences, history or philosophy - or anything else - which may have caught their attention at some time. Wikipedia offers articles on a diverse range of subjects, which can be simply pocketed for later consumption.
How to make
A PocketPacket™ is created as follows:
- Go to chosen article in Wikipedia
- Select 'Printable Version' from the toolbox menu on the left
- Print the article, but choose 'Properties' and select the option which prints two pages to one sheet
- Staple in corner
- Fold in four
- Put in coat pocket
History
The PocketPacket™ was 'invented' by David Gauntlett, but obviously relies on the work of Wikipedians around the world (and access to a computer printer).
Trademarked status
Obviously, PocketPacket™ is not really a trademark. The TM is ironic.
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The Pocket Packet (or PocketPacket™) is a very simple idea which encourages users of public transport to print Wikipedia articles in a particular format, for very easy consumption whilst standing or sitting on a crowded bus or train. Not really an invention, but more of a cultural phenomenon, this Wikipedia microproject, begun in February 2006, aims to have commuters asking each other "What's in your PocketPacket?". It builds upon ideas about the democratisation of knowledge developed by sociologists such as Anthony Giddens and Ulrich Beck, as well as the enthusiasm for educational pamphlets fostered by anarchists and other social movements.
Democratisation of knowledge
A logical extension of the Wikipedia project, PocketPacket™ encourages the democratisation of knowledge. Most commuters find themselves reading random adverts, tickets, and even litter in a bid to occupy their minds. PocketPacket™ encourages people to carry with them various articles about things which are of some interest to them. Users are encouraged to think very widely about anything from the arts, sciences, history or philosophy - or anything else - which may have caught their attention at some time. Wikipedia offers articles on a diverse range of subjects, which can be simply pocketed for later consumption.
How to make
A PocketPacket™ is created as follows:
- Go to chosen article in Wikipedia
- Select 'Printable Version' from the toolbox menu on the left
- Print the article, but choose 'Properties' and select the option which prints two pages to one sheet
- Staple in corner
- Fold in four
- Put in coat pocket
History
The PocketPacket™ was 'invented' by David Gauntlett, but obviously relies on the work of Wikipedians around the world (and access to a computer printer).
Trademarked status
Obviously, PocketPacket™ is not really a trademark. The TM is ironic.