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With so much information coursing through the Internet and the blogosphere, at times it might be useful to have a guide to what's worth reading. It was ever thus. But suppose you created a forum where you let readers recommend content and post content of their own with the barest minimum of editing? It's an experiment worth trying.

Anyway, the idea of filtering isn't limited just to news, of course. The Columbus Dispatch on Sunday published a fascinating Q&A with Ohio State University music professor David Bruenger (Hat tip: Arts Journal). This exchange near the end jumped out at me:

Q: We have more music choices and access to music than ever. Is that good?

A: Filtering serves a social purpose. People don't have time to listen to all the music that's available, but do you rely on corporations to filter that through? Do you trust the wisdom of crowds to do it?

I think (choice) is a good thing. It makes the business model much more complicated, but culturally, it's a great thing.

It's not going to last; it'll change and become a more controlled model within the next few years. But while it's lasted, it's been chaotic and interesting.

I'm not sure I completely agree with the good professor. The business model to which he refers is not only complicated, it's still being built. But the interview is well worth reading.