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WTF is social hacking? Such a trendy, useless, word.

• Mz 14y ago
  Figuring out effective social solutions. The article is a great example of the judge cutting through red tape, a gay couple getting a child without having to fight social crapola tooth and nail, and culminates with a gay marriage which couldn't have previously taken place but is now possible. Plus the couple used the marriage as an opportunity to give some closure to their adopted child. I think it is brilliant on several fronts. And this social stuff is something a lot of hackers seem to feel is a personal weak area, so articles like this potentially have more value for them than for someone like me who already has good skillz in this area. But thanks for proving my point that it gets way undervalued here.
  • icebraining 14y ago
    But where is the hacking? The judge just used her prorrogative to make (something great) happen.
    • Mz 14y ago
      Social hacking is about getting extraordinary, even "impossible," social outcomes with a relative light burden of effort or personal cost. To achieve that, you have to recognize when you are presented with a very rare opportunity and know how to take advantage of it. People in a position to make an exception are the exception, not the norm. The judge was in a position to make an exception. You can have 500 friends outraged at the injustice of bias against gay couples in adoption. Odds are poor that any of them can really do anything about it. And a wedding is possibly the only good excuse to request a judges services for a feel good reunion. Judges are supposed to be impartial. It is generally inappropriate to contact them for hugs and the like. There is quite a lot of brilliant stuff in this article. I am sorry you do not see it.