What are commons?
Commons, that being physician or digital, are shared resources that anyone has access to. These commons can take many different forms, with digital commons being more well known online with associate of "Creative Commons," which is the license for media put on the internet. These allow us to use media without any copyright restrictions and for free. An evident physical resource, like a city community garden where anybody can help tend plants and take some if necessary, is another example of a commons. These resources promote opportunities for all and build a sense of responsibility for everyone's part they play. These are all based on the idea of cooperative commons, which allows us to use the same resources for everyone's benefit.
The efficiency of commons
Physical and digital commons also allow for the efficiency of a community. For physical commons, these can be anything that’s community based, where others can use the resources provided to help themselves or others. Digital commons can come in multiple forms, such as search engine softwares that lets you access the internet as a whole. Other forms of this are free images being provided under the Creative Commons license, or even information on wiki sites or forums such as Quora or Wikipedia. With these, they help us with sustainability by having us share resources rather than overproducing them for everyone's needs.
Examples of digital commons
Some important examples of digital commons that I think should be considered are websites such as “Internet Archive”, which is a website service that allows any user to access previous data of any website that is in their database. The website also allows for others to put data onto the site for others to use. Another example is a website called “Creative Fabrica” which provides many resources of graphic designs and fonts. Many teachers, students, and many small business owners use it, such as Etsy store owners. These images, while having to pay for with a subscription, still promote the idea of plenty of resources, at a little price. This may go against the idea of digital commons however, as the point of these commons is to be for all, however, I thought it would be interesting to mention!
Inclusions of commons
With commons such as these, they provide more accessibility for those who are in need of such resources as these. Physical commons help give access to those who may be struggling financially or who may be less fortunate than others, such as a community garden as I mentioned earlier. With these resources, it can help them provide for their families. Physical commons may also promote the idea of inclusivity, as the purpose of them. For digital commons, they can provide information to those and make it easily accessible to find, especially for research papers and history with the use of search engines. This information allows ease of learning and can benefit us by having tools for education to use for everyone. Another accessibility that digital commons add is the ease of access in gathering images media for their own purposes. Creative Common images allow those to get interesting visuals without having to go out and take or make these photos themselves, especially with how expensive cameras can be.
community upbringings and collaboration
Physical common areas, such as community gardens, are essential for social interaction and teamwork. For those who do not have the means to get certain resources on their own, like sufficient food, these communal areas are extremely important. For instance, community gardens enable neighbors to collaborate on food production, and sharing skills with others. This feeling of belonging creates an environment where people can help others by lending a hand or sharing their knowledge. These commons promote cooperation, which strengthens a community by encouraging others to have a sense of responsibility. Physical commons provide a place where people can interact and help make people feel as if they belong and are important. These spaces provide a shared goal between others, sharing the same goal with each other.
Purpose of commons
With this, these examples of shared commons supports the idea of efficiency, sustainability, and inclusion. The points mentioned, that being digital media and information, or either physical media such as libraries or community gardens, address the needs of people and the greater good for a community. Shared commons promotes the idea of inclusivity no matter who a person is by allowing anyone to contribute, especially to help people who might not have access to certain resources. In these areas of shared resources, they also promote the idea of responsibility between everyone. These resources are something we all pitch in for, no matter who it is. Contributing for the better of everyone allows us all to flourish and thrive as a community.
Credits:
Created with images by LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - "Sunrise in forest" • Zoran Zeremski - "Portrait of young woman with garbage bags cleaning city park with friends." • Rawpixel.com - "Wiki Website Database Key Knowledge Information Concept" • JYPIX - "A man who is searching for videos on the Internet." • Thanaphon - "Business card box" • Cavan for Adobe - "Volunteers sowing seeds in community garden" • Studio Romantic - "Team of young women sitting together and holding hands, demonstrating unity and solidarity. Group of people in community meeting thanking each other for help, support and true friendship" • santypan - "Smiling young woman using a camera to take photo."