Bug Tracking Systems as Public Spheres.

Based upon literature that argues technology, and even simple classification systems, embody cultural values, I ask if software bug tracking systems are similarly value laden. I make use of discourse within and around Web browser software development to identify specific discursive values, adopted f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Techné: Research in Philosophy & Technology Vol. 11; no. 1; pp. 32 - 42
Main Author:	Reagle Jr., Joseph
Format:	Article
Published:	Philosophy Documentation Center Fall2007
Subjects:	Web browsers Computer software development World Wide Web Public sphere Technology Cultural values
Online Access:	View this record in EBSCOhost

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Summary:	Based upon literature that argues technology, and even simple classification systems, embody cultural values, I ask if software bug tracking systems are similarly value laden. I make use of discourse within and around Web browser software development to identify specific discursive values, adopted from Ferree et al.'s "normative criteria for the public sphere," and conclude by arguing that such systems mediate community concerns and are subject to contested interpretations by their users.