Everyone else, meaning the lion’s share of the world’s population, typically did not know how to read. Since printed material was prohibitively expensive there was little reason to know more than a few written words. Also, most works of the time were written in languages like Latin and Greek, which common people did not understand at all. So even if a peasant could ken the written vernacular, it required a proper education to even read most books. This was considered an excellent arrangement by the political and intellectual elite, as it was felt that common people lacked the faculties to understand profound things, like the true meaning of the Bible.
Yet somehow, this whole social order got turned on its head.
With the rise of the printing press the cost for producing books drastically fell. Suddenly the unwashed masses could have access to reading material. Men, and eventually women, who would never have been able to (or want to) write books in Latin now had a way to distribute their ‘vulgar’ work to a wider audience.
Now there was no reason to avoid learning to read. It became a useful tool for everyone, as new knowledge absorbed through inexpensive books and newspapers could benefit all. It was the birth of the new information age. The printing press allowed Protestantism and all number of new, innovative systems of faith and philosophy to thrive. The fixed truth could no longer be controlled by kings and priests. The old guard was soundly routed and ultimately forced to embrace this new technology or be left behind. David killed Goliath.
The Second Renaissance
Even David is mortal, though. The print press, in its many incarnations, has ruled the world for hundreds of years. All of the greatest minds in literature and journalism worshipped at its altar because it was the most effective medium for written communication known to humankind. Industry was built around it and controls and standards, though more liberal than they had ever been before, were eventually cemented into place. In order to have any serious exposure in the mainstream world you need to go through formalized channels to be read.
9 Comments
Dear Joe,
So I guess guys like Warmbir and Kass aren’t real tight with you because your sort of like their main competition.
Also, could you tell me a little more about Nick Gio without comprimising your source. I ask this only because it seems like you guys have something in common. That is, he lost his father at a real young age and then was misguided. I know that his situation is a lot more extreme than yours but their is definitely some similarities.
I read somewhere that he hooked up with LaValley and said something along the lines of “I want to be in the mafia.” “Can you help me?” This is truely a sad story about a young guy who lost his father at a young age and then made some really bad decisions. I read that he murdered some salon owner over money and then dumped the body in an alley in Maywood.
Is their anything out there on LaValley yet? You said that he was recently murdered. I don’t mean to bother you with this stuff, but unfortunately I think that’s what some people want to read (not just myself).
Lastly, I wonder if what some of your commentors are saying is true about the mob. That is, it is extinct and that you, Joe Fosco, are living proof of it.
Thanks in advance.
Dear Alex,
Thank you for the enlightenment – great article. The fact that Kass and Warmbir tend to ignore me is a bit easier for me to understand now. Their profession as they know it is extinct, while mine is taking off. Perhaps we will offer them an opportunity to write for KTF someday as a peace offer.
Alex, congratulations on 2-years of KTF Media Group – it would not have been possible with you and our contributors.
I am especially thankful to the many readers that visit KTF every day, some leaving interesting comments – for the most part. Thank you ‘readers’, you have made our job at KTF quite fulfilling.
Over one-million visitors and growing strong.
Democratic Nominee For Illinois Lieutenant Governor Scott Lee Cohen
By Joseph Fosco
Dear Curious,
I cannot tell you any more about Nick Gio, unfortunately. I do not know anything more than I have shared in some of the threads over the last several weeks. The people that I know that knew him well have lost tract of him since his incarceration. It is a sad story, and I am fortunate that I was not as lost as he was.
I do know that Gio hooked up with LaValley in the early 1980’s. It was probably LaValley that ill-advised Gio to commit murder. I could think of one other person that might have made a serious impact on Gio in the 1980’s but I would rather not divulge his name.
There is nothing on the net regarding LaValley’s death as of yet.
I do not believe the Outfit is dead. I believe that I am still alive for three reasons. 1) I have placed a great deal of attention on the death threat on my life. 2) I take many precautions on a daily basis. 3) The Outfit could be playing my situation to their advantage. “If Fosco remains alive, we will look harmless.” Clever.
Please ignore, “Democratic Nominee For Illinois Lieutenant Governor Scott Lee Cohen
By Joseph Fosco.”
I accidentally pasted it from another piece to my previous comment.
To Mr. Alex Sharp, Senior Editor of KTF Media Group.
Sir, I am shocked and disappointed, to say the least. That you have not participated in KTF Media’s longest thread to date is frankly inexcusable. Of course, I am referring to the one in which allegations recently emerged regarding Mr. Joseph Fosco’s former colleague’s penchant for dog role-playing and urolagnia (i.e., sexual fetish focused on urination).
Now, Mr. Sharp, you will have no argument from me that this is clearly an uncomfortable topic of conversation. However, seeing as a reader has broached the subject whom Mr. Fosco has deemed “very credible”, I think that as the Senior Editor of this publication you have a professional responsibility to contribute to the conversation.
Mr. Sharp, I am sure you will acknowledge that, in most municipalities, dog walkers and owners are subject to fines if the animals in their care relieve themselves inappropriately, sloppily, or in a manner that causes damage to property.
Today, sir, I submit to you and the staff here at KTF Media Group that prostitutes who are tolerant of this type of behavior (as practiced by their “johns”) should consider instituting a “urination surcharge” to cover the costs of any fines they might incur by sponsoring and/or facilitating this abnormal (but legal) activity.
Please consider my suggestion, and feel free to advise.
Mr. Sharp, your readers are anxiously awaiting your insight regarding this matter.
Regards,
Alexander Julian Bean, MS., PhD.
Dear A.J.,
True, I called ‘!’ information ‘very credible’, but not ‘entirely credible’, excuse me if I inadvertently mislead you. ‘!’ made a couple of mistakes (small ones) and released three or four unsubstantiated bombshells, which I never heard before – they might be true, or they might be incorrect. I have no idea. Please refer to the original thread for details.
A.J., while I respond to comments, such as yours, I am willing to suggest that Mr. Sharp will likely pass on submitting a response.
Thank you for your readership.
Dear A.J.,
You are a sad, sad man. If Joe wishes to entertain you, so be it, but please refrain from contributing to any of my threads.
Sincerely yours,
Alex
Joe~
Did you ever find out the identity of “!” who disclosed all of the sensitive info?
Also, what did you mean by “some leaving interesting comments – for the most part” in your 1:05 comment? I haven’t been a long time reader, but most of your audience seems pretty well informed and supportive of you.
Dear Boris,
I have no clue who ‘!’ is.
You are right; most of my audience seems pretty well informed and supportive of me. However, I occasionally hear from people that are against me.