Difference Engine

I write about culture and technology. I also make all sorts of projects happen. People variously describe me as an author, strategist, cultural commentator, web strategist, media maven, advocacy theorist, and futurist. I may be all of those things, but my trajectory is consistent: I'm an instigator, I like to make and do cool things, and I try to make a better world.

It probably looks like I'm all over the map - sustainability, journalism, politics, health - but there's a consistency in what I'm doing. In every case I'm focused on how these things play out on the web, how they're coevolving in the web environment, and how the web itself is evolving as a platform for global culture.

In addition to consulting and writing, I'm part of Plutopia Productions, a future-focused entertainment and events company.

More information in my longer bio and in the Jon Lebkowsky article at Wikipedia.

"Jon is a well known and respected professional and member of the community. He's been around a long time and has been a consistent participant in many of the important developments on the Net. He is able to execute very professionally while maintaining a very high social and moral view. And almost most importantly, he always has a sense of humor. ;-)"
– Joi Ito

Jon Lebkowsky understands the world and the business of social media from years of direct experience and leadership. He has worked on the bleeding edge of some of the most influential online communities and he understands very well how human interaction and technology work together to make us all smarter. He certainly does not work in a vacuum; he is as informed and involved in the world of politics and civil rights as anyone I know.
–Cliff Figallo

Jon has a vision for what the internet can do to make the world a better place, and connects great people to each other to help move that vision forward. An invitation to one of Jon's events is an invitation to meet a whole world of creative, thoughtful and occasionally cantankerous folks who make you feel like a better person with a stronger vision when you leave.
–Kathy Mitchell

"Jon is one of the first that we call upon when we need insights into the Internet and beyond. He is one of the few that I have met who is able to blend both vision and practicality in the same sentence."
– Wayne Pethrick, The Futures Lab.

"Jon one of the most sincere people I have ever met on the WWW...and the most connected to boot. His knowledge of the technology he uses is second only to the passion he has for the work he does. The best thing about Jon is that he is always up for a challenge even when he doesn't have the time...thanks, Jon."
– Dean McCall, President and CEO, Salsa.Net

"Jon is the type of person who has the professional integrity to tell you what you really need to hear, not necessarily what he thinks you want to hear. Companies who wish to tackle complex issues with an honest assessment and a thoughtful plan of action will value his expertise. I recommend Jon without reservation"
– David Deans

"I've collaborated with directly and indirectly on a variety of initiatives over the last few years to technically empower the grassroots and build real democracy. I've found Jon to be an highly motivated knowledgable, and effective organizer and coordinator in every case, and can attest to the quality of technical "product" his group delivered in the form of online tools and applications."
– Kit Robinson

Jon was an engaged student of mine at The University of Texas and, later, a correspondent and colleague in various Internet communities and Web projects. His grasp of Web technologies and their practical uses as well as prospective new impacts is very advanced. He can (and does) engage in theorizing at the highest level, but he also exhibits the refreshing ability to actually produce results in the world of the Internet.
– Rod Bell

Working with Jon has always been great for me, and I always am looking for opportunities to integrate him into my team. He's smart, reliable, and makes a great asset to anyone's project regardless of size. I highly recommend Jon for any type of project.
–Kim Paternoster

Jon's firm has excellent technical resources, but his planning, detail orientation, personal wisdom and style make projects with him very comfortable - avoiding fears, tension, or problems.
–Don Jarrell