12 Comments
User's avatar
Free Radio Rulo's avatar

I could not agree more with your hot and not list! Great work here!

Expand full comment
Diana van Eyk's avatar

Thanks! I wanted to take advantage of a long time interior design trend to make some related points. It was fun!

Expand full comment
Lenny Cavallaro's avatar

Of course, I agree with you completely. I was glad you included the failure of the so-called "democratic" system of government (as opposed to the neoliberal system): << Bringing in systems of proportional representation, citizens’ assemblies, and participatory democracy would revitalize our democracies. >> Sadly, people in the USA are convinced that they have a perfect (or nearly perfect) system of government, when it is hard representative or democratic.

Expand full comment
Diana van Eyk's avatar

Amazing! Canada's is similar, and not very democratic, but I don't think anyone thinks it is perfect or near perfect.

Or maybe that's just the bubble I float in. A few years ago I was involved in a provincial action trying to get a proportional representation system.

Expand full comment
Peter Robinson's avatar

Good work.

Expand full comment
Diana van Eyk's avatar

Thanks, Peter.

It took me a long time to write this post -- I kept thinking of things I wanted to add and I'm sure I've left out a few important points.

Expand full comment
Peter Robinson's avatar

It's readable and provocative. I like the hot/not framework.

Expand full comment
Peter Robinson's avatar

Just ran across this as I do my research. This long-term academic has positive things to say about Airbnb.

https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/2019/12/learning-from-susan-fainstein-planners-have-a-responsibility-to-fight-for-social-equity/

Expand full comment
Diana van Eyk's avatar

Interesting. The way I see Airbnb is that housing should trump cheap tourist accommodations. I've stayed in a couple of Airbnbs too, and they felt like a soulless money grab. I don't travel much, but the bed and breakfasts of yesteryear were often a room in someone's house and they treated you like a guest. Airbnbs just rub me the wrong way, and I get that this is not well researched. This article is old, but I have a similar impression of the effects on Airbnb on rentals. https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/ca/news/breaking-news/airbnb-damaging-rental-supply-in-toronto-critics-say-44796.aspx

Expand full comment
Free Radio Rulo's avatar

I could not agree more with your hot and not list! Great work here!

Expand full comment
Peter Schmitt's avatar

I agree with Peter Rodes Robinson, Diana. Very well done, not only well written and provocative, but not preachy. I like the hot/not framework as well. 'Just the facts, Jack' and then let the reader decide. The Prime Directive is also a great example. Political, economic, and cultural equality for all who wish it is not too much to ask. 'Each of us is 1 of 8,000,000,000 >> and we are ALL the same.'

Expand full comment
Quincy's avatar

Love this! I genuinely wish to strive for these in 2024

Expand full comment