Transparency from the ASA and US Government

Intuition suggests that transparency shouldn’t cost that much money, but has the potential to be a powerful force for improving institutional incentives.

Recently, the sociology blogosphere has been discussing the ASA’s proposed dues increase (See here, here, here, and here). Many are skeptical that the dues increase is in the best interest of the members. But even those who might support the increase can get behind the call for more transparency from the ASA.

In a related story, The Sunlight Foundation reports:

Some of the most important technology programs that keep Washington accountable are in danger of being eliminated. Data.gov, USASpending.gov, the IT Dashboard and other federal data transparency and government accountability programs are facing a massive budget cut, despite only being a tiny fraction of the national budget. Help save the data and make sure that Congress doesn’t leave the American people in the dark.