14 DAY TRIAL // The Internet is thought to now officially be on the 'short list' for the coveted Nobel Peace Prize this year. There have been talks about the organization seriously considering the nomination and the BBC now claims that the Internet has made it in the official short list picked out of 237 people or organizations nominated, a record number for the prize. The Nobel Committee doesn't release the names of nominated parties or the ones selected for the short list, though the respective parties may disclose the fact that they've been nominated.
The Internet's nomination was spearheaded and championed by Wired Italy, which has been promoting its proposal for its role in igniting “dialogue, debate and consensus.” It also enjoys the support of long-time Wired columnist Nicholas Negroponte, who has been known for its more eccentric ventures in technology.
One of his latest projects is OLPC (one laptop per child), an organization aiming to create a laptop for impoverished regions with an aimed price tag of $100. The project hasn't had numerous set-backs and many are questioning its validity, but, at the moment, it is still moving forward.
The nomination was proposed officially by 2003 Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi, making it a valid entry. Nominations must come from an approved party like former prize winners, members of the government, several university professors, and others. The Nobel Peace Prize short list was chosen on March 9, when the Nobel Committee gathered for the fist time this year. The winner of the prize will be announced in October with the ceremony coming later in the year.
"The announcement of this year's laureate will be made on the 8 October," the Director of the Nobel Institute, Geir Lundestad, said. "The prize amount is very likely be the same as in recent years." Last year's prize, which went to the then recently elected US President Barack Obama, was of about $1.4 million. [via the BBC]