The impact of the Gutenberg printing press on society in Europe and throughout the world was only felt several decades after its invention in 1440. The printing press empowered intellectuals, gave rise to journalism, took power away from monarchies, and led to a European society of near-universal literacy. The rise of the participatory web is leading to a similar sea change, which is bringing forth a society of near-universal authorship. David Sasaki will point to specific case studies that reveal how the field of media changes when everyone is part of the production process.