JP always writes interesting stuff, and this quote from Simon Winchesters, Calcutta continues that trend.  Addas were the 19th century blogs in India.  During a particularly disruptive, and growth period, the changes were discussed in those Addas.  Not dissimilar to what we are seeing today. 

The growth of social networking tools, is a natural response to a human need for discussion between individuals of similar disposition. 

Musing about being a Calcuttan | confused of calcutta

Bengalis have long been addicted to the adda, a group gossip and discussion session that can last for hours, and the printing press and periodicals allowed more Bengalis to participate in virtual addas

While there were other examples in other cultures, the nature of Addas also supports the growth of Orkut in India.

Then in the comments, Peter conjectures the link between ongoing discussions, raising the social intelligence – that would not be a bad thing, but not sure I would go that far yet.

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