New Rules for a New Economy: Embrace the Swarm
The predominant symbol of our time is the net. Everything is becoming decentralized and connected so understanding the way networks exist is essential. There are two parts: the nodes— the things, and the connections between nodes. Nodes are becoming smaller and connections are becoming stronger. Like Seth Godin says, “Nobody is as smart as everyone.”
Centralized decision making is not as efficient as decentralized decisions making because bottom down allows for more perspectives and the most timely details. Sensors are so small now that we can put them in any object. We can even store data in DNA molecules!!
One thing I find interesting is the tension between wide-open networks and inertia. Not the inertia of no thoughts are consciousness but the inertia that happens when there is no direction. It’s the same problem I think Occupy Wall St. had. With so many opinions and agendas, there was no channel for the group to filter their passion through.
Two quotes that stood out to me:
“Since the measure of a technology’s success is how invisible it becomes, the best long-term strategy is to develop products and services that can be ignored.”
“The benefits of communication often don’t kick in until ubiquity is approached; aim for ubiquity. Every step that promotes cheap, rampant, and universal connection is a step in the right direction.”
The idea of total ubiquity brings to mind the strategies of Google and Amazon. They are giving away hardware at a loss in order to ensure that their experience of the web becomes the predominant expression of the web. After ubiquity is reached, network affects form a moat around you.
The internet of things is beginning and it is our future.
