Full Circle Associates

Howard Rheingold's Latest Connection

OK, so I'm a Howard fan. There are many interesting questions and answers in this article, but lets pick one for fun.

Q: Does the pushback by companies threatened by these trends, such as the record and movie companies, threaten innovation?
A: Yes. Never before in history have we been able to see incumbent businesses protect business models based on old technology against creative destruction by new technologies. And they're doing it by manipulating the political process. The telegraph didn't prevent the telephone, the railroad didn't prevent the automobile. But now, because of the immense amounts of money that they're spending on lobbying and the need for immense amounts of money for media, the political process is being manipulated by incumbents.

I'm picking up more and more the meme of "destruction by new technologies" along with "disruptive" and "destructive" technologies. It is interesting how we use language. The implication for me is that we have to tear down before we create. But is that true? Why are we using terms that generally have a negative connotation for something we find generative and positive? Is it part of the war or sports talk that drives the business world? Is it our fear or anger of that which we want to replace?

No answers. I just find it very interesting. As I read this particular answer from Howard, I realize I do have fear of how money is controlling things now -- and it feels like this is happening more than ever. Can I, by working via the net and creating and sustaining connections outside of a more traditional business model (as a small business owner) contribute to this change? Am I doing it now? More personally, I don't feel like I'm fighting the old powers, but inventing new. That gives me more juice. While others feel stronger with the idea of fighting a foe.

Language is very interesting. And I'm repeating myself. It must be Friday. I'm cooked! Blogging can offer one the opportunity to really send out half baked, if well intentioned, messages. So consider this a half baked cookie offering. Chocolate, of course!