In this podcast, Kevin Roose and Casey Newton discuss the challenges faced by newsrooms and publishers due to tech platforms and AI. Chris Dixon, an influential investor in crypto, reflects on the broken promises of the industry while still emphasizing the future of blockchains. The hosts also delve into investing in crypto, the potential of NFTs, and question HP's printer practices.
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Quick takeaways
Blockchain networks have the potential to revolutionize the internet and empower individuals, countering the consolidation and control of large tech intermediaries.
The book emphasizes the importance of continuous iteration and learning from past mistakes in order to create truly beneficial applications and decentralized systems.
Financial incentives play a crucial role in addressing the chicken-and-egg problem in marketplace development for ambitious infrastructure projects like building a grassroots wireless network.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Crypto
In the past decade, crypto has gone through various ups and downs, from initial exuberance to major scandals and collapses. However, the technology behind blockchain networks holds the potential to revolutionize the internet and empower individuals. The original promise of the internet was to give control to creators and entrepreneurs, but large tech intermediaries emerged and took center stage. This consolidation is detrimental to the rest of the internet participants and limits the democratization of the online space.
The Concept of Read, Write, Own
The book argues for the importance of blockchain networks, referred to as synthesis between web one and web two. These networks combine the societal benefits of web one protocols like email with the competitive advantages of web two networks such as social platforms. The goal is to create a more decentralized internet where control and ownership remain with creators, entrepreneurs, and the wider community rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few large companies.
Addressing Criticisms and Challenges
The book acknowledges the challenges and failures encountered in the crypto industry. It recognizes that certain projects have not lived up to their potential, leading to skepticism and negative experiences. However, these setbacks do not negate the overall vision of blockchain networks. The book emphasizes the need for continuous iteration and learning from past mistakes to create truly beneficial applications and decentralized systems.
Examining the Example of Helium
The case of Helium is discussed as an example of a company tackling the challenging task of building a grassroots, decentralized wireless network. While Helium faced obstacles and criticism, it made progress in solving the supply-side problem. The challenge now lies in building up the demand-side of the network. The book acknowledges that ambitious infrastructure projects take time and emphasizes the significance of financial incentives in addressing the chicken-and-egg problem in marketplace development.
Google employees criticize management amid layoffs
Google employees have voiced their dissatisfaction with the management at the company, particularly in light of recent layoffs. The criticisms include a lack of vision and a feeling of uncertainty about job security.
YouTube, Spotify, and others opt out of Apple Vision Pro apps
Major companies like YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix have decided not to develop apps for the new Apple Vision Pro headset. This move comes as a surprise given the past trend of developers rushing to create apps for new Apple devices. It potentially reflects criticism of Apple's app store policies and revenue sharing practices.
Layoffs are hitting newsrooms and publishers again, as tech platforms, ad markets and artificial intelligence reshape the internet. Kevin Roose and Casey Newton have ideas for solutions. Then, one of the most influential investors in crypto companies lays out where the industry went wrong, and why he still thinks blockchains are the future. And finally, a round of HatGPT with the week’s tech headlines, including a spicy LinkedIn post and an A.I. test that disturbs Kevin and Casey’s sense of reality.