The podcast explores the power of blockchains to reshape the Internet and covers intersecting technologies. They discuss the challenges of writing a book and the value of books as a technology. The process of distilling complex ideas into catchy taglines and the importance of networks. They talk about books as a tool for the network and frustrations in the blockchain space. Strategies for optimizing reading habits and the progression of the Internet and its impact on tech work. The significance of receiving positive feedback and closing the gap.
Blockchains have the potential to reshape the Internet and cover various intersecting technologies like AI, social networks, marketplaces, and virtual worlds.
The book 'Read Right Own' offers a comprehensive perspective on how the internet works, including its economics, governance, and power dynamics, distilling key learnings from the author's career.
Books serve as a powerful tool for sharing knowledge, shaping worldviews, and impacting the way people think about various topics, even if only a small percentage of readers read the book in its entirety.
Deep dives
The power of blockchains to reshape the Internet
The podcast episode explores the power of blockchains to reshape the Internet, fostering creativity and entrepreneurship. It emphasizes that blockchains go beyond crypto and cover various intersecting technologies like AI, social networks, marketplaces, and virtual worlds.
The unique worldview presented in the book
The episode discusses how the book 'Read Right Own' presents a unique worldview of the internet, developed over 20 years. It explains that the book distills key learnings from the author's career, providing a comprehensive perspective on how the internet works, including its economics, governance, and power dynamics.
The process of writing the book and its impact
The episode delves into the process of writing the book, highlighting the author's commitment to delivering a concise and impactful condensation of his 20 years of knowledge. It discusses the challenges faced during the writing process, such as time constraints, and the resulting satisfaction of producing a book that captures key ideas and learnings.
The importance and value of books as a medium
The episode explores the significance of books and their ability to convey ideas and concepts in a way that penetrates culture. It highlights that books can serve as a powerful tool for sharing knowledge, shaping worldviews, and impacting the way people think about various topics, even if only a small percentage of readers read the book in its entirety.
The Potential of Blockchains as a Solution to Centralization
Blockchains are seen as a potential antidote to the centralization and control exhibited by a few dominant companies in the online space. The podcast explores the belief that blockchains, with their decentralized nature, have the ability to empower individuals and foster open and democratic systems. While some may view blockchains as primarily a financial tool, the speaker emphasizes that blockchains have applications beyond finance and can be utilized for various purposes. Blockchains are considered a viable means to counter the growing control and consolidation of power by a handful of internet giants.
The Promise of Collaborative Storytelling and Democratizing Creativity
The podcast discusses the concept of collaborative storytelling using blockchain technology, which allows communities to collaboratively develop their own narrative universes. It is highlighted as an intellectually intriguing idea with transformative potential. Collaborative storytelling not only addresses the marketing challenges faced by traditional media enterprises but also provides an opportunity for active fan communities to become co-creators and participate in a new economic model. By harnessing the energy and passion of these communities, this model aims to bypass traditional platforms and intermediaries, democratizing creativity and revolutionizing the relationship between creators and audiences.
Welcome to the web3 with a16z crypto podcast. I'm Robert Hackett, an editor here at a16z crypto, and I'm here with Chris Dixon, founding partner of a16z crypto and author of the new book Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet. I had the privilege of editing Chris throughout the book writing process, and I'm thrilled now to talk to you about what went on behind the scenes, the big themes of the book, the challenges, and also about the crypto industry at large as well as what we can expect from it in the future.
As a reminder, none of the following should be taken as business, legal, tax, or investment advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.
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