a16z Podcast How the Internet Happened
14 snips
Mar 10, 2022 
Brian McCullough, author of "How the Internet Happened," dives into the internet's evolution alongside Chris Dixon. They explore how early internet skepticism turned into the successes of Google and eBay’s foundational role in establishing trust online. The duo discusses the cyclical nature of innovation and the challenges of tech adoption in modern times. They also highlight the connection between personal hobbies and technological breakthroughs, emphasizing the need for creativity to challenge norms and drive future advancements.
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Decentralized Web's Triumph
- Early internet's decentralized architecture allowed hobbyists and universities to compete with large corporations.
- This permissionless nature fostered innovation and a "good enough" technology thrived.
Bill Gates' Web Miscalculation
- Bill Gates's "The Road Ahead" initially overlooked the web, focusing on the information superhighway.
- This demonstrates how even industry giants can misjudge technological trends.
eBay's Underrated Influence
- EBay's success taught people to trust online interactions, demonstrated the effectiveness of self-organizing reputation systems, and pioneered the platform business model.
- These innovations laid the groundwork for modern e-commerce and social media.
