Re: Squaring the HTTP-range-14 circle [was Re: Schema.org in RDF ...]

On 16 Jun 2011, at 07:05, Alan Ruttenberg wrote:
>> >> I think that we are beyond the point where that kind of extremely idealised account is useful for evaluating web technologies.
>> >
>> > We will agree to disagree then. Perhaps in another thread you will say
>> > what *will* be useful for evaluating web technologies.
>> 
>> Adoption trends, ergonomics, fit with the existing technology ecosystem, existence of migration paths, marketability, potential of network effects.
>> 
> 
> Does what the technology *accomplishes* fit in there somewhere?

Web technologies are never about accomplishing anything new; they are about taking something that already works on a small and local scale, and making it work across the internet with its loosely coordinated actors.

> Looking at the above, one might conclude that a successful Ponzi scheme of some sort would score well.  

:-)

If you want to look at it that way, standards, like anything that exhibits network effects, are a bit like a ponzi scheme: once you're inside, you benefit from getting others in your vicinity on board. The difference is that “late adopters” in a ponzi scheme are the suckers who lose their investment; while late adopters of a standard get the largest benefit at the smallest cost.

Best,
Richard

Received on Thursday, 16 June 2011 09:39:16 UTC