ITC: How the Web Ate the Economy and Why This Is Good for Everyone

Lots of people talk and watch TEDtalks but they forget the original pioneer of bringing conference presentations/talks to the people. IT Conversations which is now part of the conversations network.

I just heard a fantastic talk from Douglas Rushkoff from the Web 2.0 conference. Here's the details.

A few “bugs” in society from hundreds of years ago have had profound consequences for society today, according to author Douglas Rushkoff. In this presentation from the Web 2.0 Expo he points out two false assumptions about the world, their medieval origins, and how the internet has provided a brief window where we can fix them.

One myth is that corporations promote free market capitalism, but they were originally monopolies granted by royalty to prolong and fund monarchy. The other myth is that currency is money, but national currency has prevented thriving trade among peers that existed in ancient times. The new opportunity the internet provides is to make a living by building and keeping businesses that create value for other people, rather than large corporations.

You can listen online or download the whole thing here. I also noticed there's a video for the talk on Blip.tv. Rushkoff is always a profound speaker who I've always had time for. Yes he waves his hands around a lot and is kind of vague on somethings but he certainly gets you thinking.

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Author: Ianforrester

Senior firestarter at BBC R&D, emergent technology expert and serial social geek event organiser. Can be found at cubicgarden@mas.to, cubicgarden@twit.social and cubicgarden@blacktwitter.io