"When we design our identities from scratch: Exploring Identity Dispersion and the Pricing Manifesto"

"When we design our identities from scratch: Exploring Identity Dispersion and the Pricing Manifesto"

In today's digital age, the concept of identity has become increasingly complex. We are no longer confined to a single online persona, but rather have the ability to create, separate, and unify multiple online selves. This phenomenon, which I refer to as "identity dispersion," holds the potential for a pseudonymous economy where individuals can control and accrue reputation through non-real names.

In a presentation given by Balaji in 2019, he introduced the idea of a pseudonymous economy as a means to foster a more open and idea-based society. By allowing individuals to speak their minds without fear of personal attacks, we move closer to an idea meritocracy. In this vision, the best ideas rise to the top, free from biases and prejudices.

Moreover, the rise of multiplayer, web-based productivity and creative tools offers a unique opportunity for individuals to engage in valuable knowledge work without the need to expose their physical appearances. As we immerse ourselves in these virtual environments, we can experiment with different pseudonyms and engage with various communities. This is particularly empowering for marginalized individuals who can find like-minded communities and bridge seemingly siloed groups.

The value of pseudonyms in the web3 era lies in their verifiability. As pseudonyms become more trusted and can verify inventory and history, they gain value. They enable individuals to perform work for organizations and communities under their pseudonyms, thus increasing their worth. However, it is important to acknowledge that pseudonymity also enables the darker side of the internet, allowing trolls to thrive. This is a significant criticism of a pseudonymous future that must be addressed.

On a different note, let's explore the "Pricing Manifesto" introduced by Boudewijn. This manifesto challenges the notion of free forever plans and argues for pricing products based on the value they create. While free plans may seem enticing, they often create bad incentives and are not sustainable in the long run. Digital products that rely solely on free plans may resort to selling customer data or eventually shutting down, neither of which is an acceptable outcome.

The rationale behind pricing products for sustainability is rooted in the belief that higher prices create higher expectations, leading to a higher quality product. Many productivity products have failed because they failed to generate revenue despite growing their free user base rapidly. Building a business solely based on the hope of future salvation from venture capitalists or acquisitions creates skewed incentives and often results in sub-par products.

Sunsama, a productivity tool, exemplifies the pricing manifesto by offering a subscription-based model. This approach ensures that customers are committed to the product, and in turn, the company is committed to maintaining and improving it. Long-term committed customers enable the team behind Sunsama to focus on meaningful product enhancements rather than chasing short-term marketing trends. It aligns the company's incentives with the customers' needs and ensures a sustainable business model.

Additionally, Sunsama recognizes the importance of transparency and customer satisfaction. They allow users to cancel their subscription without any hassle, avoiding the need to go through support or numerous screens. By asking for feedback upon cancellation, Sunsama aims to continuously improve its offering and provide a seamless experience for its users.

In conclusion, the concept of identity dispersion and the pricing manifesto shed light on the evolving landscape of the digital realm. Embracing multiple online selves and pseudonymity can foster inclusivity and empower individuals to engage in valuable knowledge work. Simultaneously, pricing products based on the value they create ensures sustainability and a focus on long-term customer satisfaction. As we navigate the digital age, it is crucial to consider these ideas and adapt our approaches accordingly.

Actionable advice:

1. Embrace pseudonymity: Explore the possibilities of multiple online identities and engage with various communities that align with your interests and values.
2. Evaluate pricing models: When selecting digital products or services, consider the value they provide and opt for sustainable pricing models that prioritize long-term commitment and customer satisfaction.
3. Provide feedback: Take advantage of platforms that value customer feedback and transparency. By sharing your experiences and suggestions, you contribute to the continuous improvement of products and services.