The Ownership Economy: Crypto & The Next Frontier of Consumer Software - A Guide to Curation in Community

The Ownership Economy: Crypto & The Next Frontier of Consumer Software - A Guide to Curation in Community

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation, the concept of ownership has taken center stage. The rise of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology has paved the way for a new economic model that empowers individuals to not only participate in the creation and operation of software platforms but to also own them. This shift in power has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with digital products and services.

Traditionally, the economic interests of internet platforms have been concentrated in the hands of a select few, often leaving their users feeling disconnected and undervalued. However, the idea of user ownership changes the game entirely. When users have a stake in the success of a platform, they are more motivated to contribute in meaningful ways, whether it be through providing ideas, code, computing resources, or building a vibrant community.

This cooperative economic model fosters better alignment between the platform and its users, resulting in larger, more resilient, and more innovative platforms. The success of Bitcoin and Ethereum, the first user-owned and operated networks at scale, illustrates the power of this approach. Instead of the value being siphoned off by founders and investors, users are able to earn the majority of the value generated from their contributions.

However, the challenge lies in adoption. For any new technology or startup, gaining widespread adoption is crucial, especially when network effects are necessary for success. To overcome this hurdle, founders must build products that make these new models more accessible to a wider audience. By creating user-friendly platforms and protocols, they can bootstrap adoption and participation through better economic alignment with users.

This brings us to the concept of curation in community. Curating content forces community builders to engage with and process the information shared by their members. It is not just about creating a resource for members to access, but an exercise that creates immense value for both the builder and the members themselves.

For members, curated content provides a trusted and vetted source of information, saving them time and effort in searching for valuable resources. But for the community builder, the act of curation is where the true value lies. By curating content, they gain a deeper understanding of the community they serve. They learn about new ideas, trends, and insights that they can then pass on to their members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Community curation is a process that begins with the builder themselves. Before saving anything, they must determine whether it is worth saving. This act of evaluation is crucial, as it ensures that only valuable and relevant content is shared with the community. As the saying goes, "If everything is special, then nothing is special." The power of curation lies not in the sheer volume of resources saved, but in the ability to connect the dots and provide insights that are unique and valuable.

Furthermore, community curation extends beyond just the immediate members of the community. It has the potential to benefit every employee in a company. By creating a repository of curated resources, businesses can empower their employees with a wealth of knowledge and insights that can drive innovation and growth.

In conclusion, the ownership economy and the practice of curation in community are two interconnected concepts that have the power to reshape the way we interact with software platforms and information. By embracing user ownership, founders can create platforms that are more aligned with their users, leading to greater innovation and resilience. And by engaging in community curation, builders can not only provide value to their members but also gain a deeper understanding of the community they serve.

Three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace user ownership: If you are building a software platform, consider ways to incorporate user ownership into your model. By giving users a stake in the success of your platform, you can foster better alignment and drive greater participation.
2. Curate with purpose: When curating content for your community, focus on quality over quantity. Take the time to evaluate each resource and determine its value before sharing it. This will ensure that you provide your members with curated insights that are truly valuable.
3. Share knowledge across your organization: Extend the practice of community curation beyond your immediate community. Create a repository of curated resources that can benefit every employee in your company. By empowering your employees with knowledge, you can drive innovation and growth across the organization.

By combining the principles of the ownership economy with the power of curation in community, we can create a future where individuals have a greater say in the products and services they use, and where knowledge and insights are shared and valued. It is an exciting frontier that holds immense potential for innovation and growth.