At 01:28 PM 7/17/01 -0700 Nick Arnett wrote:
>So, here's the question (glad you asked for it, as it's something I'm
>starting to seriously explore, now that I've finished writing my
>introductory chapters). What kind of rules would make network effects,
>positive feedback, feedforward, or whatever you might call the benefits of
>collaboration, work for society?
In transportation economics, there is the theory of the "common carrier."
Under this theory, transporters are obligated to offer their services on
the free market. This is especially useful where high capital costs
effectively create transportation monopolies, such as in the case of
pipelines.
I personally think that Windows and cable networks should be designated
"common carriers." Microsoft should be obligated to make its Operating
System as compatable with as wide variety of products as possible, since
the OS is basically the transportation system for software.
JDG
__________________________________________________________
John D. Giorgis - [EMAIL PROTECTED] - ICQ #3527685
We are products of the same history, reaching from Jerusalem and
Athens to Warsaw and Washington. We share more than an alliance.
We share a civilization. - George W. Bush, Warsaw, 06/15/01
