Centralized and Decentralized Internet

O’Reilly Radar > Real Sharing vs. Fake Sharing

Google has been a key enabler of the decentralized nature of the net — they make other sites more visible, distributing attention, rather than concentrating it. But some of the newer sites, and the newer applications from Google and the other big guys, are increasingly aimed at centralizing user activity and user data.

I’ve been concerned about this switchboard vs. repository issue.

These are unresolved issues, and I do worry that the YouTube acquisition moves Google’s model from switchboard to repository, and I’m not sure that’s good for the company’s DNA.

What folks like Larry remind us, though, is that even people of good will need to be reminded from time to time about the choices they face. Web 2.0 is still a work in progress. We can get it right, or we can screw it up.

Let’s not forget the hyperlink.

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