Social revolution. What’s, how’s and why’s.

The way people behave themselves in Internet clearly illustrates that they are willing to collaborate, even driven by non-financial motivations only. What impact on the economy could it have, if any?

People are natively good at working in groups. The lowering of transaction costs as the main amplifier of group communications not only helps people act together but also makes them realize the power they have. Would it lead to unlimited and unreasonable attempts to “change the World” by smaller groups of people?

Nowadays, a single person with a laptop or a cell phone can spark huge movement (like the one for Airlines Passengers’ Bill of Rights) that can go far beyond the most optimistic expectations. Who would take the responsibility if something goes wrong?

Discussion questions

What are the main differences between mob and crowd mentalities?

Is there any breaking point where mob can lose the control over itself and become a crowd?

Is the mob just a bunch of people with a purpose but no common sense or forethought?

The Long Tail. Questions, questions, questions…

1. How do small businesses make money on the long tail?

2. We know that the long tail works good as an additional source of a profit for larger online retailers (25-40% of sales). Would it be able to generate enough income to sustain the profitable small niche business?

3. How do you select the right niche for your business?