On June 23rd, a16z partner Chris Dixon wrote an article to introduce the new book Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet, saying that this book reviews the history of the Internet and shows how it has experienced three major design eras: the first One focuses on democratizing information (reading), a second on democratizing publishing (writing), and a third on democratizing ownership (owning).
According to Dixon, the book answers a common question, "What problems does blockchain solve?" Blockchain solves the same problems that other digital services solve, but better. They can connect people in social networks while empowering users beyond corporate interests. They can support marketplaces and payment systems, facilitating commercial transactions with consistently low fees. They enable profitable forms of media, interoperable and immersive digital worlds, and AI services that compensate creators and communities, rather than cannibalize them.
According to Dixon, the book answers a common question, "What problems does blockchain solve?" Blockchain solves the same problems that other digital services solve, but better. They can connect people in social networks while empowering users beyond corporate interests. They can support marketplaces and payment systems, facilitating commercial transactions with consistently low fees. They enable profitable forms of media, interoperable and immersive digital worlds, and AI services that compensate creators and communities, rather than cannibalize them.