Time Share
We (humans) need to embrace the concept of operating systems (OS), no longer trying to own and control all the information possible in a race to learn, spell, write, subtract, multiply and recite better than the next man. Learning to open up and start sharing, sourcing and referencing others, allowing people to pick our brains before we perhaps have even finished putting our thoughts together on paper, opening up our personal API.
We should be looking to the likes of the Encyclopedia Britannica which recently ceased printing, as it literally no longer served a purpose. Out of date by the time it went to print, built upon a foundation (like most) of ownership and control.
The API has been a turning point for the success of so many dotcom’s. The concept of allowing others to build upon your foundations has been embraced by many, the majority of digital immigrants and natives will be utilising an app that is running on the API of another, however most will still struggle to apply it to themselves, their business and business models especially as they become more successful. As success and notoriety tends to instigate control and closure.
The sustainable entrepreneur and business model for the future has to be one that is fluid, built upon ‘part ownership.’ A model that is a facilitator, a social lubricant, not a cog but an ‘operating system in itself.’ A company or individual confident enough to create, co-create, source and open source. Not seeking control, but working as a curator. Offering an API at all levels both personal and professional.
words by Damian / illustration by John P. Dessereau
