The grid

We talk about networks but we are rarely clear about what we mean. A specific sort of network is the grid, and even that idea is complicated by two competing meanings. There’s the benign and powerful grid of peer-to-peer connection. Culture is built on this grid. This is friends, neighbors, co-workers and people who find

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Status vs. goodness

It’s easy to come to the conclusion that people with means and high cultural status choose things that are better. Organic vegetables instead of junk food. But there’s a long history of traditionally high-status cultural roles embracing demonstrably un-good choices. Things like bound feet, fox hunting, absinthe or cruise ships. It’s hard to acknowledge that

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The questions before the questions

“I’m applying to work at Disney, do you know anyone who can give me a reference…” “My two partners and I are planning a new company, can we ask you for feedback on our business plan before we go out to raise a seed round?” “We’re moving to Centerville, which neighborhood should we consider?” “Which

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