How community based communications changes business and the world we live in.

I'm reading a rather interesting book these days entitled " Wikinomics" by Don Tapscott and Anthony Williams. So far the book is incredibly fascinating. First of all, Ive been a huge fan of sites like Wikipedia, Flickr, and Youtube for years. In particular-Wikipedia. No topic, no matter how mundane is explained in minute detail and in a manner that is easily comprehensible to the average person. For example, do a search on LEDs( Light emitting Diodes) and you will get several pages of information regarding their history, development, and impacts they provide in the form of lower energy consumption. I'd say I qualify as a somewhat knowledgeable person when it comes to mechanics, various historical events, and favorite corporations like GM, and so far I have found the data posted on Wikipedia is generally accurate.

In my opinion, the formation of easily accessible data for anyone with a PC is incredibly beneficial towards providing free education. While it is true that therein lies the potential for inaccuracy, I believe that most people are passionate and this passion shows in the information on Wikipedia.

Moving on, I can use myself as a broad example of how open discussion, contribution, and interaction from a collection of like-minded people with similar interests can create further comprehension and understanding for the good of the group. 7 Months ago when I joined a Lawn Mower Racing forum, I did not even know how to weld, let alone essentially fabricate a racing chassis that these racing mowers become.The details involve understanding the geometry to create a steering system, gearing ratios and beelt sizes, frame structure, and engine performance improvements. I had very little knowledge of how to construct such a machine. But through 4 months of interacting with other members on the forum whom had various levels of expertise, I was able to eventually construct a racing mower purely from reading information and viewing pictures on the forum. Truly amazing and a real-life example of how shared collaboration works to accelerate knowledge.

This book discusses how mass collaboration and the open sharing of information will eventually transcend all traditional corporate business models. By pooling our knowledge together, we can solve many problems and do better business at the same time.