Ever since my recent post on Seth Goldstein's "Media Futures" essay series, I've been looking at the world through his "Automata – Algorithm – API – Alchemy – Arbitrage" framework. I find myself applying the same set of questions to every online community and activity:
- Automata: Are individuals spontaneously generating content? Is the number of individuals and the amount of content increasing? Are either likely to reach critical mass?
- Algorithm: Is there a means by which these individuals and their content can be aggregated, classified and rated? Is there a means by which that output can be fed back into the development of new content?
- API: Is there an interface through which individuals generating content can identify and communicate with each other? Is there an interface through which they can communicate with any secondary content-generators?
- Alchemy: How can value be added? Is it sufficient to simply aggregate and re-package any primary content, or must other steps be taken?
- Arbitrage: Can the primary content be developed or accessed inexpensively, and is there a market lacking access that's willing to pay a premium in order to gain access?
It's a thought-provoking way of looking at the world, and more than a little addictive. More to come soon.