Yochai Benkler: The new open-source economics

The video explores the evolution of information production from the Industrial Revolution to the present, highlighting the shift from centralized, capital-intensive models to decentralized, socially-driven production. It discusses the impact of distributed computing, open source software, and collaborative projects like Wikipedia. The emergence of new economic models, driven by social sharing and decentralized systems, presents both challenges and opportunities for traditional industries.

What was the initial cost to start a mass circulation newspaper in 1835, and how did it change by 1850?

• $2,000 to $3 million

• $500 to $2.5 million

• $1,000 to $1 million

• $10,000 to $5 million

What is the significance of the SETI@Home project in the context of distributed computing?

• It was a government-funded project

• It replaced traditional supercomputers

• It demonstrated the power of shared computing resources

• It was the first supercomputer

Which open-source software project captured a significant market share from Microsoft?

• Mozilla Firefox

• Linux

• Apache Web Server

• OpenOffice

How did NASA utilize public participation in its Mars mapping project?

• By hiring volunteers

• By using a simple web interface for public contributions

• By outsourcing to private companies

• By using only trained PhDs

What distinguishes Wikipedia from traditional encyclopedias like Britannica?

• It is a paid service

• It has fewer articles

• It includes user-generated content and controversies

• It is written by experts only

What is the Open Directory Project known for?

• Being a paid directory service

• Having a small team of editors

• Being a volunteer-driven web directory

• Focusing on commercial websites

What is a key feature of the new transactional framework discussed in the final section?

• Centralized control

• Decentralized authority

• High entry barriers

• Exclusive ownership

How does the new model of production challenge traditional industrial systems?

• By increasing costs

• By reducing innovation

• By decentralizing production and sharing

• By limiting access to information

What is a potential threat to the new model of social production?

• Lack of interest

• Industrial systems' resistance

• Limited technological advancement

• High operational costs

What is the critical long-term shift caused by the internet according to the final section?

• Decreased economic activity

• Enhanced social relations and exchange

• Increased industrialization

• Reduced global connectivity