The aggregators are winning because they already do the algorithmic "comes to you" of content in their feeds.

· Bits and Bobs 4/15/24

That is, it's not like the web model of "surf anywhere you want" but rather "stay put and we'll bring stuff to you."

A few problems with this:

This centralizes a god-like power in the aggregator.

The emergent optimization function is engagement, not value.

It becomes an insatiable gravity well, sucking in absolutely everything around it.

The content isn't turing-complete.

That last one is key!

As Gordon Brander has put it, aggregators aren't open-ended.

This is not just a security model limitation.

It's also against the aggregator's interest.

Turing-completeness makes an open-ended system; one that can generate its own requisite variety.

If the ecosystem generates more requisite variety than the aggregator, the ecosystem escapes the aggregator.

An open-ended ecosystem would disrupt the aggregator.

It should be possible to make a system that:

Has the "experiences come to you"

Is turing complete

And isn't controlled by any one entity.

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