Well-marbled competition helps make things that aren't so sames-y.

· Bits and Bobs 9/22/25
  • Well-marbled competition helps make things that aren't so sames-y.
    • You need competition and diversity at every layer of the stack, otherwise you get a push for efficiency, which pulls towards sames-y outcomes.
      • This analysis about Why Is Everything So Ugly talks about the tyranny of the greige.
      • You get a thing that no one hates, but also that no one loves.
      • The least offensive thing for the largest number.
    • Apparently Tokyo takes a very different view on zoning.
      • There's not traditional zoning.
      • Anyone can open any business they want wherever they want as long as it fits the allowed "nuisance level" of that area.
      • But that allows things like quiet shops even in any residential area.
      • So retirees can open a shop that operates exactly the way they want it to, and you get a diversity of interesting, situated, authentic options.