Why Decentralization Matters

A response to centralisation is for governments to impose regulations on large internet companies, assuming the internet is like the phone, radio, and TV networks.

But, hardware-based networks of the past are fundamentally different. They are almost impossible to rearchitect. Software-based networks can be rearchitected.

The internet is a software-based network with a simple core layer connecting billions of computers that can run whatever software they want.

In time, core internet services will be enabled by crypto-economic networks with abilities that will exceed those of centralised services.

Centralised platforms have several problems:

They follow a predictable life cycle and try to recruit users to make their services more valuable.

Platforms are systems. When platforms move up the adoption S-curve, they grow their power over users and 3rd parties. But when they are at the top of the S-curve, they can really only grow by extracting data from users and competing with complements over audiences and profits.

Over time, the best entrepreneurs, developers and investors will tire of building on top of centralised platforms.

Cryptonetworks are built on top of the internet that

1. use consensus mechanisms such as blockchains.
2. use Cryptocurrencies to incentivise consensus participants.

Cryptonetworks use multiple mechanisms to ensure that they stay neutral as they grow.

1. the contract between cryptonetworks and their participants is enforced in open source code.
2. they are kept in check through mechanisms for "voice" and "exit".

Cryptonetworks ensure network participants band together toward a common goal - the growth of the network and regard for the token.

Decentralized networks can win the third era of the internet just like they won the first era: because they won the hearts and minds of entrepreneurs and developers.

A centralised competitor might have a better product to start with, but an active community of volunteer contributors, governed by an ehtos, will improve at a much faster rate.