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Cause & Effect

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20 pointsmaudlinmau510 comments

Not saying a "virtuous circle" can't exist, they certainly do. However, it's good to keep in mind that a virtuous circle is by definition a feedback loop, and there are other kinds of feedback loops which aren't nearly so desirable.

In fact, taking a very dim view, one might say that "virtuous circle" in this context, and "tech bubble" are synonymous in denotation.

I've always called the negative feedback loops "vicious cycles"

One thing that I wonder about, is that there seem to be many posts on HN by VCs and angels about the "virtuous circle" in Silicon Valley, but far fewer by developers.

As I am a developer thinking of moving to the bay area, I can't help but wonder about this. I don't necessarily think this is a conspiracy, however. I can come up with mechanisms which would explain this.

It could be that devs are busy with projects, and that they are far likelier to post about projects or the technology they are most actively involved with than something as abstract as the virtuous circle. It could also be that devs who are most in touch with the virtuous circle get transformed into angels and VCs. Both of these make sense and speak positively of the community.

Where startups are located is much more important to a VC than it is to a developer. VCs want to be within a reasonable distance to all their portfolio and potential portfolio companies. Developers only need to be close to one company. At least that's my theory.

Cause and effect

Mind makes world;

World makes mind.

I am the master of the world

The world is my teacher.

When I and the world meet each other,

It lets me know the past and the future.

---

Poem from Traveler http://snasc.com/traveler/chapter04.htm

Anyone have some good modern scifi recommendations? I've read some Stephenson and Gibson. Looking for more though.

If there is another Stephenson book you have been thinking about reading, I would recommend diving in. I haven't read all of them, but I've read many, and have yet to be disappointed. Also check out Daniel Suarez if not familiar with him already. HTH.

John Scalzi is a good combination of action with some neat high-concept ideas thrown in to the bargain. Vernor Vinge can achieve this as well. I also rather like the Culture books by Iam M. Banks. (I recommend starting with Player of Games.)

Typo: should be "Iain M Banks"

I also enjoy his culture novels. His non-culture "Against a Dark Background" is also excellent.

Star Trek alone can show you a bunch of things:

• Portable all-purpose touch-based computers = iPad

• High quality video calling = Skype

• Personal long range voice communicators = Cell phones

• Voice controlled smart computers = Siri?

• Universal text translation = WordLens?

• Universal voice translation = ?

• Long range stun guns = ?

• Impenetrable protective barriers = ?

• Long range high speed personnel transporters = ?

• High speed air & space shuttles = ?

• Portable general medical diagnostic tool = ?

The list goes on and on. Some of them are within our grasp.

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