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January 2008 
Look at Me! -- The emerging Attention Economy
P'SAL
[Attention C4!] Been reading the work of one Michael Goldharber all day today, architect of something called "the Attention Economy", which he views as the next wave of economic organization after money market capitalism (and feudalism before that). It's a lot to digest, but if I understand it correctly, what he's saying (this is as good a place to start as any) is this: because of the material abundance of Western society, along with the proliferation of personal broadcast tech (video, blogging, podcast etc), what has begun to consume our time and energy is getting, recieving, and seeking out attention. Anyone who's obsessed over a MySpace or (ahem) Zaadz profile for more than a few minutes knows exactly what I'm talking about: we're quickly reaching a state of existence where material comfort is no longer a big deal, and what we crave more than anything is attention, is love, is millions of fans chanting our name. To succeed at this new game means to have legions of loyalists -- and entourage, if you will -- who will wait on us hand and foot. Money quote (pun intended):
If that is so, a point may be reached where money as currency is simply no longer necessary. It would do no more than duplicate attention flows that occur anyway, as easily extended via the Internet, search engines, etc. We can think of everyone having on average some attention from perhaps a couple of thousand people. Then everyone on earth - all six or seven billion people might be connected by no more than three or four degrees of separation. It will then behoove one to pay attention to the needs of almost anyone encountered, according to the stardom or connection to stars that person has. To put it most succinctly money is narrow band, but attention is wide band. In a world with plenty of bandwidth, the narrow band simply will get far less attention than now. Material goods production will also bring less attention to the producers, but still some, and it is through that that they will remain part of the new economy.
Access: Public
Interesting. I'd guess it's probably partially true, but I think Michael's interp is a little shallow. Attention is part of it, but not the part I'm truly interested in (says the guy with the most friends on Zaadz).
Guess this gives new meaning to the whole 15 minute thing:) I'll still put my eggs in the virtual basket in regards to the next economic boom- I'm thinking about buying an island!:) Are you on SL yet? I just got on recently and I'm pretty impressed-
I'm just leaving a comment so I'll get a little attention. Anybody? ANYBODY!??!
Uhm, yeah, I'm a Leo too, so whatever you say about attention goes double for me.
Jeff-what's SL?
SL= http://secondlife.com/
I'm an astrologer too Ms Leo so if you pm me with your data I'll take a look at your chart:)
Gwen, you like attention? Really??? I'd never have guessed! ;)
I despise attention. Don't give me any, pleeeease. I think I need point no further for an illustration of my hatred of attention than the photograph on this blog from Gwen. Fucking attention whores. You're all lower than my noble, humble self.
Dear Seth,
We all know you got to have the last word, so here I am leaving the last comment. That is all.
Now come get your candy cane, b****! And yeah, you got to work for it.
Jeff: Thanks!
Matthew: Don't play like you don't loooove some attention too. I think I'm going to set up a booth at the next party. Gwen's Attention/Hot-Loving Booth. 1.00$/minute for head rubs, kisses on the cheek and freak dances. Don't act like y'all wouldn't pay.
Now THAT is a good final comment, ne???
Kisses on the cheek? What the hell is that? I really shouldn't be commenting after exorbitant amounts of alcohol, but fuck it. I'm not paying any dollar/min. for kisses on the cheek. For prices like that, I expect full-on mouth-on-mouth tongue and everything, while getting my head rubbed in addition. Freak dances ought be free.
Last word had.
You drive a hard bargain.
But I'm an entrepreneur at heart. And though I may be able to work something out with you in person, I simply can't lower my rates right here in front of everybody. The offer stands as is. (All-inclusive for a dollar a minute, come on, I think that is a steal.)
Oh, and yeah, forgot to mention I'm a Leo. Which means anything you say about needing attention goes double for me. ;) *roar*
this is my post, so *I* shall have the last comment. And you can all line up to kiss my A$$. For free!!!!
;)
Paul, would that you would be here tomorrow night and I would totally take up that offer.
And Gwen, over martinis in the afternoon shall we talk about bargains. Perhaps cigars will be involved. I never take up an offer at full price. And yet, if it's an offer that is enticing, I always take it, so don't be challengin' my bargaining skills, lest you find yourself used and penniless.