Those lost jobs are actually good for the economy as they free up labor to be used elsewhere.

Yes this may temporarily suck for those who lose their job and must learn new skills, but the benefit to every one else on the planet who is a consumer far outweighs this loss.

I will throw one thing into the mush that makes this topic so paradoxical from where I sit. As someone once said, it is (relatively) easy to manage for the short term OR the long term. It is very hard to do both simultaneously, and I see this as a societal question moving forward, sort of Capitalism 2.0.

Perhaps the topic of the internet, especially when multiple industries are made efficient, commoditized, forced to figure out what transformation REALLY means to their world is a case of 10 years after the fact, the answer will be obvious, that the pain was unavoidable and we are all better for having taken the medicine, but knee deep in it, it is just one big paradox.

On the one hand, the individual consumer is unquestionably better off for having greater choice, customization, the ability to connect with like minds and the knowledge to make educated decisions at their finger tips, but some element of human touch is lost in the process, and real communities are adversely impacted when their industry is being downsized (you’ve heard the quip that when your NEIGHBOR loses their job it’s a recession, when YOU lose your job, it’s a depression).

Not sure if this one is a question of safety nets, re-training or SOL cuz it’s a dog eat dog world, but it’s a paradox.

Cheers,

Mark

Secondly the internet is destroying old models. Who knows what the high st will look like in 15 years time? But new technology has always replaced old jobs with less new jobs, ask the Tolpuddle Martyrs. That why growth is important to create more jobs that the technology displaces.

Who wants to be a car salesman today? The internet has made it so simple to not only access information but also buy that car from 1000 miles away! I do believe people will pay a premium for value. The questions are, is that value real or perceived and what is the threshold of premium its worth.

It’s a new century and a new millinium – let’s go for it. The internet is bringing us a real opportunity to recognize that all are one – and it’s actually working. Watch.

I believe the new world is more about higher consciousness and communication. The Internet is a vehicle for worldwide communication, information, empowerment and opportunity to Anyone with access to a computer.

The Business Insider recently ran a well-argued, provocative piece entitled “Economy Will Be Back In Recession By Early Next Year” …

We HAVE NOT recovered from the Recession – lol – this is INSANITY! It will be back by early next year – OMG – I am laughing hysterically as I reply!

If you care to read, here are my thoughts on the matter:

http://satansez.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/to-text-or-not-to-text-communication-overload-part-1/

Thank you for your pros and cons – it was quite informative!

I believe the internet, like everything else has both advantages and disadvantages. I have been working for three years as an English language instructor and I found that senior members of faculty are reluctant to handle a computer, let alone surf the net.

http://www.theprettyproject.com

May All Beings Be Happy.