> On the other hand, memex is something that will give you an edge
Umm, no. That is the problem really. An "edge" is something defined in societal context. Rightly or wrongly society is largely unaware of memex and its gifts.
Memex, hypertext, wikis, semantic web etc. These are just early visions of plausible ways we can capture, organise and share knowledge at scale, using digital technologies. Alas it is a catalog of paths that the digitally interconnected society did not opt for.
Why this (on the face of it) irrational behavior? The very short answer is that "an edge" is only loosely coupled to superior knowledge management. In the vast majority it is obtained by proximity to existing power structures. The proverbial rolodex rather than the memex.
> The very short answer is that "an edge" is only loosely coupled to superior knowledge management. In the vast majority it is obtained by proximity to existing power structures
I somewhat disagree. A memex is effectively the plain old notebook/wiki, with the potential capability raised to the second or third power.
Does a personal diary, calendar, home budget, or a small library help you get into places of power? For average people, no. But it does make organising life, and figuring out where you are, and charting how to get to where you want to be, much easier than it would be for your peers without such tools.
So yes, it gives you an edge. Whether that edge has anything to do with power is a completely orthogonal concern.
I would readily admit that my analysis of memex's (non-)edge is a bit of a quick extrapolation, weaving together some broader themes as potential explanatory factors.
There is an empirical fact though, that begs for some explanation: These tools are not used as much as one would think is commensurate to their (potential) added value. There is no virtuous cycle that would fund more development, create sharper "edges" etc.
The connection with "power" might appear remote but consider e.g. why powerpoint (no pun) - a manifestly inferior piece of software - became so succesful.
Umm, no. That is the problem really. An "edge" is something defined in societal context. Rightly or wrongly society is largely unaware of memex and its gifts.
Memex, hypertext, wikis, semantic web etc. These are just early visions of plausible ways we can capture, organise and share knowledge at scale, using digital technologies. Alas it is a catalog of paths that the digitally interconnected society did not opt for.
Why this (on the face of it) irrational behavior? The very short answer is that "an edge" is only loosely coupled to superior knowledge management. In the vast majority it is obtained by proximity to existing power structures. The proverbial rolodex rather than the memex.