The signal non-technological enabler of harnessing cognitive surplus was the creation of the open-source license (GPL, by Richard Stallman ~25 years prior), which injected 'the right amount of inefficiency' into the IP system—using copyright law to subvert rather than extend copyright's traditional goals by granting more rights to users and fewer to creators, so contributors no longer fear being alienated from their work.
causalpending
Speaker
Clay ShirkyEvidence Quote
“people are no longer afraid that they'll be alienated from the work they contribute”
Created: 6/15/2026, 9:28:59 AM
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