The evolution of the internet through blockchain technology centers on the tension between speculative "casino" behavior and the "computer" vision of decentralized services. Chris Dixon, author of *Read Write Own*, argues that blockchains provide a path to reclaim open internet ideals by shifting power from centralized corporate networks to users and creators. Blockchain-based economic covenants offer a solution to the "take rate" problem, where platforms currently extract excessive value from content creators. The intersection of AI and crypto presents a critical juncture; while AI risks further concentrating power, decentralized protocols could provide mechanisms for creators to be compensated for their contributions to AI training data. Recent infrastructure improvements, such as Layer 2 solutions, are finally enabling the development of consumer-facing applications that move beyond purely financial use cases, signaling a potential tipping point for the next era of digital services.
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