If you’re connected, you’ve seen the symptoms. Reputations are being built on the good will, personal standing and generosity exhibited by individuals, not because they want something, but because they have something TO GIVE. To share. And as these people come together – for a cause, for a moment or to make a lasting impact – they are at the same time, transforming the notion of collectivity. Gone are the happy-hippy communities of the 60s. These uber-connected communities are imaginatively grappling with the very notion of economics, of consumption – and innovation.
These communities are forming almost moment-by-moment, sustaining themselves on principles not rules. They say much about where we belong. And who we belong WITH.
In the coming months, you’ll be hearing a whole lot about collaborative consumption – the new book by Rachel Botsman and Roo Rogers. In What's Mine Is Yours: The Rise of Collaborative Consumption
Check out the video below for a taste of what’s to come. Maybe you’ve seen it already. Maybe you’re part of it. But without a doubt, you’ll want to read it and find out more.
Collaborative Consumption Groundswell Video from rachel botsman on Vimeo.
Gavin,
I must admit when I first read the term in the tweet stream from TEDx I thought “what a wanky term for Sharing”. However, I added the caveat that tweetstreams are often out of context from the topic.
Now you have helped add to my knowledge on the topic, I agree it’s an interesting idea.
The numbers presented in the video look great, but realistically the big actuals are probably small change compared to the entire market, and the growth figures are probably off tiny bases.
Worth supporting in order to ensure it is sustainable in the long term, but I’ll remain cynical until I see those numbers continue to grow over a period of time – especially after economic recovery.
Gavin
Very much in line with what Gavin said, I too thought the term was a little unnecessary. However, watching Rahchel’s talk at TEDxSydney, my attitude completely changed. Ended up being one of my favourite talks on the day.