Of course he is right about the "information economy." I think the money quote is this: But even in 1996 it should have been obvious that this was silly. First, for all the talk of an information economy, ultimately an economy must serve consumers -- and consumers don't want information, they want tangible goods. Real stuff matters. The ability to manufacture the windmills that power your computer is more important than what goes on on the computer screen.
But even in 1996 it should have been obvious that this was silly. First, for all the talk of an information economy, ultimately an economy must serve consumers -- and consumers don't want information, they want tangible goods.
No. People (who the the fuck is a consumer, exactly?) want status and the markers of status. If those could be acquired electronically then they won't give a damn about tangible goods beyond what they need for their physical needs. In fact, they'll neglect their physical needs to acquire status on-line.
