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Thinking about SV as just adtech is pretty reductionist. Through another lens, SV basically solved big data and global software distribution and scalability.

Thinking about SV as just adtech is pretty reductionist. Through another lens, SV basically solved big data and global software distribution and scalability. Big tech has contributed to both the tools that allow handling massive data streams and ML. That foundation is what is helping data-driven manufacturing companies pull ahead.

fermienrico 6y ago
Agree, it is deliberately reductionist to provoke discussion about what we're not doing in SV. What do you think we should be doing in SV in addition these technologies?
ragebol 6y ago
And what purpose is that big data stuff typically used for? Something related to serving ads.
- aeternum 6y ago
  For Tesla, collecting self-driving training data as well as general fleet data. For Square, collecting transaction data to mitigate risk so that merchants worldwide can take payments. For Uber/Lyft predicting areas where there will be people needing rides to optimize transportation needs. Plenty of real-world applications other than ads.
  - deeeeplearning 6y ago
    >to optimize transportation needs. You mean to optimize Uber and Lyft revenue
  - mynameisash 6y ago
    I used to work with a guy that liked to talk about how much porn has helped technology - primarily that the desire for privacy (in viewing and purchasing) helped drive SSL adoption. I'm sure he was being facetious, but the idea that an industry like porn or ads might drive technology that then can benefit other 'worthy' industries seems obvious to me.
    - m463 6y ago
      I'm reminded of a story I read about a dictator that took over a country, who while corrupt, actually funneled more money into infrastructure than anyone before him and became very popular with the people. sort of deal with the devil though.
      - zepto 6y ago
        Xi?
        m463 6y ago
        I though it was south america, but there's no reason this isn't a repeating pattern over time.
- boringg 6y ago
  Optimizing our energy systems is another one.
  - ragebol 6y ago
    Ha, and what is that energy being used for, huh? Power ad-servers :-p
Ar-Curunir 6y ago
> big data and global software distribution and scalability. Big tech has contributed to both the tools that allow handling massive data streams and ML Yes, because mass surveillance is good.
deeeeplearning 6y ago
>Thinking about SV as just adtech is pretty reductionist. Is it though? On a revenue basis I wonder what percentage is made up by adtech? >SV basically solved big data and global software distribution and scalability In order to serve more ads...

fermienrico 6y ago

Agree, it is deliberately reductionist to provoke discussion about what we're not doing in SV. What do you think we should be doing in SV in addition these technologies?

ragebol 6y ago

And what purpose is that big data stuff typically used for? Something related to serving ads.

aeternum 6y ago
For Tesla, collecting self-driving training data as well as general fleet data. For Square, collecting transaction data to mitigate risk so that merchants worldwide can take payments. For Uber/Lyft predicting areas where there will be people needing rides to optimize transportation needs. Plenty of real-world applications other than ads.
- deeeeplearning 6y ago
  >to optimize transportation needs. You mean to optimize Uber and Lyft revenue
- mynameisash 6y ago
  I used to work with a guy that liked to talk about how much porn has helped technology - primarily that the desire for privacy (in viewing and purchasing) helped drive SSL adoption. I'm sure he was being facetious, but the idea that an industry like porn or ads might drive technology that then can benefit other 'worthy' industries seems obvious to me.
  - m463 6y ago
    I'm reminded of a story I read about a dictator that took over a country, who while corrupt, actually funneled more money into infrastructure than anyone before him and became very popular with the people. sort of deal with the devil though.
    - zepto 6y ago
      Xi?
      - m463 6y ago
        I though it was south america, but there's no reason this isn't a repeating pattern over time.
boringg 6y ago
Optimizing our energy systems is another one.
- ragebol 6y ago
  Ha, and what is that energy being used for, huh? Power ad-servers :-p

Ar-Curunir 6y ago

> big data and global software distribution and scalability. Big tech has contributed to both the tools that allow handling massive data streams and ML Yes, because mass surveillance is good.

deeeeplearning 6y ago

>Thinking about SV as just adtech is pretty reductionist. Is it though? On a revenue basis I wonder what percentage is made up by adtech? >SV basically solved big data and global software distribution and scalability In order to serve more ads...