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Email can only be replaced by another system which does not require you to be on any particular network (decentralized). Email doesn't die because gmail can se
by wtvanhest 14y ago
Email can only be replaced by another system which does not require you to be on any particular network (decentralized).
Email doesn't die because gmail can send to hotmail and to every other domain.
The entrepreneurs trying to replace it will focus their effort on one exclusive platform which they know they could monetize if they hit a tipping point. Unfortunately, the very motivation to profit is what creates the biggest problem.
The only true solution to email is a decentralized system, that many other companies could utilize. Unfortunately, once you have a system which is easy to create competitors you get instant commoditization. Once you have that, the economics of the idea suck which means that VC, and other investment money will never chase that system. In other words, a decentralized system is worthless from the idea stage due to the expectation of commoditization.
That is why email is “unlikely” to be replaced.
- thebigshane 14y agoThat sounds nice and I hope you are right. But I can certainly see a scenario where one of these walled-gardens gets big enough to where most people communicate using this platform and email ends up being like usenet or irc. Email can never be disabled (right?) so we'll still be able to use it technically, but it could cease to be practical for everyday business and personal correspondence.
- jmathai 14y agoWe're already there. I can get a faster response from 75% of my friends by sending them a message on Facebook or Twitter. It really sucks because you're so limited to what program you use. Especially Facebook and soon Twitter too.