You'd have to explain a bit more on what you've seen that leads you to that conclusion. I think the trend is really only displayed by VCs--consider what is get

You'd have to explain a bit more on what you've seen that leads you to that conclusion. I think the trend is really only displayed by VCs--consider what is getting funded and talked about (social apps, me-too secret messaging, analytics platforms) and what isn't (medical software for informatics and analytics, robotics, clean energy). Additionally, there is a lot of double-speak being thrown around by people that should, theoretically, "know better". Andreessen is a smart guy (and slung actual code back at Netscape), for example, but a lot of what he says recently is so clearly pandering to his own business interests that it's hard to respect him for his technical ability. In short, America is as much of a meritocracy as it has ever been--which is cold comfort for students of history.