Gillmor Gang: Beatlesverse
The Beatles, Twitter, and the Essence of Identity
Contrary to popular belief, Yoko Ono wasn't the primary catalyst for the Beatles' dissolution. Peter Jackson’s documentary, Get Back, while exhaustive, sparked renewed debate. Despite its length, many viewers, even dedicated fans, found themselves revisiting the factors that ultimately led to the band’s breakup. Discussions continue, with some exonerating Ono and others critiquing the songwriting, yet a desire for the full 15-hour cut remains strong.
The situation mirrors a cyclical pattern, akin to Groundhog Day, where the band repeatedly encountered the same issues that precipitated the end of a monumental musical era. George Harrison’s later assessment of the Beatles’ musical quality may be considered, but it prompts a reevaluation of the circumstances surrounding their split.
Twitter's Evolution and the Blockverse
Recent progress has been made in getting Twitter Spaces functional, specifically the recording feature. However, Jack Dorsey’s departure immediately triggered speculation regarding the “Blockverse” – a potential integration with Square’s crypto wallet super-app.
This shift echoes the initial vision of Alphabet (formerly Google), which aimed to safeguard Mark Zuckerberg’s dominance in social media through Meta’s rebranding. A new branding approach, renaming Marc to Mort, has been adopted, reminiscent of the Beatles’ own reinvention with Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Trends, it seems, are perpetually cyclical.
Speculation suggests Dorsey intends to realign Twitter’s infrastructure with Square/Block’s crypto capabilities. While his departure was announced, his continued involvement remains a point of contention. Square has demonstrably resonated more strongly with Wall Street than Twitter, and this strategic repositioning could prove pivotal as Twitter develops its software stack under new leadership.
This situation bears resemblance to the emergence of XML and Web Services, which subsequently fostered RSS, blogging, podcasting, and ultimately, cloud computing. Today, we observe a similar trajectory with newsletters, live streaming, and live conferencing platforms like Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces – developments some are attempting to categorize as Web3.
Remembering Kim Cameron and the Seven Laws of Identity
Last week, the technology community mourned the loss of Kim Cameron, a foundational figure in the Identity movement. Doc Searls, co-founder of the Internet Identity Workshop conference, recalled its origins in a special edition of the Gillmor Gang in late 2004, followed by an in-person gathering at Esther Dyson’s PC Forum.
Kim Cameron was known for his insightful humor, profound understanding of identity potential, and commitment to open standards. His position at Microsoft allowed him to leverage these qualities and advocate for innovative approaches. As the Identity Gang evolved into IIW, Kim integrated his professional and personal perspectives.
Doc Searls and others successfully located and restored access to the original Identity Gang show, aided by Phil Windley and Doug Kaye of IT Conversations. This led to a new conversation recorded on Clubhouse, marking a continuation of the dialogue.
Cameron formulated the Seven Laws of Identity, and crucially, secured Microsoft’s agreement with many of them. Doc Searls remembers, “One of his laws stated: A plurality of operators.” This was a significant achievement, particularly given Microsoft’s then-dominant position. “It was a huge deal, even though there was no formal way that it happened. But it was clear.”
He actively countered internal resistance within Microsoft to prevent a repeat of the issues encountered with Passport. His influence remains substantial, informing the development of Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), which prioritizes user control, consent, and minimal data disclosure – essentially empowering individuals to manage their online identities.
Collaboration, Tension, and the Pursuit of Synergy
Whether considering individual or corporate identities, the Beatles’ experience highlights the inherent challenges in achieving a synergistic whole. These four musicians, having achieved global success, found themselves constrained by a collaborative dynamic that was ultimately unsustainable.
Harrison contemplated pursuing solo work as a means of returning to the Beatles with renewed creative energy. McCartney asserted his leadership role to Lennon, who disputed the claim. This fundamental disagreement underscored the underlying tensions within the group.
Progress often emerges from the friction between differing viewpoints. As Keith Teare noted, Bret Taylor’s appointment as Chairman of Twitter and co-CEO of Salesforce exemplifies the positive aspects of Silicon Valley – a culture of mutual support and a focus on positive outcomes, even for companies outside one’s direct employment. The Valley’s collaborative spirit and transparency are key strengths.
As John and Paul once sang, “Two of us going nowhere.” However, their collective journey proved otherwise.
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The Gillmor Gang — Frank Radice, Michael Markman, Keith Teare, Denis Pombriant, Brent Leary and Steve Gillmor. Recorded live Friday, November 19, 2021.
Produced and directed by Tina Chase Gillmor @tinagillmor
@fradice, @mickeleh, @denispombriant, @kteare, @brentleary, @stevegillmor, @gillmorgang
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