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So, the last few years have seen technology rapidly increase the democratization of everything. Access to media and deceasing costs of production have caused an increase in the rate of "aristocratic inflation." It's a lot harder to flaunt your privilege when everyone (in the ever-expanding middle class) has a flat screen TV, computers with internet access, cell phones, etc. I
read yesterday that private jets are on fire sale since the stock brokers had to give them up.
Now then, if you can leverage this new democratic paradigm of popularity, you can quickly gain influence. Influence has long been the hidden spoil of war. What good is land if not for the cooperation of its inhabitants. As we all become more and more plugged in, more cerebral, war becomes an intellectual battle of influence. Whoever speaks loudest (and with the most valuable message) gets the readership, gets the militia. Ideas can't be shot at and ideology can't be blown up.
Since no one is forcing you to read this or that you now get a choice—unless your government is trying in vain to filter your consumption. This places the burden on the influencer to create quality content, to have the best ideology, to give out random rewards.
It's easier to achieve and maintain popularity, and perhaps that popularity is now more rightful. But wait, if everyone becomes popular, then no one will. We will be Commander in Chief and Private First Class.
Forward this to ten of your friends or no one will post on your wall ever again!