Comments on: The Edge

By: 英文家教

英文家教 — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:09:54 +0000

Have to say I do agree. Things like this just are what they are.

By: Craigslist Proxy

Craigslist Proxy — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:08:26 +0000

Does it ever cease to amaze you with all the news and happenings about Craigslist?

By: Zack Steven

Zack Steven — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:58:59 +0000

Great post Jon! I think you're right about what's happening and I wanted to let you know about another recently launched company that leverages The Edge - http://www.buythechange.com - real local commerce. buythechange makes it easy for people to buy and sell locally, with their friends, neighbors, and independent businesses. Rob's comment that there should be "a large number of small businesses" goes hand-in-hand with creating strong local economies and vibrant local communities, which is what buythechange is all about. Would love to hear your thoughts.

By: What if… | The eduFire Blog

What if… | The eduFire Blog — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:14:28 +0000

[...] actually happening. And certainly not at all just at a place like eduFire. But with other amazing edge startups like TeachStreet, Knewton, Smart.fm and [...]

By: Jon Bischke

Jon Bischke — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:03:39 +0000

@daveschappell TeachStreet is also an excellent example of an Edge company!! And I totally share your sentiments on positive experiences on places like Etsy and craigslist. I once hired a down on his luck guy to help me move. Afterwards we talked for like 30 minutes about how he had used craigslist to build his business. We even did a bro-hug before he left! Tell me I could have gotten that experience hiring some big faceless moving company…

By: juzmcmuz

juzmcmuz — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:22:13 +0000

Brilliant post Jon. Pulled together some great links and fascinating viewpoints. And wrapped into an inspiring and hopeful outlook. Thank!

By: Spring

Spring — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:44:37 +0000

Good article Jon. I've always believed that things were going to eventually shift to lots of small business, instead of a few large ones. I don't know…maybe I was a little biased because I wanted to be one of the small ones I'm a tutor on Edufire and I have an Etsy shop. I also sell goods on Ebay. These are all awesome vehicles for making money and new ones are popping up everday. I don't think this wave is slowing down anytime soon.

By: daveschappell

daveschappell — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:37:30 +0000

We've seen The Edge emerging since the late 90s, with eBay (as you highlight) as the posterchild — but, behind the scenes, there are enablers everywhere helping make these creations happen — think of the other places, like Starbucks, and FedExKinkos, and services like ready wi-fi access and coffee on all corners (yes, I consider it an enabler). In fact, much of what the web catalyzes is the connection of diverse interests, and the creation of economies around those passions. I like that the four you mention above all have elements of local (with Craigslist as the most prominent), but really, the distinction is that passions are being much more well aligned — I love the feeling when I receive an Etsy order that I may just be surprised by the hand-made packaging or personal notes — or when I meet a Craigslist buyer (or seller) that we may be connected via other friends — I'm really loving the changes that we're helping to expedite.