Time to Form a New Country

A successful internet exec I know, a genius really, recently said "The Internet is coming into its own as a location. Many, many people spend more time exploring, shopping and being entertained on the Internet than they do in their geographic locations."

And he's absolutely right.

The ramifications are visible all around us, but like so many significant changes in societies throughout history the importance of these changes are missed by almost everyone.

The effect on businesses is of course going to be significant and it's true that as the product, availability and price becomes more identical across the competitive landscape in many industries and businesses the differentiator will come down more to who the buyer WANTS to give their business to and having an online connection will be a major help in securing that patronage.

That said, what I see happening as virtual communities grow in size and strength could be far more significant to mankind.

As more like-minded people throughout the world get connected through online communities the declining importance of one's address or location may very well cause not only the local businesses to lose control over their customers, but governments may as well. If millions of like-minded members of an online community decided to form a new virtual country and disconnect (go off grid) from their geographic-based country what would happen?

This new country could collect taxes or contributions to help fight the lawsuits, free imprisoned citizens, recruit new citizens, offer whatever citizen support, if any to their "needy". Then the liberals could have their high taxes and high safety nets and the conservatives could have their low taxes and their private schools. Imagine the possibilities.

Before you send the "man" after me with a net think about the Islamic fanatics and ask yourself what country THEY belong to. It's clear to me that the internet is making things possible that many people haven't even begun to consider.

Long live the internet. Long live Googbies!