Seed value

Something, tangible or not, with power of attraction that can provide the initial impetus for the formation of a new network. From the seed value emanates intrinsic (ex. I save the world, I learn) and extrinsic (ex. I make money) incentives. Seed value is the initial value experience around which an OVN can start forming. It is an important concept in the genesis of an OVN.

This might be a new gadget, a social good, a bundle of intangibles (have fun, make new friends, etc.), mixed with a bundle of tangibles (exposure, credentials, future contracts, access to a new job etc.).

The seed value must be strong enough for every individual to go through the pain of adopting a new culture, since getting accustomed to a new culture is a barrier to entry for those who migrate from capitalism to p2p.

The notion of seed value leads to the notion of value propositon, which is a way to communicate various dimensions of the seed value to potential contributors or other type of stakeholders. This is further tied to the practice of collaborative entrepreneurship, the art of gathering people together, form and steward collaborative networks.

Background

The concept of seed value in the context of OVNs was formulated by Tibi after discussions with Seb, during the initial struggles of the formation of Sensorica. See post