I'm currently reading an interesting book called "Wikinomic - How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything" - http://www.amazon.com/Wikinomics-Mass-Collaboration-Changes-Everything/dp/1591841380/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-7495270-3472619?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193428663&sr=8-1 and it talks about how many things (from planes to mutual funds) are being created by teams numbering in the thousands or millions. Not to mention that every reality t.v. show has a corresponding web site so you can go online and vote for your favorite Idol or pick the winning case on "Deal or No Deal."
I think the Excalibur Forums are a good example of how the power of the many can get good ideas to market faster. There is a lot of power in collaborative production.
I've started thinking however - that if mass collaboration can be used for good, can it also be used for evil? Could competing terrorist networks see the U.S. as a common enemy and come together and cause the U/S increased harm?
And when it comes to information sharing (a la Wikipedia) - how can we increase the verification and validation of information shared? Will this be a role for self-policing? Reputation managers?
I'd like to hear your thoughts on this ....