The Briefing Room
General Category => Science, Technology and Knowledge => Topic started by: rangerrebew on November 29, 2022, 03:50:49 pm
-
Exploiters versus experts
Posted on November 28, 2022 by curryja | 30 Comments
by Planning Engineer (Russell Schussler)
The unfolding saga around FTX, the cryptocurrency exchange currently in bankruptcy, appears to share some similarities with factors which led to the demise of Enron. Enron and FTX both initially achieved success because they were able to exploit some of the inefficiencies present in a complex system.
While it is a great thing to identify and correct inefficiency, the abilities of those who do so may be greatly overestimated at times. As with Enron, it may have taken a special brilliance for Sam Bankman-Fried to capitalize on some shortcomings in crypto markets. But is the influence he received, the many speaking engagements and the adoring press commensurate with accomplishments and abilities?
You don’t have to be an overall expert in regards to a complex system in order to discover and tinker with particular inefficiencies and shortcomings within that system. In fact, successful exploiters may be grossly ignorant or worse, misinformed about major factors of the complex system. The ability to exploit a system does not mean that the exploiter is capable of redesigning the system, building a system ground up or even maintaining their edge. This post examines the initial success and ultimate failure of Enron’s attempt to transform the energy market before concluding with some thoughts around exploiters and experts.
https://judithcurry.com/2022/11/28/exploiters-versus-experts/