It’s Time to Save Silicon Valley From Itself

The tech world has lost its way, and a group of concerned professionals is taking matters into their own hands. Led by Common Tools CEO Alex Komoroske and Techdirt founder Mike Masnick, the movement aims to recenter Silicon Valley around values that have been neglected in the pursuit of profit and scale.

Komoroske, who previously worked at Google and Stripe, has long been disillusioned with Big Tech's focus on profits over people. He recalls a moment when he was told that if only he stopped thinking through the implications of his actions, he would be promoted to a VP position. This experience has stuck with him, and he believes that the industry as a whole has strayed far from its early idealistic principles.

The group's response is the "Resonant Computing Manifesto," a set of principles aimed at promoting social value and true connection in tech products. The manifesto values humanity, including user control over their tools, which should promote social good. It seeks to reconnect with the idealism that once drove innovation, when what was good for the world seemed more important than building scale and maximizing shareholder value.

While some may view this as a utopian dream, Komoroske acknowledges that it's not a solution to Silicon Valley's problems overnight. Instead, the manifesto aims to energize and support a new generation of tech professionals who want to be proud of their creations. By promoting these values, they hope to create tools that will promote social good.

The movement stands in contrast to Marc Andreessen's "Techno-Optimist Manifesto," which has been criticized for its tone and lack of nuance. Komoroske and Masnick have chosen a more gentle approach, focusing on the humanity behind the tech rather than attacking those who disagree with them.

Signing the manifesto is not without controversy, as some individuals have refused to join due to concerns that it lets "tech scoundrels off the hook." However, Tim O'Reilly, an early signer, believes in the principles and has been advocating for similar values for years.

Ultimately, the Resonant Computing Manifesto is a call to action, urging tech professionals to take responsibility for their creations and promote social value. It's a reminder that innovation should be driven by a sense of purpose, rather than just profit motive.

I gotta say ... I'm kinda curious about this movement. I mean, we've seen some big issues come out of Silicon Valley in recent years, like data exploitation and online hate speech. It's time for someone to step up and say that tech should be used to make people's lives better, not just to line pockets .

I think the Resonant Computing Manifesto is a good start ... it's about time we started valuing humanity over profits. We need more of these kinds of voices in tech, you know? The ones who are like, "Hey, let's make something that makes people happy and connected, not just something that's gonna get us likes on social media ".

It's not going to be easy, though... there are always gonna be people who disagree with the values of this movement. And yeah, some might say it's a utopian dream ... but what's wrong with striving for something better? I'm all for giving people a chance to join in and make a difference .

I've got to admit, though, I'm a bit skeptical about Marc Andreessen's "Techno-Optimist Manifesto" . I mean, it sounds like some kind of tech-speak for "let's just keep on keeping on with the status quo ". But hey, at least Komoroske and Masnick are trying something new .

Anyway, I think this movement is worth watching ... it's like a breath of fresh air in an industry that's been getting pretty stale lately .

I'm not sure if this movement is gonna make a big difference or just another bunch of idealists trying to change the world. The thing is, what they're saying about Big Tech being all about profits over people kinda feels true, but at the same time, some folks are making bank off those same systems, so it's not all bad?

I think it's great that they're focusing on user control and social good, though. We need more tech that actually makes a positive impact on society, not just stuff that's gonna make us richer in the short term. But, I don't know... I've seen similar manifestos come and go, so we'll see how this one plays out

What really gets me is that some people are already slamming them for being too gentle or lenient on "tech scoundrels". Like, can't we just have a conversation about how to make tech better without being all judgmental?

I'm feeling kinda stuck in this world where tech is all about making money ... it's like we've lost sight of what's really important . I love how Alex Komoroske and Mike Masnick are taking matters into their own hands, creating a new way forward that puts people first . The Resonant Computing Manifesto feels like a breath of fresh air - who wouldn't want to work on projects that make a positive impact? It's not gonna be easy, but I think it's time for us tech folks to take responsibility for our creations and create something that's truly meaningful

I think its time we reevaluate what tech is all about . The whole focus on scale and profits over people has to change. I mean, when you're building something that's supposed to impact the world, shouldn't it be prioritizing the greater good? #TechForGood #ResonantComputingManifesto

I'm loving the fact that Common Tools CEO Alex Komoroske is speaking out against the industry's neglect of people's values. His story about being told to just stop thinking too much and get promoted is wild #DontGetPromotedIfYouThinkTooMuch.

The Resonant Computing Manifesto feels like a breath of fresh air - it's all about putting humanity first and promoting social value #HumanCenteredTech. And I'm glad Tim O'Reilly is on board, because we need more people advocating for this kind of thing

I mean come on, another group of self-proclaimed saviors trying to "save" Silicon Valley from itself . Like, have you seen the mess they're asking for? Just more rules and regulations, stifling innovation and progress... it's gonna be a total snooze fest .

And what's with this whole "Resonant Computing Manifesto" thing? Sounds like some corporate buzzword to me . Where's the meat? Where's the real change? I mean, don't get me wrong, I love a good utopian dream as much as the next guy, but let's not pretend we're gonna wake up tomorrow and have all these social values magically manifest in our code .

It's just more of the same old tech elitist nonsense, if you ask me . These guys are so worried about user control over their tools, but what about real-world consequences? What about the people who don't even use those tools? Like, do they care about the average Joe's experience? I doubt it.

Give me a break, another group of out-of-touch tech insiders trying to dictate how everyone else should think and innovate...

I'm low-key excited about this movement! They're trying to shift the focus back to creating tools that actually make a positive impact on society, you know? Like, remember when tech was all about solving real problems and changing lives? It's time to bring that back. I think it's amazing that Alex Komoroske is speaking out against the "profit over people" mentality. We need more voices like him. The Resonant Computing Manifesto is a great step towards that, even if some people are skeptical. I'm all about promoting user control and social good in tech! Let's make a change, one manifesto at a time #ResonantComputingManifesto #TechForGood #InnovationWithPurpose

omg u gotta see this - so like there's these two dudes Alex & Mike and they're trying to fix the tech industry lol, which is kinda messed up rn. they're all about promoting humanity over profits & scale, which is literally what we need after all the drama with facebook & google

i'm loving the resonant computing manifesto tho! it's like, let's create tech that actually makes a difference, you know? not just stuff that's gonna be used to control ppl or make them more stressed . and i love how they're not being all judgy on people who don't wanna sign, either

but for real tho, the tech world needs this kinda energy . we need some folks in it who care about what they're making & who's gonna use it . like, let's make tech that's actually good for ppl, not just some corporate profit thing

I'm loving this, folks! So these tech bigwigs are trying to reinvent Silicon Valley with some actual values and principles, huh? Like, what's up with the whole " profits over people" vibe, am I right? It sounds like someone needs a reality check... or maybe just a good dose of empathy. And I gotta ask, who needs a manifesto to tell them that using technology for social good is a good idea? That's like saying we need a reminder to breathe oxygen! Anyway, I'm all about this resonant computing thing - let's get tech for the people, not just the profiteers

omg i totally feel them!! like what happened to all the innovation and progress we were supposed to get from tech? it's all about $$$ now?? i'm so down for this resonant computing movement tho! alex komoroske is speaking straight to my soul, you know? like he gets it, we want our tech to make a difference, not just make us richer . and omg tim o'reilly signing on is EVERYTHING let's get behind this movement and create something amazing together

I'm skeptical about this "Resonant Computing Manifesto" thing. I mean, have they even tested these principles in practice? It sounds like a bunch of idealistic nonsense to me. What's next, a manifesto for sustainable living or something?

And don't even get me started on the fact that some people are signing it without even reading it first. "Oh, I'm a tech professional, I should totally sign this manifesto and change the world!" Give me a break.

And what about all the problems with Big Tech that these guys are trying to fix? Do they really think it's that easy to just rebrand themselves as "socially responsible" companies? I've got news for them: it takes more than a fancy manifesto to fix systemic issues.

I'm not saying it can't be a good idea, but I need to see some actual evidence and concrete actions before I start getting all excited about this stuff. Until then, I'll just remain a skeptic

I think this whole movement thing is kinda cool... they're trying to remind us that tech shouldn't just be about making bank, but also about doing some good, you know? Like, what's the point of all these fancy gadgets and apps if we're not actually helping people?

I mean, I've seen my friends who work in the industry get totally burned out because they feel like they're just churning out products that are gonna make shareholders richer. It's like, what happened to the passion and excitement of building something new?

I don't know if this manifesto thing is gonna change everything overnight, but it's definitely a good start. We need more people in tech who care about using their skills for good. And honestly, I think it's awesome that they're taking a gentle approach instead of just telling everyone else what to do.

omg u guys i'm low-key excited about this Resonant Computing Manifesto !! like seriously its about time someone stepped in to shake things up in silicon valley. alex komoroske & mike masnick are literally the real deal they're not just talking out of their butts, they've been around the block and have seen the dark side of tech. i love how they're focusing on user control & social good - it's about time we prioritize people over profits

and tbh, marc andreessen's techno-optimist manifesto is so extra its like he thinks everything will magically work out if we just ignore the problems. not cool, marc but i do love that tim o'reilly is on board - he's been preaching this stuff for years and it's about time more ppl listen

anyway, i'm all in on this resonant computing thing let's make some tech that actually does good for the world!

I dont really get what all the fuss is about ... like what's wrong with just making money and scaling up? I mean I've seen some pretty cool tech stuff out there, but I also know that like 99% of it is designed to make me use more stuff or spend more time on my phone. Its like, can't we just find a happy medium?

And what's with all these manifestos? Like, isnt one just as good as the other? I mean, both guys seem pretty smart and passionate about tech. Why not just have a big discussion about it instead of making some kinda list?

But like, if this resonant stuff is really gonna make a difference then cool, right? We could use more people making tech that actually helps the world .

I'm low-key hyped about this ! The numbers don't lie, though - 70% of people say they want more control over their personal data (source: Pew Research), and 60% believe that tech companies have too much power (Forbes). It's time for the industry to listen up . The Resonant Computing Manifesto has already gained 1k+ supporters, which is a solid start . I'm also loving the data on social media - 90% of users say they're more likely to engage with brands that prioritize social responsibility (Hootsuite). This movement might just be the spark we need to ignite real change .

Now, let's talk stats: According to a recent survey, 80% of tech professionals feel pressure to compromise on their values for career advancement (Stack Overflow). That's a major problem . The Resonant Computing Manifesto is trying to flip that script by offering an alternative path - one that prioritizes people over profits .

I'm also excited about the growth potential here - 2% of the global tech workforce has already expressed interest in joining the movement (LinkedIn). That's a significant chunk, considering there are over 22 million tech professionals worldwide . The future of tech could be looking up .

I'm telling you, this is like, totally fishy . Like, why would these tech bigwigs come together now? What's the real reason they're doing it? I think it's because they're trying to cover up their own tracks, you know? They've been making money off people's personal data for years and now they're trying to spin this "Resonant Computing Manifesto" as a way to get out of trouble . But we shouldn't believe it, man. It's just a PR stunt. What about all the jobs that have been lost because of automation? Do they really think that's going to magically fix itself? I don't think so. They're just trying to shift the blame onto themselves and make us feel better while they keep on profiting off our tech addiction .

I gotta say, this whole movement feels like it's going to go nowhere . These guys are trying to fix the tech industry with a bunch of feel-good principles and a manifesto , but let's be real, money talks . Everyone knows that if you want to make it in Silicon Valley, you gotta be willing to sacrifice some values for the sake of profit. And who's going to stop the profiteers from getting ahead? I mean, don't get me wrong, I think it's awesome that these guys are trying to promote social value and all that jazz , but we need a more concrete plan than just waving a manifesto around like a magic wand .

I mean, what's going on with these big tech companies? They're all about making a quick buck and forgettin' about the people who are actually usin' their products . I remember when I was young, we were talkin' about makin' a difference with our tech, not just linin' someone's pockets . This Resonant Computing Manifesto is like, totally needed, you know? It's all about puttin' people first and creatin' tools that actually do some good . I'm lovin' the fact that Alex Komoroske and Mike Masnick are takin' a stand and sayin', "Hey, we can do better than this!"

i think its about time we had a rethink on whats important in the tech world... like alex komoroske said, profits over people is a pretty dodgy combo... what if instead of chasing scale and shareholder value, we focused on making products that genuinely make a positive impact? idk if its an easy fix or all that, but i think its worth giving it a go

Ugh, I'm loving this! Like, have you seen the way tech companies used to be all about changing the world with cool gadgets? Now it's all just about making bank and getting those stock options. It's like they've forgotten what made them even start in the first place.

And Komoroske's story is so relatable - being told to ignore the implications of your actions so you can just get ahead, huh? That's messed up. I'm glad he's speaking out and trying to bring back that sense of purpose.

The Resonant Computing Manifesto is exactly what we need right now - a reminder that tech should be about people, not profit. And yeah, maybe it's not a silver bullet solution or anything, but at least it's a start, you know? It's like, let's try to create something that actually makes a difference for once, instead of just making more money and stuff.

I'm also loving the contrast between this movement and Andreessen's Techno-Optimist Manifesto . I mean, who wants to come across as all harsh and critical? Not me, that's for sure . Komoroske and Masnick are taking a more gentle approach, and it's actually kinda inspiring.

So yeah, signing this manifesto might be seen as being "gentle" by some, but like, who cares what others think? If you're passionate about creating something that actually helps people, then go for it !