For my twelfth and final day of posting on networks, I’m using my network and reposting the “New Rules for the Internet Age” by Kevin Kelly,  first published in Wired magazine in September 1997. These re recited as “Twelve Principles of the Network Economy“   in a post that came my way recently.

Although in their full Kevin Kelly version many of these relate to bits and wires and the power of the Internet, I was struck by how they can also be reframed as operating principles for using the net work lens. I also think it is important to recognize that our engagement with social networks followed (naturally, no doubt) from the extraordinary advances in global computer networks and all that they have enabled us to do.

1. The Law of Connection. Always connect. Close triangles, bridge gaps, make it flow.
2. The Law of Plentitude. As the network grows in size, its potential value grows exponentially.
3. The Law of Exponential Value. The sum is greater than its parts; we know more collectively than any of us can ever know individually.
4. The Law of Tipping Points. Managing in complex environments means watching for patterns to emerge, and leveraging those patterns to make significant shifts.
5. The Law of Increasing Returns. The more we invest in net work, the stronger our networks become, and the more we have to invest in them.
6. The Law of Inverse Pricing. Small, inexpensive changes, purposefully applied, can have a richer impact than costly detailed “solutions.”
7. The Law of Generosity. The more we give away, the more we get.
8. The Law of the Allegiance. Shifting allegiance from hierarchical organizations to shared leadership in networks creates fluidity and commitment.
9. The Law of Devolution. Accountability shifts from the top/center to the core/periphery.
10. The Law of Displacement. Our solitary, inward focused organizations will be displaced by networks.
11. The Law of Churn. Our networks are constantly changing, and we must embrace living in complexity.
12. The Law of Inefficiencies.  In the words of Peter Drucker, “Don’t solve problems, seek opportunities.”

I was reminded of these in a conversation this morning with a local selectman (in much of New England, towns are still governed by Town Meeting and local affairs are stewarded by elected selectpersons). He is trying to shift the thinking of three towns who are driving to a “solution” to a large, complex problems by showing them how small, incremental, “safe-fail” experiments can lead to a networked resolution.

(I now return to my irregular unscheduled blogging. Thanks for your patience.)

The twelve days of Net Work:

• Twelve Network Laws
• Eleven Interventions
• Ten Social Soft[wares]
• Nine tensions tensing
• Eight Principles
• Seven Leaders Lessons
• Six myths of networks
  
• Five purposes
• Four design facets
• Three network tools
• Two network sources
• One network lens