Algorithms have, in many ways, given us a Web that really works. One of the best examples is Flickr’s “interestingness” algorithm that consistently surfaces the best photos for us.

For example, a search on “eagle” gives me these two photos on top, the first of which is an african fish eagle:

African Fish Eagle Taking Off by Edgar Thissen

Bald Eagle – Alaska by Creativity + Timothy K Hamilton

These photos are marvelous. The 22 other results that came up aren’t quite as good (give or take one or two).

Flickr’s algorithm delivers interesting pictures like this again and again on your searches. And because there’s nothing like having access to a good pic when you need one, I’ve come to have a lot of confidence in it.

But what happens in a much more complex system where there’s a cost for things breaking down? Tim O’Reilly is doing some deep thinking about that around the Money:Tech Conference:

“I’ve written quite a bit about “bionic software,” the idea that one of the distinguishing characteristics of Web 2.0 is that its applications are a new hybrid of man and machine, driven by algorithmic interpretation of aggregated human activity. Recent turmoil in financial markets show us just how such systems can run amok.

Figuring out the right balance of man and machine is one of the great challenges of our time. We’re increasingly building complex systems that involve both, but in what proportion?”

Well worth the read. There’s a lot to lose and gain in the new casino.

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