Unlocking Value: Overcoming the Tragedy of the Uncommon in America's Private Beaches and Wealthy Neighborhoods

If a beach falls on private property, and no one is around to sunbathe, does it really make a splash?

Dror Poleg pens a great essay on a contrarian few of the Tragedy of the Commons, dipping into artificial intelligence and a sun-drenched beach.

Enjoy!

1. Dror Poleg introduces the concept of the "tragedy of the uncommon," which contrasts with the well-known "tragedy of the commons," highlighting how restricted use of a resource can lead to its underutilization and a sub-optimal outcome.
2. Using Long Island's private beaches as an example, Poleg shows how exclusivity can be unattractive and limit the potential value of a location due to lack of amenities, restaurants, and poor integration with transportation systems.
3. He contrasts this with Israel's public beaches, which, despite being accessible to everyone, offer a vibrant atmosphere, great food, and better connectivity, supported by a variety of businesses that increase overall wealth.
4. The phenomenon extends beyond physical resources to intellectual property. For instance, in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), there's a contrast between proprietary and open-source approaches, with the latter fostering more experimentation and integration with other services.
5. Poleg concludes that under-utilization should be as concerning as over-utilization. He advocates for a balance between public and private access, embracing openness, and questioning the status quo to realize the full potential of resources, which can lead to greater societal benefit and prosperity.

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In an article published on 19 July 2023, author Dror Poleg delves into a uniquely American phenomenon he terms "the tragedy of the uncommon." This concept represents the opposite of the well-known "tragedy of the commons," where unrestricted use of a shared resource can lead to its depletion. Conversely, the tragedy of the uncommon occurs when the restricted use of a resource results in its underutilization, and thus, a sub-optimal outcome.

Poleg uses Long Island's private beaches to illustrate his point. Despite living just minutes away, he doesn't frequent the beaches, citing their unattractiveness as a consequence of their exclusivity. The belief that exclusive equals valuable is so ingrained in American culture that it impedes the potential development of such areas, ultimately reducing their potential value. The private beaches lack amenities and good restaurants due to a restricted customer base and are poorly integrated with transportation systems. Poleg contrasts this situation with Israel's beaches, which are public, filled with a vibrant atmosphere, great food, and better-integrated transportation. The openness of Israel's public beaches supports a variety of businesses and increases the overall wealth of private business owners.

The author extends his theory to America's wealthiest neighborhoods, which often lack sidewalks, further limiting accessibility and potential social interactions. Again, the drive for exclusivity and profit, at the expense of public welfare, results in under-utilized resources and a less desirable environment. He also identifies a similar dynamic in the realm of intellectual property, such as artificial intelligence (AI). The current situation between proprietary AI firms and those favoring an open-source approach provides another example of the potential benefits of open access.

Poleg concludes his piece by suggesting that under-utilization of resources should be as concerning as over-utilization. He calls for a balance between public and private access and a more open approach to resource management. He further encourages the public to question the status quo and embrace opportunities for change, growth, and improvement. His observations provide valuable insights into how rethinking and recalibrating our approach to the allocation and use of resources can lead to greater societal benefit and prosperity.

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Comma Delimited Keyword List: "Tragedy of the Uncommon, Private Beaches, Long Island, Exclusivity, Under-utilization of Resources, Public vs Private Access, Israel's Public Beaches, Wealthy Neighborhoods, Artificial Intelligence, Open-source Approach, Economic Phenomenon, Societal Benefit"

Search Question: "How does the 'tragedy of the uncommon' affect the utilization of private resources in America?"

LinkedIn Post Introduction: "Ever pondered the paradox of American exclusivity? Dror Poleg throws light on an intriguing concept – the 'tragedy of the uncommon.' It's not about the depletion of shared resources, but rather the opposite: the underutilization of private ones. How does this impact private beaches on Long Island or wealthy neighborhoods across America? Dive into Poleg's insightful analysis to find out more!"

Tweet: "Drowning in the sea of exclusivity? Dive into Dror Poleg's wave-making piece on the 'tragedy of the uncommon.' Uncover the cost of under-utilizing private resources, from Long Island's beaches to AI! #TragedyOfTheUncommon #OpenAccess 🏖️💻🔓"

Recommended Songs: "Walls" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Reflects the themes of artificial barriers and the desire for freedom.

"Beautiful Day" by U2 - Encapsulates the joy of experiencing open, vibrant, and inclusive spaces like public beaches.