Power To The Prosumer
There are many meanings for the term prosumer, but all of them are compatible with the emerging 3d printing revolution. reBang is right on point in his characterization of the social/community aspects of what is happening:
The RepRap team is clearly recognizing what might be called a social problem with the development of their device: the fewer the people involved, the slower the progress. Hence the practical solution of molding parts to help seed a community (note the growth in the store’s offerings - Link).
I like what they’re doing. It reminds me of open source software development.
reBang weblog » Blog Archive » Transition Overlap: Molds to Fabbers
Whether they’re in a hobbyist, or professional role
People like being able to make their own - whatever, whenever.
Prosumers will be key drivers in the coming boom in virtual property.

August 25th, 2007 at 6:53 am
[...] another step along the way to a desktop manufacturing [...]