Great article and the example from the 70s (brk has some good points) was a good one. A LOT of innovation happened in what were very difficult times on a macro level. Living / working cheap is absolutely key. I knew the economy was going to tank back in January when I started my company, but I still did it.
I'd also like to see more "inventions" (another good point from brk). There may be a certain amount of critical mass of development that has to happen around other technologies. The last 10 years or so have seen optimization in the development cycle for web apps, resulting in their relative low barrier of entry today. It could be my ignorance, but I don't detect the same level of commoditization in other industries. Of course, a higher barrier of entry is great for the people already involved.
Another way to look at the "inventions" issue is the rather quick evolution of non-web technologies to web accessible interfaces. We've seen this happen with telephony, video, radio, print, television, navigation, security systems, and many more, I'm sure. It's pretty amazing actually. I think you'll continue to see more of this over the next few years, so we'll all still have stuff to work on.
I'd also like to see more "inventions" (another good point from brk). There may be a certain amount of critical mass of development that has to happen around other technologies. The last 10 years or so have seen optimization in the development cycle for web apps, resulting in their relative low barrier of entry today. It could be my ignorance, but I don't detect the same level of commoditization in other industries. Of course, a higher barrier of entry is great for the people already involved.
Another way to look at the "inventions" issue is the rather quick evolution of non-web technologies to web accessible interfaces. We've seen this happen with telephony, video, radio, print, television, navigation, security systems, and many more, I'm sure. It's pretty amazing actually. I think you'll continue to see more of this over the next few years, so we'll all still have stuff to work on.