🚀 go-pugleaf

"Randy S." wrote:

> > Another important point is that putting the load on
> > the proxy instead of the transit pipe tends to improve throughput for
> > all subscribers; i.e., not using the proxy can be selfish and
> > counterproductive.
>
> You know, this is a fascinating way of putting this.  I was just reading up on a
> concept in capitalism called the "tragedy of the commons" which eerily seems to
> apply in this case.  The "tragedy of the commons" refers to the situation where
> many small independent entities are using and are reliant on one large but limited
> shared resource.  Usually it is used to refer to situations like shared market
> fishing populations (like Tuna or mackeral) or shared grazing land,etc, but it
> seems equally applicable to shared backbone bandwidth.  Basically, the concept
> claims that this situation is always doomed for failure because the small
> independent entities will always put their own needs and priorities over the needs
> and priorities of the whole, thus putting the entire shared resource at risk (i.e.
> over-fishing, over-grazing).  It seems here that as Lawrence says, it may be
> better for any individual user to NOT be on a cache server for his/her personal
> performance.  But, as John says, it is better for the resource OVERALL if everyone
> uses the cache server.
>
> I don't know if really solves anything (and I am far from an expert on the
> "tragedy of the commons" concept, any economists out there?), but I thought it was
> an interesting parallel.
>
> Randy S.

While self interest may cause the "tragedy of commons" the same self interest will
solve the "tragedy etc". when the tragedy is realized  people with a self interest
will come together to agree on ways to prevent the tragedy:  to wit -- use a cache
server.

That being said, how do I find out if I'm on a cache server and if not what do I do to
get on one, assuming of course, that I don't want to remain selfish.

Jack