Lapizuli - 7:11 pm on Aug 15, 2010 (gmt 0)

It's a ready-made business plan for a manufacturer as well.

Yes, that's where we're headed. No reason why not.

But why wouldn't they choose to pay the people who are already doing it?

Some things can and will be automated, but sales people and manufacturers will always have leverage. I can see where eventually manufacturers won't need web developers - opening a store will be easy and quick - or tax accountants - everything could be done automatically.

But they'll always need product reviews and product expertise, whether on their own websites or elsewhere - ideally, elsewhere, where they'll be considered independent and trusted. Even crowdsourcing isn't automatic - those crowds will want to be paid.

Admittedly, I think this will happen in the farish future.