You know what else isn't public spirited or democratic? The internet. The internet is a bunch of private fiefdoms. I think for the most part the internet works much better than the physical world, in large part because it is a collection of private fiefdoms with zero transaction costs for leaving. Reddit gets to run itself the way reddit wants, HN the way HN wants, etc. If you don't like it, you can start your own. There's infinite real estate, and exit is mostly costless.
I'm perfectly happy with people doing this in the physical world. I think we could use a lot more experimentation with community design and rules, and most governments simply aren't willing to do this. As long as these communities are opt-in, and not forced on anyone, I think it's great.
I'm perfectly happy with people doing this in the physical world. I think we could use a lot more experimentation with community design and rules, and most governments simply aren't willing to do this. As long as these communities are opt-in, and not forced on anyone, I think it's great.