Their definition of a protocol is “an engineered argument.” The protocol itself exists, and it is having some effect on and in the world. A lot of these effects cause what they call “tensions”: A tension is a tradeoff plus a conflict. ... This kind of frame is difficult and frustrating because it means that much of what emerges can’t be controlled... See more

Protocols encode the rules of engagement that coordinate the exchange of a service between a global supplier and global consumer. The flatness with which a protocol treats everyone that interfaces with it is part of what drives its efficiency as a coordinator of exchange (no room for human corruption or capture).