[xnx]

Overall I agree with this, though I do think that there will be a trend to hoard/keep-secret domain knowledge by professions. Like plumbers will try and make it a trade-secret or protected intellectual property how to change a pipe fitting.

[nradov]

For basic residential plumbing work the moat is not knowledge. There are already books and YouTube videos that will teach you everything you need to know. Professional plumbers can't stop that. The real moat is that most people don't have time, don't want to buy tools, and don't want to get shit on their hands.

For new construction and commercial work the moat is a contractor's license. They don't allow LLMs to take the licensing exam yet.

[trouve_search]

The moat is the difference between knowledge and know-how.

You can read all the plumbing books, but you need to get your hands dirty a few times, mess it up and fix it, to get mentally comfortable and efficient with the work

[spauldo]

Yep. I can do basic plumbing, but I haven't touched it since I started making enough money to pay a plumber to do it for me. Plumbers are worth every dollar they charge if it means I don't have to spend two hours under a sink cursing at rusty bolts.

[2fff]

"Professional plumbers can't stop that. The real moat is that most people don't have time, don't want to buy tools, and don't want to get shit on their hands."

"don't want to buy tools, and don't want to get shit on their hands"

Thats closer to the truth. The rest of your post is fluff. Its pure economics, not rocket science.

[chasd00]

How trades gate keep is time. You can’t just become a plumber or electrician on your own. You have to be an apprentice for years no matter your knowledge or skill. This is how it works in trades and unions and where the term “pay your dues” comes from. Like you have to literally pay($$) dues for years before you can move up.

[Avicebron]

There is a difference between something being a hidden/gate kept trade secret and something being easier for person X to do than person Y through a combination of real world experience and practice.