rhizoomin

Rhizoomin is a term derived from the combination of "rhizome," a term from botany referring to a horizontally growing plant structure, and "mining," suggesting a process of extraction or exploration. The concept was introduced by artist and theorist McKenzie Wark in her 2007 book *A Hacker Manifesto: On the Virtual Revolution*, where she proposed it as a metaphor for the way knowledge and culture are produced, shared, and transformed in digital networks.

In Wark’s framework, rhizoomin describes an alternative to traditional forms of intellectual property and creative production. Unlike linear, hierarchical models—such as those found in corporate publishing or academic publishing—rhizoomin emphasizes decentralized, collaborative, and iterative processes. It suggests that ideas, art, and information grow organically, branching out and connecting in unpredictable ways, much like plant rhizomes. This model aligns with principles of open-source culture, where contributions are cumulative, non-linear, and often anonymous or pseudonymous.

Rhizoomin has been discussed in relation to digital activism, free software movements, and alternative media. It critiques the idea of ownership in creative work, advocating instead for a system where ideas are freely adapted, remixed, and expanded by many participants. While not widely adopted as a formal practice, the concept resonates with broader discussions about digital labor, intellectual freedom, and the future of creative production in networked societies. Its influence can be seen in movements promoting open knowledge, collaborative art projects, and decentralized platforms.