Last week I saw a technology that perfectly illustrates how the web is disrupting media companies’ control of their content, and their business models. Apple CEO Steve Jobs previewed some new features of a forthcoming upgrade to their operating system. One feature is the ability for anyone to create their own Widgets via a tool… Continue reading Better Than RSS: Widget WebClips from Apple
Author: Dan Blank
Can a Single Editor Fuel a Media Brand?
Scott Karp looks at a key element in the transformation of media: that a single editor can fuel an online “magazine” brand: “That one talented writer/editor can run an entire publication is truly transformative for magazine publishing, and for all publishing.” He uses Nick Denton’s Gawker Media as a case study: “Nick Denton is smart… Continue reading Can a Single Editor Fuel a Media Brand?
Offline Customer Relationships
The New York Times reports on the slowing of online retail: “Growth in online sales has also dropped dramatically in diverse categories like health and beauty products, computer peripherals and pet supplies. Analysts say it is a turning point and growth will continue to slow through the decade.” While plenty more growth is still in… Continue reading Offline Customer Relationships
Facebook: An Open Platform Moves the Internet Forward
Marc Andreessen takes a deep look into the new Facebook platform, concluding it is a “dramatic leap forward for the Internet industry.” Here’s why: “In a nutshell, the Facebook API enables outside web developers to inject new features and content into the Facebook environment. After signing up for a developer account on Facebook, the developer… Continue reading Facebook: An Open Platform Moves the Internet Forward
iPhone: The Mobile World Will Never Be the Same
Om Malik looks at the 5 ways iPhone will change the wireless biz: “I am certain that the mobile telecoms world will count its time in two Eras. The Era BI: time Before the iPhone, and the ERA AI: time After the iPhone,” writes Tomi T Ahonen, co-author of book, Communities Dominate Brands, who believes… Continue reading iPhone: The Mobile World Will Never Be the Same
Marketing Needs Social Media
Brian Solis has a phenomenal post on how social media is affecting marketing. I am always skeptical of “manifestos,” as Brian calls his post, but it is filled with great ideas. “The future of marketing integrates traditional and social media elements. The new mix will include what you know along with the tools to succeed… Continue reading Marketing Needs Social Media
For Retailers: Virtual Dollars vs. Real Dollars
The New York Times takes a look at the value of opening up a retail shop within virtual world Second Life: “This is more about relationship building for us right now, and exposing our brand.”
For Publishers Online: Circulation Could See Wild Mood Swings
Michael Arrington reflects on the success of Technorati, and how they are an interesting case study for the power of links. He assumes that their tagging links have helped push them to the top of search engine results, as Google and the rest place a high value on links. However, this may turn out to… Continue reading For Publishers Online: Circulation Could See Wild Mood Swings
Newspapers Challenge TV with Online Video
Broadcasting & Cable looks at the rise of online video within newspaper websites: “In the race to capitalize on the popularity of broadband video, newspapers are continuing to take a page from TV stations’ playbooks by producing increasingly sophisticated newscasts and other Web programs. And although the newscasts may not pose a threat to stations’… Continue reading Newspapers Challenge TV with Online Video
The Joys and Pitfalls of Media Convergence
The New York Times has an interesting article about how the boundaries between different forms of media have disappeared, and one non-profit that is helping to come up with innovative solutions to the most vexing problems for media companies. To start, a sober look at how media has changed: “Today, I watch “Lost” on my… Continue reading The Joys and Pitfalls of Media Convergence