Today the world is converging daily through a small device that is called the “Swiss Army Knife of communications.” As technology advances and innovation continues to improve our lives we can vividly see the social impacts of mobile technology on nations less fortune as the United States. The ability to adapt under unpredictable conditions such as extreme weather, lack of electricity, poor infrastructure or conflict areas requires a guerrilla set up in order to capture information from the field.
Read the rest of this entry »
Permalink
Leave a Comment
If you think that amateur videos have little to no effect on society then you haven’t seen this one. Today short videos edited or unedited can tell compelling stories, report live events and most importantly “level the playing field.” If you are in any of the traditional media industries whether it is print, journalism, filmmaking, marketing or radio ignoring digital media can become a whirlwind dis-ease for your reputation as a media provider.
In this video Bill Wasik speaks about the growing ecosystem of the Internet and how it can provide a gateway for small companies, entrepreneurs and media producers. When it comes to the free vs pay debate I think its fair to ask first what side of the fence you are on? The producer or the consumer? This makes a difference because Wasik agrees that people “will not stop to pay for something” if they are multi surfing the Internet on various websites. Yet he mentioned that people are more willing to support something that satisfies their “niche passions.” My personal experience with this took place almost 2 years ago when one of my favorite music groups decided to release a e-magazine for a $12 a year subscription providing the user a login code to read each monthly issues. The magazine was not staffed by a group of editors, photographers or reporters instead it was a one man operation. It gave the subscriber a uncensored inside scoop on the bands favorite reading list, new songs, tour schedule and random perspectives that could have been placed in a “free” blog yet they monetized it. When I got a chance to interview the band they told me that over 2,000 people joined the first few months they started the e-zine giving them a voice unfiltered by popular newsstand publications that have to worry about placement, advertising and monthly relevancy.
Read the rest of this entry »
Permalink
Leave a Comment
Television will never be the same once online viewing becomes a dominating force in today’s entertainment. Some of the top media companies are using analog dollars to chase digital coins in the race for online viewers and how they they capitalize off the profits. With online providers like Los Angeles based company Hulu, we have seen a rapid number of people who are willing to watch their favorite TV shows and movies online rather than through the cable box.
Recently CBS executive Quicny Smith spoke about his disagreement with free online television with companies such as Hulu. His stance is that CBS should continue the current business model of bringing the viewers to the biggest advertising space which is television. In this approach he says that “you can make a lot more money doing things that are additive and complementary to the rest of the CBS line” which is why CBS networks have yet to release their TV shows on the Internet.
Read the rest of this entry »
Permalink
Leave a Comment
Emerging markets across the world are proving that normal business models are not the gospel truth when coming to mobile technology and digital media. Reading Nick Hughes and Susie Lonie’s article about Kenya’s largest mobile provider Safaricom launching M-PESA explains the unique approach taken by the telecommunication company. In places like Kenya the ability to use your mobile phone as a social, business and political tool can be very useful despite for decades being excluded in many of these sectors.
Read the rest of this entry »
Permalink
1 Comment
Newspapers taught me how to read and cartoons taught me about consistent storytelling. With just a small strip of drawings and text, cartoons can speak a thousand words without the complex explanations. Graphic novels are proving that through great storytelling audiences are willing to absorb stories outside the normal world.
Read the rest of this entry »
Permalink
Leave a Comment
