Non-traditional media has completely changed the way that society looks at music. Before the mid nineties, there was radio, television, and CDs. The internet and computers have given a whole new meaning to the word "media", and will continue to do so in the years to come. Speed and portability will continue to be stressed. The music industry may be denying this huge change in the media world right now, but they will, however, have to embrace these non-traditional means of media eventually, or they will forever be lost in past.
1) Online Music Stores:
In the few years that online have come to the surface, it is safe to say that they are quite a success. The iTunes music store especially has taken it to a new level by not only adding different forms of media, such as games and movies, but it has also been the first online music seller to attempt to sell music without DRM. The problem with the online music store model is that there are always ways in which people can find out how to get the music for free. Once it’s on the internet it is potentially there for everyone to take. Over the next few years, records labels will possibly follow suit with EMI and allow DRM free downloads. However, after a while, this model could get complicated: no DRM means anyone can take it once it’s been downloaded and paid for once. It seems that the only solution for the music industry to come up with is a model where people are eventually paying a flat fee per month or year. However, DRM will most likely disappear within the next few years. Torgeir Waterhouse, a senior adviser in Norway’s Consumer Council, commented in a New York Times article, “[It is] an era where the entertainment industry works with the customer and not against them”. It has been way too long since the industry realized what the consumer wants. When the record labels realize this, they will be ready to let go of DRM, and move on.
2) Portable MP3 Players:
The iPod has become a staple in the music world. It’s rare to find someone who doesn’t own an iPod or some sort of MP3 player. But what will become of iPods in the future? Since the iPod has become such a popular item, it is only natural that it will become (even though it has already) a launch pad for more mobile devices with more features. An article from Billboard states, “As much adoration as the iPod gets, Apple understands that it's no longer about just one device. The name of the game is convergence, and Apple is making a broader play for the future of the digital entertainment ecosystem-portable media device, mobile phone, TV and computer. And this is where the music industry should take note.” Success will only come if the music industry realizes that they need to get involved with devices such as the iPod. The release of the iPhone, will prove this point, since the iPhone is taking a huge step towards the future of portable mobile devices. In conjunction with online music stores, portable MP# players will become more that just MP3 players. There will be more opportunities (possibly with phone plans) for the music industry to dip in and bring in success.
3) Video On Demand:
Videos on demand have also caused a stir in society. It is now easier than it ever was to type in a few keywords and find a video relevant to your search. YouTube has taken over. Instead of watching MTV to see the video you want, all someone has to do is find it on YouTube. This is why MTV is building a program where users can get involved more, and choose what they watch. Their ideas are explained in this article from Marketing Weekly. With the expanse of different interests among the generations, and also just the current generation, one channel is not enough to satisfy people’s tastes. In the next five years, YouTube may not survive, but in its place there will have to be some sort of site where videos can be seen. Eventually, someone will figure out what kind of advertising will not annoy the viewer, but still get his or her attention. Videos on demand will also get involved with mobile devices, since mobility is something that will become more important in the future.
4) Video Games:
Again, the video game industry is booming in today’s society. Adults are even embracing video games, while college students are majoring in video game design. In an article from 2002, written in Electronic Media it is explained that Sony and Microsoft’s new gaming systems will surpass all others by making the systems into an all-entertainment machine. This idea from five years ago gives us a hint at the next five years. Video game’s will continue to implement more media, especially music. Since video games are so big, the music industry will eventually develop a tight hold on music in games. Certain games now have soundtracks, just like movies. This theatrical way of presenting a video game will develop over the next five years, and become a huge factor into introducing music and certain songs to the generation.
5) Social Networking:
Social Networking will tie all the media for the music industry together. A lot of the music out today would not have been brought to the surface without the help of social networks. These websites have the ability to open up new types of music, which explains the broad interest in so many different genres today. If the music industry does not get involved in social networking, they will completely miss the current generation. Another article in the Los Angeles Times,
about how MTV will give the viewers more choice, states, “MTV will now put viewers in the driver's seat by serving teens the entertainment they crave most: the kind they create”. The current generation is out to do it themselves, whether it be making their own videos and posting them on YouTube, or starting their own band and promoting themselves on MySpace. The mainstream is no longer the biggest factor in getting an artist acknowledgement. When the music industry gets involved in social networking, and actually helps out the consumer and gives them what they want, they will definitely bring in success.
The music industry will have to get involved with these five aspects of media if they want to catch the current generation. So far, they have failed in their attempt, but when they finally realize what the consumer wants, and how to give it to them, their failure will be reversed.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Are Social Networks Becoming the New RIAA?
Not yet. But there are a few instances that show how social networks have proven to disappoint the user.
MySpace recently has been taking away the ability to use a few outside sources. For example, Tila Tequila was recently contacted by Tom Anderson in regard to her music player and webstore called “Hoooka”, which apparently violated MySpace’s terms of service. Justin Goldberg, the chief executive of Indie911, the company the created Hoooka was quoted in a New York Times article saying, “We find it incredibly ironic and frustrating that a company that has built its assets on the back of its users is turning around and telling people they can’t do anything that violates terms of service”.
The article also YouTube. Michael Barrett, chief revenue officer for Fox Interactive Media, a part of the News Corporation, said “We probably should have stopped YouTube…[It] wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for MySpace. We’ve created companies on our back”. Stopping YouTube early on might have made MySpace Video more successful.
The story is similar to what the RIAA has done with DRM. You are given something to use, but your rights dictating what you can do with it, are minimal or they are being taken away. Hopefully, social networks will see their error before it’s too late. If the look at the RIAA as an example of what not to do, maybe they will re-think their decisions, and give people the freedom that they want.
MySpace recently has been taking away the ability to use a few outside sources. For example, Tila Tequila was recently contacted by Tom Anderson in regard to her music player and webstore called “Hoooka”, which apparently violated MySpace’s terms of service. Justin Goldberg, the chief executive of Indie911, the company the created Hoooka was quoted in a New York Times article saying, “We find it incredibly ironic and frustrating that a company that has built its assets on the back of its users is turning around and telling people they can’t do anything that violates terms of service”.
The article also YouTube. Michael Barrett, chief revenue officer for Fox Interactive Media, a part of the News Corporation, said “We probably should have stopped YouTube…[It] wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for MySpace. We’ve created companies on our back”. Stopping YouTube early on might have made MySpace Video more successful.
The story is similar to what the RIAA has done with DRM. You are given something to use, but your rights dictating what you can do with it, are minimal or they are being taken away. Hopefully, social networks will see their error before it’s too late. If the look at the RIAA as an example of what not to do, maybe they will re-think their decisions, and give people the freedom that they want.
Social Networking your way into College
Not exactly into college, but social networking will at least help you with the task of making friends.
Monique Yin (who is mentioned in a New York Times Article found here), was accepted into NYU for the fall of next year. She has already made countless acquaintances and friends on the count of her making a Facebook group for admitted students to the class of 2011. Groups have met up in various places around the country, all spawning from Monique’s group.
Facebook and other social networking websites have almost redefined a student’s transition from college to high school. All of sudden there is a world of new people to meet with similar interests, all easy to find at the click of a few links. It gives more stability to students who might worry about being friendless the first few weeks of college.
This is just another example of how social networking communities have taken over, and drastically changed something. Facebook has given students a whole new social view on college. Social networks are causing people to re-think the way the originally had made friends, just like social networks give people new ways to discover music. The internet has truly merged into the lives of Generation Y.
Monique Yin (who is mentioned in a New York Times Article found here), was accepted into NYU for the fall of next year. She has already made countless acquaintances and friends on the count of her making a Facebook group for admitted students to the class of 2011. Groups have met up in various places around the country, all spawning from Monique’s group.
Facebook and other social networking websites have almost redefined a student’s transition from college to high school. All of sudden there is a world of new people to meet with similar interests, all easy to find at the click of a few links. It gives more stability to students who might worry about being friendless the first few weeks of college.
This is just another example of how social networking communities have taken over, and drastically changed something. Facebook has given students a whole new social view on college. Social networks are causing people to re-think the way the originally had made friends, just like social networks give people new ways to discover music. The internet has truly merged into the lives of Generation Y.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Internet Radio Taking Steps in the Right Direction
Two days ago, an article in the New York Times, titled “A Radio Station Just for You”, explained the growing popularity of “radio” (such as Pandora and Last.fm) on the internet among today’s generation.
New, up and coming websites were also mentioned in the article, including, Soundflavor.com, Goombah.com, and Mog.com.
These new websites are not only giving people new music to listen, but they are also connecting people to others with similar taste: Social networking and music (that you want to listen to) combined. Mog.com is even offering a video service: “Imagine if YouTube knew what songs were in your music collection”, a quotation from Mog’s chief executive, David Hyman.
Websites like these are exactly what people in Generation Y are looking for. They want to discover new music, and meet people with similar music tastes. However, will music based social networking communities be able to stay afloat in today’s heavily regulated copyright world? Recently, the Library of Congress announced a Web-radio royalty payment plan. Something like this poses a threat to the “fragile business models” of internet-radio companies.
One of these websites, Slacker.com, made licensing deals directly with the four big major labels in order to try and mediate the royalty issues. Slacker seems like a promising idea at first, but the one catch is that it is heavily supported by advertisements.
Online radio could be the next big thing. However, it won’t blossom into a success until deals with the major labels and advertising are worked out. There is still a long way to go, but companies are almost there in finding the key to Generation Y.
New, up and coming websites were also mentioned in the article, including, Soundflavor.com, Goombah.com, and Mog.com.
These new websites are not only giving people new music to listen, but they are also connecting people to others with similar taste: Social networking and music (that you want to listen to) combined. Mog.com is even offering a video service: “Imagine if YouTube knew what songs were in your music collection”, a quotation from Mog’s chief executive, David Hyman.
Websites like these are exactly what people in Generation Y are looking for. They want to discover new music, and meet people with similar music tastes. However, will music based social networking communities be able to stay afloat in today’s heavily regulated copyright world? Recently, the Library of Congress announced a Web-radio royalty payment plan. Something like this poses a threat to the “fragile business models” of internet-radio companies.
One of these websites, Slacker.com, made licensing deals directly with the four big major labels in order to try and mediate the royalty issues. Slacker seems like a promising idea at first, but the one catch is that it is heavily supported by advertisements.
Online radio could be the next big thing. However, it won’t blossom into a success until deals with the major labels and advertising are worked out. There is still a long way to go, but companies are almost there in finding the key to Generation Y.
Friday, March 30, 2007
MySpace Goes Political
MySpace has become one of the most popular websites among the younger generation. So, why not utilize this social networking site and get this generation more involved with the politics of today? Yes, that’s right. MySpace is getting involved in the 2008 presidential elections.
MySpace has launched its new channel, Impact, where a member of MySpace’s network can go and read up on the all the presidential candidates and their views on the growing issues in the country. The site provides links to official candidate pages along with election related media, and banners and links to put on your own MySpace page.
So, will this be the answer to getting the younger generation to vote? Well, in an article from the New York Times, it was written that “Some observers believe that such efforts by MySpace and other social networking sites might make [campaigns] influential among voters in 2008”. Last election, there were websites that attempted to raise interest among the younger voters, but the websites’ impact was not as great as many hoped it would be. However, MySpace, an already very popularly established social networking tool, has a big shot at finally getting politics out to those voters.
For example, take a look at Barack Obama’s official MySpace page. You can read his biography, about his ideas of how to improve the country, and even my Obama merchandise. Currently, he has 86,188 “friends” on his page (not quite as many as Fall Out Boy’s 1648319, but the impact channel still has well over a year to build up a following).
People are finally starting to figure out how to reach generation Y. Whether MySpace will get the younger generation to vote, or not, the candidates are certainly looking in the right place.
MySpace has launched its new channel, Impact, where a member of MySpace’s network can go and read up on the all the presidential candidates and their views on the growing issues in the country. The site provides links to official candidate pages along with election related media, and banners and links to put on your own MySpace page.
So, will this be the answer to getting the younger generation to vote? Well, in an article from the New York Times, it was written that “Some observers believe that such efforts by MySpace and other social networking sites might make [campaigns] influential among voters in 2008”. Last election, there were websites that attempted to raise interest among the younger voters, but the websites’ impact was not as great as many hoped it would be. However, MySpace, an already very popularly established social networking tool, has a big shot at finally getting politics out to those voters.
For example, take a look at Barack Obama’s official MySpace page. You can read his biography, about his ideas of how to improve the country, and even my Obama merchandise. Currently, he has 86,188 “friends” on his page (not quite as many as Fall Out Boy’s 1648319, but the impact channel still has well over a year to build up a following).
People are finally starting to figure out how to reach generation Y. Whether MySpace will get the younger generation to vote, or not, the candidates are certainly looking in the right place.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Free Media? Really?!
Yet, another story on YouTube, and video hosting sites:
The News Corporation and NBC Universal is planning on making a website that will house most of their content, available for free to the public, with advertisements. The president of the News Corporation, Peter A. Chernin says that the website will “[have] absolutely no resemblance to YouTube”. You can read the article here.
This is all being done in light of the recent copyright troubles that YouTube has been having: Viacom is suing YouTube for copyright infringement reasons.
The question is whether a website like this will satisfy the consumers. There are still advertisements, and it was not specified how long the advertisements would be, and where they will be placed in the distributed media.
However, a website like this could be a step in the right direction. Even though there will still be advertisements, maybe media companies are catching on: this generation wants things for free. A site like this could be what the consumers are looking for: it’s easy, and it’s legal. It might even be faster (depending on advertisements) and better quality than uploaded videos on YouTube.
Maybe record labels should take a hint, and develop something like MySpace for the bands that are signed to the label. With companies’ unwillingness to change, only small steps will eventually lead to a big change.
The News Corporation and NBC Universal is planning on making a website that will house most of their content, available for free to the public, with advertisements. The president of the News Corporation, Peter A. Chernin says that the website will “[have] absolutely no resemblance to YouTube”. You can read the article here.
This is all being done in light of the recent copyright troubles that YouTube has been having: Viacom is suing YouTube for copyright infringement reasons.
The question is whether a website like this will satisfy the consumers. There are still advertisements, and it was not specified how long the advertisements would be, and where they will be placed in the distributed media.
However, a website like this could be a step in the right direction. Even though there will still be advertisements, maybe media companies are catching on: this generation wants things for free. A site like this could be what the consumers are looking for: it’s easy, and it’s legal. It might even be faster (depending on advertisements) and better quality than uploaded videos on YouTube.
Maybe record labels should take a hint, and develop something like MySpace for the bands that are signed to the label. With companies’ unwillingness to change, only small steps will eventually lead to a big change.
If Spam Could Kill...
An article, “Spam Hits Video Sites, Misleading Web Viewers”, that appeared in the Wall Street Journal last week (March 15th) addressed the issue of video spamming. Ever since the rise of YouTube, video spamming has started to spread.
What video spammers will do, is they will upload an almost blank file of footage with an advertisement at the end, and label the video with tags and descriptions that don’t match the video, but rather match what people might search for. Keith Richman, chief executive of the video site break.com, says, “Like advertisers, the spammers recognize there are a lot of people congregating and it’s a great way to reach them”.
Looking back through media, it seems that everything eventually gets spammed. The most commonly hear of spam is email spam. When downloading music, mislabeled mp3s could contain unwanted advertisements. One could even go as far to say that radio is “spammed” with an excess of commercials, and repetitive content.
Is YouTube and other video hosting websites taking the same path as radio? Though not quite the same thing as traditional advertisements, this spam could eventually lead to the deterioration of video websites. Maybe Google’s buying YouTube wasn’t the greatest idea after all. This generation moves quickly, and if YouTube becomes a hassle to use, it will drop it, and quickly pick up on another media trend.
What video spammers will do, is they will upload an almost blank file of footage with an advertisement at the end, and label the video with tags and descriptions that don’t match the video, but rather match what people might search for. Keith Richman, chief executive of the video site break.com, says, “Like advertisers, the spammers recognize there are a lot of people congregating and it’s a great way to reach them”.
Looking back through media, it seems that everything eventually gets spammed. The most commonly hear of spam is email spam. When downloading music, mislabeled mp3s could contain unwanted advertisements. One could even go as far to say that radio is “spammed” with an excess of commercials, and repetitive content.
Is YouTube and other video hosting websites taking the same path as radio? Though not quite the same thing as traditional advertisements, this spam could eventually lead to the deterioration of video websites. Maybe Google’s buying YouTube wasn’t the greatest idea after all. This generation moves quickly, and if YouTube becomes a hassle to use, it will drop it, and quickly pick up on another media trend.
Friday, March 9, 2007
No Mystery Here...At least in the Music Industry
Some bands these days are taking the idea of the concept album one step further. With the vast expanse of the internet, they are creating “online mysteries” of sorts for their fans.
Recently, Nine Inch Nails released one of these mysteries to the public by placing flash drives in bathrooms at their shows. These drives had unreleased tracks on them, and pictures which lead to lead to clues on websites. Rolling Stone, as well as Wikipedia explains the mystery in detail.
This is a good way to get fans involved and give people another reason to buy a new CD. Releasing tracks from a CD that isn’t out yet is also good promotion. Only time will tell if Nine Inch Nails’s mystery hype will give them extra success.
Nine Inch Nails might be getting a lot of attention, but they are certainly not the only band out there to have one of these mysteries. Another band, AFI, created another elaborate online mystery, utilizing a number of social networking sites. You can read a summary of the mystery here, written by the editor of Buzznet (another up and coming social networking website). Like Nine Inch Nails, AFI used website clues, MySpace, and even Craig’s List to ultimately lead up to information about a few “secret” shows that the band would play, putting them in higher demand from their fans
These mysteries highlight the impact that the internet and social networking websites have had on the music business. Bands realize that this (the internet) is where their fans are coming from, and this is where they should try and create success.
Recently, Nine Inch Nails released one of these mysteries to the public by placing flash drives in bathrooms at their shows. These drives had unreleased tracks on them, and pictures which lead to lead to clues on websites. Rolling Stone, as well as Wikipedia explains the mystery in detail.
This is a good way to get fans involved and give people another reason to buy a new CD. Releasing tracks from a CD that isn’t out yet is also good promotion. Only time will tell if Nine Inch Nails’s mystery hype will give them extra success.
Nine Inch Nails might be getting a lot of attention, but they are certainly not the only band out there to have one of these mysteries. Another band, AFI, created another elaborate online mystery, utilizing a number of social networking sites. You can read a summary of the mystery here, written by the editor of Buzznet (another up and coming social networking website). Like Nine Inch Nails, AFI used website clues, MySpace, and even Craig’s List to ultimately lead up to information about a few “secret” shows that the band would play, putting them in higher demand from their fans
These mysteries highlight the impact that the internet and social networking websites have had on the music business. Bands realize that this (the internet) is where their fans are coming from, and this is where they should try and create success.
Can't catch the Consumer?
Every since YouTube and other video hosting websites were introduced, they’ve always had the problem of copyrighted material being uploaded to the site from numerous users. It makes sense that companies should worry about their content being put out for free for everyone, but should they be worrying about ways to catch the people who upload the content?
Recently, companies such as Audible Magic, have been developing programs that can identify copyrighted material, even if the picture is blurred or if the sound is dubbed. In an article from The New York Times, these programs are described as “new technological weapon[s]”. It seems like they’re taking quite a “violent” approach to trying to weed out illegal material.
MySpace and YouTube are said to be investing in programs such as these “technological weapons”. Paul Kocher, chief executive of Cryptography Research, was quoted saying, “As technology companies mature, they are realizing that the rule of law is better than the anarchy in which they were formed”. Of course it’s always good to follow the law, but he’s only talking about companies. What about the consumers? The constant visitors to YouTube and MySpace?
If seems that digital fingerprinting programs are just another excuse to sue customers, and get even more people in trouble more easily. If it is more likely that you will get caught uploading copyrighted material on YouTube, people will go elsewhere. Alos people will always find ways to get around these digital fingerprinting programs. It is not quite a lost cause yet, but when these programs allow more people to get in trouble, the consumers will revolt.
Recently, companies such as Audible Magic, have been developing programs that can identify copyrighted material, even if the picture is blurred or if the sound is dubbed. In an article from The New York Times, these programs are described as “new technological weapon[s]”. It seems like they’re taking quite a “violent” approach to trying to weed out illegal material.
MySpace and YouTube are said to be investing in programs such as these “technological weapons”. Paul Kocher, chief executive of Cryptography Research, was quoted saying, “As technology companies mature, they are realizing that the rule of law is better than the anarchy in which they were formed”. Of course it’s always good to follow the law, but he’s only talking about companies. What about the consumers? The constant visitors to YouTube and MySpace?
If seems that digital fingerprinting programs are just another excuse to sue customers, and get even more people in trouble more easily. If it is more likely that you will get caught uploading copyrighted material on YouTube, people will go elsewhere. Alos people will always find ways to get around these digital fingerprinting programs. It is not quite a lost cause yet, but when these programs allow more people to get in trouble, the consumers will revolt.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Is Myspace is the new “Record Label”?
When you visit the list of top artists on MySpace.com, there are three categories: Unsigned, Indie, and Major.
The irony of it all is that most of the top artists listed under the “Unsigned” category have the greatest number of friends. A New York Times article asked, “There will soon be an answer to a question making the music industry very nervous: is having a lot of friends on MySpace better than having a record deal?”. The article went to talk about the recognition that Tila Tequila has recieved on MySpace. She currently has 1,701,463 friends.
Instead of accepting a record deal, Tila Tequila, who’s real name is Tila Nguyen, is trying to succeed in her own business. The outcome of her endeavors will really show the world what the effect that social networking has had on the music business.
Eric Garland, the chief executive of BigChampagne, an online market research firm, does not have such high hopes for miss Nguyen. He thinks that she is more of an “internet personality” than an actual recording artist. The same could possibly be said for Jeffree Star (another “unsigned” MySpace artist), who plans on releasing an E.P. on iTunes this month.
If both of these artists succeed, the music industry business will possibly be forced to see what the consumers want, and that the industry must take on a drastic change in order to get customers back.
The irony of it all is that most of the top artists listed under the “Unsigned” category have the greatest number of friends. A New York Times article asked, “There will soon be an answer to a question making the music industry very nervous: is having a lot of friends on MySpace better than having a record deal?”. The article went to talk about the recognition that Tila Tequila has recieved on MySpace. She currently has 1,701,463 friends.
Instead of accepting a record deal, Tila Tequila, who’s real name is Tila Nguyen, is trying to succeed in her own business. The outcome of her endeavors will really show the world what the effect that social networking has had on the music business.
Eric Garland, the chief executive of BigChampagne, an online market research firm, does not have such high hopes for miss Nguyen. He thinks that she is more of an “internet personality” than an actual recording artist. The same could possibly be said for Jeffree Star (another “unsigned” MySpace artist), who plans on releasing an E.P. on iTunes this month.
If both of these artists succeed, the music industry business will possibly be forced to see what the consumers want, and that the industry must take on a drastic change in order to get customers back.
YouTube is growing behind our backs
Recently, I was disappointed to find that most of the episodes from season four of The O.C. were taken down on YouTube. After some clicking around I did end up finding the episode I wanted to watch, but it only gives another example of licensing issue that YouTube has been having with content from major media companies like NBC, and FOX.
But will YouTube stay a site of personal videos and “hidden” illegal content for long? In a recent New York Times article, YouTube is reported to have been signing smaller partnerships in order to deliver free content to YouTube viewers. It is recorded that about 200 small media companies have been added.
For example YouTube made a deal with the NBA, so that the NBA could put out authorized videos, and fans could add their own clips. Wind-up records also made a deal with YouTube so the record company could stream their music for people who wanted to make their own videos with the music.
According to YouTube, though, most of these deals are being made privately. There have been over 1000 dealings that YouTube and Google has made with media companies. A quote from the article linked above reads, “[T]he deals are a sign that a growing number of companies are becoming comfortable with displaying their content on the site”.
So, will big media companies eventually realize that their viewers want the free content for the taking? Only time will tell. Consumers will always get their way in the end, and these small dealings that YouTube has been initiating is just the beginning of a possible revolution in the music and media world.
But will YouTube stay a site of personal videos and “hidden” illegal content for long? In a recent New York Times article, YouTube is reported to have been signing smaller partnerships in order to deliver free content to YouTube viewers. It is recorded that about 200 small media companies have been added.
For example YouTube made a deal with the NBA, so that the NBA could put out authorized videos, and fans could add their own clips. Wind-up records also made a deal with YouTube so the record company could stream their music for people who wanted to make their own videos with the music.
According to YouTube, though, most of these deals are being made privately. There have been over 1000 dealings that YouTube and Google has made with media companies. A quote from the article linked above reads, “[T]he deals are a sign that a growing number of companies are becoming comfortable with displaying their content on the site”.
So, will big media companies eventually realize that their viewers want the free content for the taking? Only time will tell. Consumers will always get their way in the end, and these small dealings that YouTube has been initiating is just the beginning of a possible revolution in the music and media world.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Radio is too afraid to open Pandora's Box
It is obvious that radio is losing momentum. Fewer and fewer listeners are tuning in to discover new music, and, instead, turning to the internet. One website that has embraced the discovery of music on the internet is Pandora.com. (Article about internet music discovery)
The creators of Pandora went to great lengths to figure out the “DNA” of the music and songs, and figured out a way to match them up with songs and artists with similar qualities. Just type in an artist and Pandora will play songs by artists that sound alike (more about it here. I have even found it a fun and interesting way to discover new bands that I would have not necessarily have heard of. If you don’t like a song, you can tell Pandora to stop playing it. Or you can encourage it to play more songs like the ones that you enjoy.
So, what does this mean for the future of music? Pandora certainly hasn’t gotten enough popularity to change the face of music. Or has it? If radio wants listeners back, they need to do something innovative and drastic to lure people in. If radio would embrace the idea that Pandora had originally, they might find that listeners are ready for a change.
Pandora is simple, easy and free. Exactly what a Gen Y-ers wants. However, the idea Pandora will become outdated if it doesn’t become mobile. There is already an item called “Squeezebox” that allows you to stream Pandora through your home speaker system, but that is not nearly enough to make a difference. Pandora or something similar on a mobile device? It could be the answer the radio is looking for. Only time will tell whether the face of terrestrial radio will form into something like Pandora. If only the radio stations were willing to give up their old ways, and try something new.
The creators of Pandora went to great lengths to figure out the “DNA” of the music and songs, and figured out a way to match them up with songs and artists with similar qualities. Just type in an artist and Pandora will play songs by artists that sound alike (more about it here. I have even found it a fun and interesting way to discover new bands that I would have not necessarily have heard of. If you don’t like a song, you can tell Pandora to stop playing it. Or you can encourage it to play more songs like the ones that you enjoy.
So, what does this mean for the future of music? Pandora certainly hasn’t gotten enough popularity to change the face of music. Or has it? If radio wants listeners back, they need to do something innovative and drastic to lure people in. If radio would embrace the idea that Pandora had originally, they might find that listeners are ready for a change.
Pandora is simple, easy and free. Exactly what a Gen Y-ers wants. However, the idea Pandora will become outdated if it doesn’t become mobile. There is already an item called “Squeezebox” that allows you to stream Pandora through your home speaker system, but that is not nearly enough to make a difference. Pandora or something similar on a mobile device? It could be the answer the radio is looking for. Only time will tell whether the face of terrestrial radio will form into something like Pandora. If only the radio stations were willing to give up their old ways, and try something new.
Picture this...
What would social networking sites be without photos? Well, they would certainly be a lot less interesting. Photo hosting websites are growing with the current rise of social networking sites. They are even rivaling photo-printing companies such as Kodak.
For example, Photobucket.com is a common choice for many social networkers. In 2005 Photobucket had around 12.2 million visitors, while Yahoo’s photo website had 9.6 million, and Kodak had only 5.9 million. And Photobucket doesn’t even sell prints.
Photobucket must be doing something right. In an article from 2005, the writer states, “Photobucket said it is targeting a younger audience, including teenagers looking to dress up their blog”. Yes, exactly. Photobucket facilitates the process of posting your own photos on a blog, or a message board by providing the direct link of the picture, and html tag, and an IMG code (used on some message boards) right next to the uploaded photo. And it’s free. What more could a Gen Y-er want?
It only gets better for the social networker. The article linked above is from 2005, and since then, Photobucket has given all registered members more space to store their photos, and the ability to upload videos.
Photobucket’s challenge is to find an efficient way to make money off their popularity. They offer a premium membership that costs $25 a year, but the statistics of how many people took advantage of the offer were not released. The site is currently relying on ads, which has proven to be a bit of a risk. Photo sharing sites in the 90’s tried to rely on just ads, but their endeavors proved unsuccessful.
However, Alex Welch, the creator of Photobucket was quoted saying, “Young people, in my mind, drive innovation”. As long as social networks remain popular, Photobucket will not lose its success.
For example, Photobucket.com is a common choice for many social networkers. In 2005 Photobucket had around 12.2 million visitors, while Yahoo’s photo website had 9.6 million, and Kodak had only 5.9 million. And Photobucket doesn’t even sell prints.
Photobucket must be doing something right. In an article from 2005, the writer states, “Photobucket said it is targeting a younger audience, including teenagers looking to dress up their blog”. Yes, exactly. Photobucket facilitates the process of posting your own photos on a blog, or a message board by providing the direct link of the picture, and html tag, and an IMG code (used on some message boards) right next to the uploaded photo. And it’s free. What more could a Gen Y-er want?
It only gets better for the social networker. The article linked above is from 2005, and since then, Photobucket has given all registered members more space to store their photos, and the ability to upload videos.
Photobucket’s challenge is to find an efficient way to make money off their popularity. They offer a premium membership that costs $25 a year, but the statistics of how many people took advantage of the offer were not released. The site is currently relying on ads, which has proven to be a bit of a risk. Photo sharing sites in the 90’s tried to rely on just ads, but their endeavors proved unsuccessful.
However, Alex Welch, the creator of Photobucket was quoted saying, “Young people, in my mind, drive innovation”. As long as social networks remain popular, Photobucket will not lose its success.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Hey, Social Networker. Buy this!
Advertisements are popping up and have been popping all over social networking sites. Sites such as Facebook and MySpace seem like the opportune way to get a product out to the younger generation since so many Generation Y-ers are tuned into those sites. But are the consumers actually buying what they see on their MySpace page?
An article that can be found here addressed the fact that companies are targeting 18-24 year olds through ads on blogs and social networking site. The sites are described as “built for specific interest groups”, making it even easier for the advertiser to find consumers. It makes sense. Google has done something similar with their Gmail by making ads pop up that have to do with certain key words in emails that you write. An article, here, shows how big companies, like Ebay, are running to get their name on sites like MySpace.
But are these ads effective? One would think so because they are targeting specific consumers. However, is Generation Y even going to notice them? In the article posted here social networkers are said to be “immune” to ads on sites. Most people are still said to rely on word-of-mouth references, and not offers from ads.
Only time will tell if advertisements on social networking sites will have a positive impact on companies, but the only sure way to lure in the young generation is to come with something new: something that will catch the eye of the young consumer, and not something he or she will just dismiss as another cliché advertisement.
An article that can be found here addressed the fact that companies are targeting 18-24 year olds through ads on blogs and social networking site. The sites are described as “built for specific interest groups”, making it even easier for the advertiser to find consumers. It makes sense. Google has done something similar with their Gmail by making ads pop up that have to do with certain key words in emails that you write. An article, here, shows how big companies, like Ebay, are running to get their name on sites like MySpace.
But are these ads effective? One would think so because they are targeting specific consumers. However, is Generation Y even going to notice them? In the article posted here social networkers are said to be “immune” to ads on sites. Most people are still said to rely on word-of-mouth references, and not offers from ads.
Only time will tell if advertisements on social networking sites will have a positive impact on companies, but the only sure way to lure in the young generation is to come with something new: something that will catch the eye of the young consumer, and not something he or she will just dismiss as another cliché advertisement.
Need a Job? Fix up that Facebook.
In this day and age, you can’t simply walk into a job interview, show the interviewer your resume and grades from school, and expect to get the job. There are other things you should consider. Some companies and colleges are searching for their potential candidates online through Google and Yahoo, and they have even started looking on social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.
Companies who have found something outrageous about an individual through social networking sites, have turned down many students. A student by the name of Tien Nguyen didn’t get any invitations for job interviews until he took down and satirical essay he wrote called “Lying your way to the top” that could be found when reasearching his name on Google. He responded by saying “I never really considered that employers would do something like that…I thought they would just look at your résumé and grades”. More on his story and others can be found in this New York Times article from June 2006. Even more cases are listed here.
So are companies and colleges stalking students? Shouldn’t profiles on social networks be part the student’s private life? Well, that’s the debate. If you are putting explicit stories about your sexual endeavors and pictures of yourself holding beer bottles for everyone on the internet to see, then why shouldn’t companies and colleges get involved? Social networking isn’t exactly new any more, but it is still something society has to get used to. If it’s there for the public to see, there will be consequences. We should all be more careful about what we post and write on the internet, because you never know how it will come back to haunt you.
Companies who have found something outrageous about an individual through social networking sites, have turned down many students. A student by the name of Tien Nguyen didn’t get any invitations for job interviews until he took down and satirical essay he wrote called “Lying your way to the top” that could be found when reasearching his name on Google. He responded by saying “I never really considered that employers would do something like that…I thought they would just look at your résumé and grades”. More on his story and others can be found in this New York Times article from June 2006. Even more cases are listed here.
So are companies and colleges stalking students? Shouldn’t profiles on social networks be part the student’s private life? Well, that’s the debate. If you are putting explicit stories about your sexual endeavors and pictures of yourself holding beer bottles for everyone on the internet to see, then why shouldn’t companies and colleges get involved? Social networking isn’t exactly new any more, but it is still something society has to get used to. If it’s there for the public to see, there will be consequences. We should all be more careful about what we post and write on the internet, because you never know how it will come back to haunt you.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
The "Shoes" Virus
Go to Google and type in, simply, “shoes”. I guarantee that the second website listed as a search result will give you this:
“Shoes” is yet another “viral” video that was passed on by people who linked and posted it on their websites, message boards, and blogs. Yes, it might be absurd, but I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve been told about this video or seen it mentioned somewhere on the Internet. The statistics on YouTube say that this particular video has been viewed 10,280,342 times.
The creator, Liam Sullivan (his website can be found here), who has been had a few small roles on T.V. shows and creates other comedic skits, did what any smart Internet savvy individual would do: promote his video through social networking sites. “Kelly’s” music myspace page (myspace.com/kellylikesshoes) is nothing short of successful, with 90,900+ friends and over 4 million plays on the music player. Sullivan can post and inform people about new videos and songs, as well as tour dates (yes, “Kelly” even has shows). You can even buy the music on iTunes.
These impressive numbers that are reflected with just one video like this goes to show the magnitude and influence that social networks have. Without a site like YouTube, this video would never have been able to be viewed. Without sites like MySpace, the video would not have spread so quickly. “Shoes” is a true definition of a “Viral Video”.
“Shoes” is yet another “viral” video that was passed on by people who linked and posted it on their websites, message boards, and blogs. Yes, it might be absurd, but I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve been told about this video or seen it mentioned somewhere on the Internet. The statistics on YouTube say that this particular video has been viewed 10,280,342 times.
The creator, Liam Sullivan (his website can be found here), who has been had a few small roles on T.V. shows and creates other comedic skits, did what any smart Internet savvy individual would do: promote his video through social networking sites. “Kelly’s” music myspace page (myspace.com/kellylikesshoes) is nothing short of successful, with 90,900+ friends and over 4 million plays on the music player. Sullivan can post and inform people about new videos and songs, as well as tour dates (yes, “Kelly” even has shows). You can even buy the music on iTunes.
These impressive numbers that are reflected with just one video like this goes to show the magnitude and influence that social networks have. Without a site like YouTube, this video would never have been able to be viewed. Without sites like MySpace, the video would not have spread so quickly. “Shoes” is a true definition of a “Viral Video”.
Social Networking: the Present
Social networking has changed the face of communication and the Internet over the past few years. Sites such as Myspace and Facebook add a whole new dimension to socializing and discovery, while growing more popular by the day. 48% of teens surveyed said that they visited social networking sites, and 37% of just the 12 and 13 years old alone said that they have created online profiles. Myspace is said to have about 145 million users (article). So, why are these sites creating such a phenomenon on the internet? Well, they allow people to find what they're looking for when when they want it. Music and videos and media in general have taken on a new edge because of "word of mouth" through these networks. If you see a new music video on T.V., chances are it will be up on YouTube within a few hours. Hear a new band? Google their name, or check them out on Myspace. Social networks also allow people to find and socialize with others who have the same specific interests, something that was extremely difficult to do just a decade ago. Social networking is not going away, and the world is becoming smaller because of it. We are connected and plugged in to so many different outlets it's almost overwhelming. But with so much information, media, and communication at our fingertips, there is a lot to gain. We just have to find the time to explore and enjoy it all.
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