Nerd Alert North

The Digital Midas Touch

2007-01-17T11:59:00.000-05:00

Do the names Janus Friis and Niklas Zennström mean anything to you? Probably not. But I'm sure the names Kazaa and Skype do.

Friis and Zennstrom are the brains behind both successful digital companies, revolutionary businesses that changed the way we share media and make phone calls. Now the two are set to launch Joost (formerly known as The Venice Project), which very well could change the way we watch television. Joost streams television to portables, desktops and televisions via broadband. Much like what Skype could (with widespread adoption) do to the landline, Joost has the potential (with widespread adoption) to put an end to the cable box (as we know it.)

Check out Wired's very interesting article today looking at the two visionaries and their newest baby. Chances are the public is already ready for it, even more so than when Kazaa and Skype made their debuts.

Use It or Lose It

2007-01-15T00:06:00.000-05:00

Just days after making Apple look like trademark amateurs, reports are stating that Cisco may have indeed lost the trademark rights to the term "iPhone" due to lack of distinguishable usage.

What next? Less than a week after launch the whole situation already has more twists and turns than a Chubby Checker marathon. What else can happen between now and the time the phone is actually available to the public?

Who Will Decide the Outcome of the Format War? The Porn Industry, That's Who

2007-01-12T09:35:00.000-05:00

Tisk tisk Sony. Letting your morals get in the way of your success... again. Word has it that Sony has shut out the pornography industry from releasing their plot-driven, riveting titles on the Blu-Ray format discs. Does this sound familiar?

During the last major format war, Sony took the same stance when they decided that pornography did not uphold the integrity that the Betamax stood for. However, those backing the VHS saw the business opportunity and went for it, allowing smut mavens worldwide to spread the love via VHS.

We saw the results, as up until the DVD came along and put the format to bed, most of you were perfectly happy watching classics like Home Alone, Beauty and the Beast and Mary Poppins on your VHS. Many of you still have your VHS collections stored away, in the event of a rainy day. And yet most of you never realized that a big part of the reason your VHS beat the Betamax was thanks to the porn industry's penetration of mainstream culture via the VHS.

Odds are, just like with the Betamax, this decision is going to weight heavily on which format ultimately comes out on top. For me, this example raises a few interesting question.

First, does this decision really make Sony any more ethical than the HD DVD's backers?

Second, is business ethics just a misnomer?

Third, does allowing or not allowing a format to carry a certain type of material make it more ethical than others? Is glossy paper unethical because most nudey mags are printed on it? Are computers unethical because the provide a forum for pornography to be viewed? Are MPEGs and P2P networks the devil because the provide quick and easy access to free smut?

One thing is for certain: Sony's position on pornography is not going to bring the industry to its knees, and it definitely won't be the cause of it's demise. However, their stance may just be that to the Blu-Ray.

So in closing, congratulations to Sony for taking a moral and ethical stance on the content that will be available via the Blu-Ray.

My question is, will it really be worth it?

Who Benefits Most from the iPhone?

2007-01-11T15:24:00.000-05:00

Early indication is that it'll Rogers, not bell/Aliant or Telus, who'll be the carrier pulling in that sweet data plan coin when the iPhone rolls into town. Apple stated today that they have no plans to release the iPhone on the CDMA network, instead opting to keep with the GSM format.. .at least for now. As such, default win goes to Rogers.

All you Bell or Telus fans dissapointed by this, think of it this way - if the iPhone is massively popular in Canada, with Rogers being the only carrier, the excess cash that will be spewing from Ted Roger's fat pockets may mean more love (and money) going to our Blue Jays! Is there anything better than that?

Trouble in Paradise

2007-01-10T22:05:00.000-05:00

Seemingly lost to most amidst the drooling and ogling over yesterday's monumental Apple iPhone release (I'd link to it but frankly, you couldn't trip over a newspaper, blog, website or newscast without hearing about it) was that pesky minor controversy of the trademark rights to the name "iPhone".

For those that forgot (or missed it altogether), in mid-December Linksys, a Cisco brand, unveiled their "iPhone" - a VoIP phone - and made some minor waves because of the name. Turns out Cisco has had the trademark since a 2000 acquisition, and while Apple and Cisco had been in negotiations over the name for the past few years (heavily over the past few weeks), Mr. Jobs went ahead and captured the attention of the world with a product that's infringing on a trademark. Today, Cisco formally filed suit and now things appear to be up in the air.

Is iMobile still available? How about iCell? or iBuy?

I Stand Corrected

2007-01-09T17:22:00.000-05:00

That is to say, I was standing, was knocked flat on my ass, and then pulled my embarrassed ass back up for a second look.

Talk about a sexy looking phone. I must admit, with all the hype that’s been surrounding the iPhone for months, I was a little sceptical as to whether or not they could pull it off. And sure enough, they did. They went above and beyond.

It’ll be pricey to start ($599 for the 8GB model at launch) but who doubts the potential this phone will have once it hits the market? One thing’s for sure - when this baby makes it to Canada, odds are I’ll be doing what I can to get to the front of the line.

From a market standpoint, early indication is the competition should be just a bit worried... gratned it's early, so who knows what RIM could do to the Pearl before the iPhone makes it to the market....

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

2007-01-02T13:30:00.000-05:00

First off, Merry hoho and Happy New Year to all of you who celebrated this holiday season. Thanks to a combination of family, friends, exhaustion, champagne and Bailey's Caramel on the rocks, I've been quiet on the blogging front (I felt I'd spare you the alcohol- and chocolate- fueled mutterings this season.) But now it's back to it, so without further adieu... here's a quick look back on 2006 and a quick look forward to 2007...

Looking Back - 2006 - Everything 2.0

1) What do you get when you cross mainstream popularity with an undefined business model? a $1.65 Billion payday
In October, amidst many online rumours, Google offered up a mind-boggling paycheck ($1.65 Billion) to acquire YouTube, the net's ultimate online video sharing database. The site that makes everyone a star had yet to sign any substantial copyright deals and couldn't really display where their revenue opportunities are, but displayed enough to become one of the biggest acquisition stories of the year. Users question whether the purchase will make the site better or worse, as competition sprouts up in every direction.

2) Google Officially Begins it's Conquest of the World
Soaring stock, big ticket acquisitions, entering new markets. 2006 marked the year when almost nothing could go wrong for the company. A decade ago a senior exec from Sun Micro handed these guys a fat check after only ten minutes of a presentation. That check could turn out to be one of the smartest investments of all time.

3) Console War Begins... with a Shortage of Ammunition
PS3 spends most of the year being held up and getting slammed by the public. Wii catches everyone's eye with it's innovation and reinstills faith in a badly-beaten Nintendo. The consoles launch a week apart with mass shortages on both sides. Gamers who got their hands on either turn them around for small ransoms or claim neighbourhood bragging rights to close off 2006. Predictions run wild on whether the Wii, 360 or PS3 will ultimately win this generation of the console wars, even though all three are firmly in premature stages of adoption. Casual gamers worldwide sit back, play Madden 07 on their PS2s and wait until prices become reasonable and the HD-DVD/BluRay battle clears up before flocking to the stores to determine the big winner. On a side note, while Sony made it to market first this time, Nintendo promptly took a page out of their book and prempted Sony by issuing the first recall. Take that, Sony!

4) Citizen Media Beats Up on Traditional Media
The increase in attention to and use of online vehicles like blogs, videosharing, podcasting, etc starts to take it's toll on traditional media, as more and more mainstays see ad revenue drop almost as fast as readership. News outlets do what they can to keep up with the trend, with some (The Guardian, BBC, Reuters) leading the way and others (insert mainstay here) lagging behind.

5) When One Life Just Isn't Enough....
With a huge spike in media attention in the second half of 2006, Second Life has now become a part of the mainstream... sort of. Doubling in size (over two million residents today) in less than a year, Second Life has seen the big boys of first life's corporate world - Coke, adidas, Toyota, IBM, etc - make a big push into the virtual world. Even Rueters set up a virtual world, reporting on "in-world" happenings with their very own SL correspondent, Adam Reuters.

Looking Ahead - 2007 - Evolution 2.0

1) Bubble Bath
Talk of Web 2.0 turning into bubble 2.0 will be a hot topic this year as more and more similarities to the late 90's seem evident. However, lessons learned from last time will help curb worries and adoption of Web 2.0 applications will continue to rise.

2) The Blogosphere Keeps Growing... by Retracting?
Growth in overall numbers of blogs begins to plateau, as every Tom, Dick and Jane stop creating short lived blogs and dedicated bloggers continue to improve and contribute. Overall summary - tangible growth (like overall numbers) will decline, while intangible growth (like quality, accuracy and interest) will increase, helping to cement blogging as more than a fad in the eyes of most non-believers.

3) Shape Up and Sell Off
Another year, another step closer to effective business models. As more and more start ups start to accurately display their value propositions and clearly describe their business paths and revenue opportunities, many more acquisitions (including several high-profile) will take place. Most likely companies to be acquired? Facebook, digg, Technorati. Deep pockets could also nab a TechMeme or Wordpress. Nerd Alert North continues to fight off suitors, waiting for an estimated $2 billion offering before sitting down at the discussion table. Likelihood of acquisition? Minimal.

4) Console Me
Like the masses, I give in and finally buy a new console to replace my dying PS2. Brand loyalty and faith in the BluRay format lead me to overpay for a PS3, which I believe will reduce costs slightly by Q3 and introduce a motion-sensor controller by the holiday season (which i won't likely be able to get my hands on until Q2 2008). Wii-staria dies down while PS3 adoption picks up and 360 adoption stays steady. Ps3 outsells Wii and 360, but not by much. Overall sales to date will still rank 360 (thanks to being first-to-market) ahead of PS3 and Wii at year's end, but all remain incredibly tight until late 2008.

5) Not Your Son or Daughter's 2.0
Much like Web 2.0 saw this year, 2007 displays big progress for Enterprise 2.0, as more companies investigate, determine and act on the opportunities the applications bring to the corporation. Wikis for knowledge management, intranet blogs and corporate networking for employee communications, even podcasts and vidcasts for instructional training at your desktop. 2007 marks the year The Man sees what the people saw in 2006 - a fundamental shift in the way we operate - and start to apply it to the way they operate.

Enterprise 2.0: From Talk to Tactic in 2007?

2006-12-20T10:16:00.000-05:00

I've been a big advocate of Web 2.0 and it's potential in the enterprise for some time now, but I find that more often than not when broaching the subject my POV ends up being shot down as unrealistic. True, up to this point Enterprise 2.0 hasn't seen much traction on a large scale, but the foundation looks to be in place for 2007 to be the year it breaks out from a good idea without fundamentals to a strong adoption possibility for many companies.

Whether it be small start-up developers with big ideas or large vendors with a focus on small business, Enterprise 2.0 applications are poised for a big year, and those who have drank the kool-aid can expect to be a part of the upswing in the near future.

For those of you without much knowledge of the concept and movement behind Enterprise 2.0, Dion Hinchcliffe from ZDNet has a great post today looking back at the year in Enterprise 2.0. As well, Jevon MacDonald of Firestoker (and Enterprise 2.0 developer) makes a few interesting and well-thought out predictions for what to expect in 2007.

Why I Hate My Friends

2006-12-20T09:28:00.000-05:00

My friend, who shall remain nameless, is in a band and looking for album cover ideas. I made what I thought was a generous, thoughtful, and insightful suggestion to him first thing this morning. Within ten minutes, this is what my generosity and thoughtfulness received in return:

As you can see, there are more than one reason as to why I do not have a flickr account. First, and foremost reason I don't, though, is because I have friends who are far too good at photoshop and far too bad to their buddies.

Canucks Lead The Way....

2006-12-19T09:21:00.000-05:00

comScore Media Metrix have released their latest stats on blog penetration, and surprise surprise it's us crazy Canucks leading the way. In October, more than 58% of all Canadian internet users visited blogs - 20% more of total users than our friends south of the border.

It's about TIME: You named Person of the Year

2006-12-18T09:55:00.000-05:00

TIME Magazine has announced it's 2006 Person of the Year, and low-and-behold, it's YOU! Congratulations. That's some pretty heavy class you've just joined, putting you in the same company as Bill Clinton, Pope John Paul II, Martin Luther King Jr., JFK, Mohandas Ghandi, and even G.I. Joe.

Okay, so by "You", they're referring to the collective masses that have created Web 2.0, be it by creating or consuming content through outlets such as blogs, RSS, YouTube, MySpace, etc. etc. etc.

But just because the "You" referred to isn't inclusive to just "you", you should give yourself a pat on the back for the role "you" played in it. Without all the "yous" that make up the collective "You", "You" wouldn't really matter at all, now would you?

I think it's best summed up in this one line, direct from the article: "For seizing the reins of the global media, for founding and framing the new digital democracy, for working for nothing and beating the pros at their own game, TIME's Person of the Year for 2006 is you."

Maybe it's not a big deal to "you" or "you" or "you", but for "You" this is quite a feat. We can only imagine what 2007 might bring.

Apple Gets iPunked

2006-12-18T09:32:00.000-05:00

After months of speculation, rumours and hearsay, the iPhone was FINALLY formally announced today.

Since early '06, people have been speculating on when it'll be available, what it'll look like, what features and functionality will be included and at what cost. Seemingly everything about the iPhone was a hot topic and the masses all had their own opinion about every aspect.

The long-standing global dialogue basically meant that there was no stone unturned and that odds are when the announcement came, there wouldn't be any surprises. Well, well. Looks like one stone was left unturned.

The iPhone was launched today, but NOT by Apple. Linksys, one of the Cisco brands, has launched the wireless iPhone, a VoiP based phone that will utilize Skype for free or low-cost long distance calls.

So, is this a branding coup of great proportions? Well, reports from October (which helped to fuel the iPhone fire) revealed that Apple had actually trademarked the term iPhone in numerous countries.

So, does this mean those reports were bogus, or was GB one of the countries where they couldn't get the trademark? We'll probably find out over the coming days...

Last Night...

2006-12-12T15:27:00.000-05:00

I sat at home and did something I NEVER do - I watched two full, uninterrupted hours of the CBC.

CBC you ask? WTF? Why?

I'll tell you why - in less than 15 words no less: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Is there something wrong with the fact that a grown man, in his mid-twenties, opted out of plans in order to sit on his couch, drink a beer and watch children's Christmas programming? I think not.

With so much "entertainment" in production today, these three Christmas favorites may be three of the only shows ever produced that are watched religiously by the masses. I got no less than six email reminders yesterday that CBC had this lineup tonight, coming from people who have words like Senior Vice President, Director, etc. in their business titles.

No one is fooled into thinking the animation is spectacular. I mean, all three were made in the fifties and sixties. But they all resonate with so many people, who regardless of their station in life can remember sitting in their PJ's, eating milk and cookies and watching the Grinch's heart grow three sizes, Frosty sacrificing himself for the safety of his young friend, or good old Yukon Cornelius tumbling over a ledge to defeat the Abominable Monster of the North. Talk about sustainable entertainment.

Now, if only as many people would have been introduced to Arrested Development as were to these three, there'd be some REALLY good programming on television these days.

Lets Face It....

2006-12-05T10:26:00.000-05:00

The military has some crazy $#!^ that we'll probably never hear about. However, every now and then you do get to hear about some device that's been designed to "keep us safe from the enemy", or whatever their PR warchest has created as the key message for the month.

What's more worrisome - the fact that these weapons, which sound right out of a cartoon, are ready for military deployment, or the fact that I don't need an ADS to create the "Goodbye Effect" on most women? That is, unless you consider personality (or lack thereof) to be a weapon...

Matt Good on World AIDS Day

2006-12-01T15:13:00.000-05:00

Another brilliant post by Matt Good today that I couldn't help but share with you, my dedicated, causeful readers. From Matt's blog:

"There is no denying that AIDS is a global epidemic and that its eradication should be a serious and highly urgent global effort. So isn’t it heartbreaking to think that globally over a trillion dollars a year is spent on armaments to kill perfectly healthy people?

Perhaps the earth is simply tired of us. Of all the animals in creation, we serve the least purpose, and our lack of humanity tends to demonstrate that on a daily basis when it comes to the fight against AIDS, especially in those parts of the world where help is needed most. If there was ever a greater need for a world super power to unilaterally and preemptively invade a region of the world, surely this cause is of far greater import than most. The ground troops of such a force could be populated by medical personnel, the stated goal of the mission to help the dispossessed who have thus far suffered under the ignorance of those who refuse to deal with the realities of this epidemic. That is an invasion that I would support, illegal or not.

Perhaps the earth is simply tired of us. Perhaps that is why the Ross Ice Shelf, which is the size of France, could, at any time, simply break off of the Antarctic continent causing global water levels to rise dramatically. Not that that should deter us from making any radical changes in our lives. Not that it should stop us from spending a trillion dollars a year on fascinating new ways of killing one another."

Honest, brutal truth. It's good to know that it's coming from somewhere these days.

You Learn Something New Every Day

2006-11-29T14:58:00.000-05:00

I've never been big on photography. Neither taking photos or viewing them have ever been much of a passion, except to see how ridiculous I looked in my fat stage at 13 or how innocent I looked back before I turned into a complete and utter self-serving jackass (mostly photos taken by my mother pre-1987).

In my entire life, I have taken three series of photos. One from a particularly fun and intoxicated May 2-4 weekend when I was 18. One from a particularly dressy and intoxicated High School Prom. One from a particularly cold and intoxicated New Year's trip to Montreal. When I woke up on New Year's Day, 2002, I subconsciously made the decision to never care about taking another photograph ever again. Until now.

I've started getting into photoblogs lately, and a few are making me itch to get my hands on a high-power camera and go out and start taking some shots. Granted, knowing very little about cameras and having very little creative or artistic ability, I'm sure I won't be producing enough to make the purchase all that worthwhile for a good amount of time. But hey, who knows, maybe I'll discover a hidden talent. I mean, everybody has a talent, right? I'd like to think that my current talents of well-timed smart ass remarks and the ability to drink in excess without second thought to the ever-worsening condition of my liver are just the tip of the iceberg.

A few of my favorites so far:

Daily Dose of Imagery

Apparently Nothing

eP - emptyPictures

If you know of any other really good ones, send me a link. I'm turning into a junky.

Sex Cells...

2006-11-29T13:57:00.000-05:00

Those crazy Europeans. Looks like their insatiable lust for barely-legal hardcore pornography is spurring quite the lucrative digital industry - a mobile pornography industry, to be exact.

Today, the industry is worth about $1.4 billion. By 2011 it should be up to the $3.3 billion mark, as estimated by Juniper Research, who obviously realized that the age old adage "sex sells" also applies to research papers.

You know, there have been a lot of times where I've been out and about and thought to myself "you know what would make this walk even better? Some hard core pornography". Now it looks like that won't just be a pipe dream after all. Just open up the web browser on my cell and let the good times begin!

Only problem is, I hate the fact that it costs me 15 cents to send a text message on my current plan. Just think about the cost of a 2 and a half minute porno pick-me-up! It could easily be a slippery slope to the equally exciting world of bankruptcy!

However, this does sounds like good news for smut peddlers worldwide, who I'm sure had to have been a little disappointed only a few weeks ago, when they found out that their once dominant market share online has dwindled to a measly one per cent of all web content. See what happens when "user-generated content" gets out of hand? The pioneers of this online world find themselves having a difficult time keeping up with expansion. No pun intended.

A Heartfelt Letter to a New Acquaintance

2006-11-28T15:26:00.000-05:00

Dear Nicorette,

My name is Matt. We met a few days ago, and have been spending an awful lot of time together since. In this time, I feel we've gotten to know each other quite intimately. That's moving rather fast for a humble man such as myself, yet I feel compelled to overcome my urges and avoid taking a step back in our relationship.

You see, I had heard all about you before. I knew all the rumours. I listened to the good, and I paid close attention to the bad. To be fair, I expected the ugly. I didn't think it would be this ugly.

You see, over the past decade I had developed a very strong relationship with your counterpart, cigarette. We got along quite well. Cig (as I affectionately call her) was always there for me, in good times and in bad, helping to elate my joys and ease my troubles. Whether it was drinks with the friends or a quiet night in, I always knew that I was sharing my time with somebody who really understood me. Who really knew me. Who really loved me.

Today I am saddened. It's tough to say goodbye to anyone who's been a part of your life for ten years, regardless of the amount of time you spent with them. But Cig was a big part of my life, so it'll be especially tough times over the coming weeks. She knows she's being replaced and isn't happy about it. It puts me in quite a bind to see her pained so.

Are you proud of yourself, Nicorette? Do you feel you offer everything that Cig does, with a cool minty flavour to boot? Well I'm here to tell you - you don't. You don't offer me any social benefits. You don't soothe my cravings or ease my worries. You don't even make my breath any fresher with your nicotine and tar aftertaste. What you do is bother me, and to no end.

In short, Nicorette, you suck. Cigarette was way cooler than you. But, we're stuck together for now, so let's try and make the most of it, okay? Just keep in mind one thing, though - you really, really do suck. I'll be glad when you're gone for good, unlike my dearly departed friend Cig.

Sincerely,
Matt

p.s. you REALLY suck. Just thought I'd say it again.
p.p.s. I was so angry while writing this that I had the urge to have a cigarette. Instead, I popped a Nicorette. The only thing worse than bitter gum is bitter irony.

Shameless Plug

2006-11-24T17:21:00.000-05:00

If you happen to find yourself if Niagara Falls this weekend, swing by the House of Comedy @ the Americana on Lundy's Lane for the hottest new comic in Canada, Marc Sinodinos.

He may be ugly, and he may smell pretty bad, but damn can this red-headed Greek Adonis make you laugh.

Falling off the Wagon...

2006-11-24T13:17:00.000-05:00

I've been getting harassed by some of my faithful readers (all dozen of you) for not posting much lately. Okay, at all lately. It's not because I haven't wanted to post - it's far from it. It's just because, for some reason, I haven't had much to say on things lately. Call it bloggers block, or something to that end.

The creative juices have been zapped, and I'm not altogether sure why.

So, in an effort to get out of this self-imposed funk, let me chime in on all the cool stuff I've seen but have been too tuned out to write on over the past nine days. This may not be pretty, and is sure to be pretty random, but bear with me. I gotta try something to get out of this funk.

The Peanut Butter Manifesto. Good stuff. My take? It didn't work so well for Jerry Maguire. Lets hope it works better for you, Brad.

The week of PS3 and Wii. Both, as expected, officially launched to rave reviews from gamers worldwide. Those who were lucky enough to ge their hands on one get to brag to all their friends for months, until more shipments are made, or regift them for a tidy little profit.

digg and Deceit. A fake Reuters story, reporting that 650,000 PS3 units would neeed to be recalled, made it's way to the top of the food chain on digg earlier this week. When it came out that the story was a hoax, digg promptly removed it from their website. Not to fear though, because only days later Sony did issue another recall, only for a camera. Good to know that the company, while seemingly walking into #@$#storms left and right, is at least being consistant.

Russian spy dies in London. Isn't this a really extreme way to promote the launch of Casino Royale? Hey, give it up to the marketers that were willing to take it to the next level.

Speaking of marketers, a recent survey by Zoomerang says that 79% of marketers are unfamiliar with the term Web 2.0. At first I wasn't going to say anything negative about this. Then I realized - Hell, it's not like they're going to see this anyway. Do your #$#%$#% jobs, people.

I started reading "The Long Tail" by Chris Anderson this week. Fascinating book. A must read for anyone who considers themselves a part of the business world. A must read right away for that 79% mentioned above.

Big payday for the Big Hurt: Franky T is coming to Toronto. Not since Roger Clemens have we had a player that has very own video game named after him. Only problem is Frank Thomas' video game (Big Hurt Baseball for anyone who wasn't part of the Sega Genesis generation) was released a decade ago, back when he truly was a force. Two injury ruined years + one comeback year (39 dingers is nothing to sneeze at) = 2 years, $18 million for a 38-year old DH. Ballsy move, Riccardi.

There's about thirty additional little snippets I'd discuss, but hey, just cause I need to break out of a funk doesn't mean I need to put you to sleep. Thanks for the harassment... I needed it.

An Almost-Perfect Economy

2006-11-15T15:04:00.000-05:00

Did anybody else see this coming? With programs that can crash major networks coming through emails and hackers that can infiltrate the safest networks, did nobody think that sooner rather than later somebody was going to come up with something that would fuck with our favorite virtual world, Second Life?

CopyBot, a program designed to let users (surprise, surprise) copy inventory from the virtual world without having to pay for it has the million-plus users of SL in an uproar. Businessess are closing shop. Users are going nuts. Who knows? There could even be riots in the virtual streets. It isn't out of the question - there's already protests going on.

Could this be the beginning of the end of another great idea? Doubtful. Linden Labs, the creators of Second Life, look to be on it.

Turning the Tables....

2006-11-15T13:21:00.000-05:00

Talk about irony. YouTube, one of the darling's of Web 2.0 applications and the newest property of Google, is trying to play the other side of the field. Consistantly lambasted with copyright infringement questions, YT has sent a "Cease & Desist" to TechCrunch's Michael Arrington, one of the darling's of Web 2.0 business, stating that an application TC created infringes on THEIR copyrights. You can read the actual letter in full here.

Not long ago, TechCrunch developed a small tool that lets people download YouTube videos to their hard drives. They did so after reviewing YouTube's Terms of Use and determining that the application would not be in conflict with any legalities.

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. It should be interesting to see how this plays out.

In other YouTubeNews: It's being reported that Google has set aside $200 million in escrow from the $1.65 billion deal for one year, in an obvious legal fund to fight the pending copyright infringement claims they are sure to (or already have) rolling in.

Which has me wondering: Have they issued the cease and desist to TechCrunch in an attempt to a) take action on an action they feel wrongs the company, b) recoup some of the money they're certain to have to pay out or c) get a taste of being on the other side of the claim, as research for when they're pulled in themselves?

Second Life - The Time to Buy is NOW

2006-11-13T11:22:00.000-05:00

Second Life has been receiving a lot of mainstream press over the past few months, and it's helped to push the number of users of the virtual environment past the million mark already. While a number of companies are already taking part in Life part Two, IBM is one of the companies leading the way with their announcement of an additional $10 mil in funding to Second Life-related initiatives over the twelve months.

With all this additional exposure, coupled with corporations starting to invest heavily in Second Life, is it going to be much longer before the price of land and items in the virtual world skyrockets? It would appear that if companies want to buy in to Second Life, now's the time to do it. Get in while the water's warm. Soon enough, it'll be boiling.

Side point: Working in the tech space, I hear the word "innovation" thrown around like a paper bag in a wind tunnel. However, the majority of the tech companies out there aren't utilizing Second Life to their benefit. If these are the innovators, shouldn't they be all over this innovative way of doing business?

Is Social Disclosure the Future of Filing?

2006-11-09T16:39:00.000-05:00

Although nothing official yet (and probably not for some time), there is a chance that in the future the SEC may be open to allowing corporations to officially file fair disclosure information via corporate blogs. In a response to a letter from Sun Micro's Jonathan Schwartz, posted as a comment to his blog, SEC Chairman Christopher Cox took the first step in proving that it isn't such a crazy idea after all.

Would it really be such a bad move? After all, major blogs receive upwards of seven-figure hits daily, and the fact that the information is obtainable within minutes is definitely a plus. I think those alone are pretty good examples of why the forum might not be a bad idea for fair disclosure.

What Goes Around, Comes Around

2006-11-09T14:51:00.000-05:00

Looks like NTP's about to see what it's like to be on the other end of the blade...

NTP Puts Palm in the Crosshairs

2006-11-07T10:43:00.000-05:00

Six months after making RIMs pockets a little lighter (to the tune of 612.5 Mil), NTP is now setting their sights on RIMs biggest rival, Palm - maker of the Treo, NTP is making a similar claim that the technology behind the smartphone infringes on no less than five similar patents than the RIM case.

It's funny how you don't hear too much (anything) from NTP unless they're going out and suing the big guys for patent infringements, whether the claims hold serious weight or not. Makes me wonder - with all these patents, why aren't they actually a real player in the market? Is the company so focused on innovation that they forget that the revenue comes from the follow through?

If you ask me, the most interesting aspect of a company such as NTP is its unorthadox business model. I can see an executive board meeting now. "Organic growth? Acquisitions? Nah - everybody does that. We're an innovator, not a follower. Pumping money into patents and legal teams? That's the way for us. Good meeting. See you at the Christmas Party."

Heads-up, Nokia. You're next.

Can Business Computing Save Sony?

2006-11-01T13:20:00.000-05:00

Earlier today Sony unveiled it’s “Vaio Business” brand, the first step in its move to try and conquer the business computing market. Frankly, it’s good to see some positive news coming from a company that’s been beaten mercilessly over the past few months.

The “leader”, which has been battered by slowing sales, product issues and increased innovation from competition, needs this move into the enterprise to work, or else it may be continuous tough times for the future. It’s estimated that Sony could lose upwards of $3 billion because of this summer’s battery recall; profit dropped nearly 100% this last quarter; and issues with hardware for the PS3 has put it well behind schedule, in a dangerous loss per system margin, and well behind the launch of it’s biggest competition, the Xbox 360.

Consumers in the video game market have brand loyalty that runs deeper than most, but that doesn’t mean they’re sheep – if the PS3 doesn’t hit a homerun out of the gate, we could be looking at the next Dreamcast or Gamecube.

Does Sony have the wherewithal to make it through these tough times? Well, they didn’t top the market because they lacked business sense or innovation. When Sony looked down on the marketplace, it forced the competition to up its innovation, determination and value to the market. Now, when seemingly nothing can go right for a formerly infallible brand, Sony will have to take lessons learned from the Panasonics, Toshibas, etc. if they want to reclaim their spot atop the marketplace elite.

R.I.P. Laptops - The Smart Bet is the Smart Phone

2006-10-30T13:03:00.000-05:00

With Microsoft and Palm teaming up on the new Treo, it's obvious that the companies are working together to try and put an end to RIM's dominence in the smartphone arena. However, what might be the most important aspect of this deal between these dominant players is the added innovation that will be brought to the smartphone - a device which is rapidly growing in adoption and which may, sooner rather than later, replace the laptop as the be all, end all for mobile computing.

R.I.P. Thinkpad. You had your 15 minutes.

Blogging Open

2006-10-29T23:14:00.001-05:00

I've been a big fan of Matthew Good ever since I got my hands on my first copy of "Underdogs" nearly ten years ago. An artist with talent and insight which goes well beyond almost everything that's put out there these days, I'm nothing short of in awe every time I hear a song written by him played. Far more concerned with being open than being popular, the musician has created some of the most powerful and eerily beautful pieces available in our lifetime, without any desire for the recognition that he so rightfully deserves.

Beyond musical talents, Matt Good has also been an avid blogger for years, using the forum to communicate with his audience for much longer than many of the people who are glorified as "pioneers." I've been reading his blog for quite some time and am never dissapointed with what he has to say. This week, he posted one of the most profound and ultimately inspiring postings I've ever read, which I can't help but share, in part, with you.

" I am, rather wooden-headedly, routinely drawn back to blogging because I receive a lot of correspondence from people that site my website as the place where their own interest in social awareness began. That’s a rather massive compliment and, as far as I am concerned, responsibility. Over the years I have been implored to abandon my blog by family members and friends on occasion, but that one aspect has always drawn me back to it, even after I have attempted to turn it off and walk away.

But that isn’t to say that, as a blank canvas, this blog hasn’t been home to a lot of my personal thoughts as well, especially over the last three to four months. I did my best to not talk about events in my personal life for quite some time, between late February and late July, but this summer the gross realities of things I was completely in the dark about really got to me and I suppose I just cracked. There is no question that some might look at the content that I have posted with regards to my personal life as ‘self pitying’. They also say that betrayal is worse than rape, so it’s coin toss I suppose. I also agree that, from the viewpoint of a daily reader, it might get tiring as well. Hell, I’ll even concede that, from time to time, some of it might even come across as downright vindictive. I say all of this as someone who, in a million years, never thought what I have learned this year possible. Perhaps conveying my frustrations, my disbeliefs, my discoveries, my sadness, my disappointments, my disparity, and my hopelessness might have been a bad career move. It may, in the end, even make you, a complete stranger, think less of me as a man or a person. But the truth is that for every person that looks upon it negatively there are scores besides that have endured the same thing or have also fallen on hard times that find comfort, similarity, and empowerment in my willingness to be so open. If that openness ultimately means the loss of record sales then what am I to say? That being human is less important than public perception? Perhaps that, and not my openness, is the real problem. "

Blogging, in all its glory, is a forum for social commentary. I'd comment on Matt's words, but my words would be mere fodder. Sometimes the most meaningful commentary is that which, rightfully, goes beyond all comment.

Always Fighting for a Minute; Having Time for Nothing

2006-10-29T15:29:00.000-05:00

It's been a busy week and, as such, I've found it very difficult to find time to post. Minutes have been stretched in all directions, but while difficult to find time to produce, I have afforded a good deal of time to consuming.

First, congratulations to Ed Lee of Blogging Me, Blogging You fame for his move to iStudio. Sounds like their up to some interesteing stuff, and it should prove to be a good fit for him. Unfortunately, I doubt it will improve his backhand or volley, but hey, one step at a time. Pints are in order.

Great post today by Mark Evans, looking at how the business model of traditional news outlets is changing (or should be changing) with out growing shift from traditional to new media. Great read for anyone in the media business.

I went and saw The Departed for the third time early this week. I don't think I've ever gone to see a movie in theater three times before, but this one has been worth every penny. The characters, plot and acting is top notch, and each time i see it I find new things to love about the movie. Even if you haven't been in awe of Scorcese's earlier works, believe me when I say that you won't be dissapointed with this one. A huge fan of Goodfellas, I can say with confidence that this is his masterpiece. If you haven't seen it, try to find a few hours this week to check it out. You won't be dissapointed. Alec Baldwin could have a second career as a comedian.

Not a fan of the blood-and-gore cinema experience, I sucked it up and went to a screening for Saw 3 this week, and was pleasantly impressed. Granted, the stomach turned a few times, but the plot itself was actually mroe than enough to overcompensate for some below-average acting. If it's your schtick, go check it out. Even if it's not but you think you can get past the creatively disgusting elements, the craft put into the plot makes it a good watch.

Started reading two new books this week: "The Captain is out to Lunch and the Sailors Have Taken Over the Ship" by Charles Bukowski, and "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" by John Perkins. Not very far into either, but they both look to be really good. If anyone's read either, please let me know if these assumptions are true (preferrably without giving too many spoliers). I'll probably be done them both in a matter of days or weeks, so if anyone has any recos on what to pick up next please send them along.

With that, I've stretched as many minutes as possible for today. Hopefully more will be available this week.

Chuck Norris: The Key to Viral Success

2006-10-25T18:43:00.000-04:00

Chuck Norris Fact: Chuck Norris can do anything that Chuck Norris wants. ANYTHING.

WorldNetDaily has offered Chuck Norris a role as a columnist with the online publication. Chalk up another line on the Chuck NorResume (which I am convinced is written in blood on the chest of one who tried to wrong him).

TV Star. Movie Star. Kung Fu Master. Inspiration. Now columnist? This man can do anything. Looking for a hero? A role model? A pinnacle of all that is right in life? Look no further than the man who brought magic to the screen as Walker, Texas Ranger.

Remember the first time you got the famous “Chuck Norris Facts” via email? You know you have. If I’ve gotten that same email less than 50 times, I’d be shocked. Everyone got it. Everyone loved it. It’s viral at its finest. And you know as soon as it’s hit your office. One cubicle starts laughing. Then the next. Then the next. Soon enough everybody in the office knows that Chuck Norris doesn’t read books – he stares them down until they give him the information he wants.

So how does something as random as “facts” about a B list actor become so popular? What should communicators look for when trying to plan a viral campaign that may share a fraction of that same popularity?

Chuck Norris Fact: You don’t search for Chuck Norris (success), Chuck Norris (success) finds you.

I’m sure I’m far from the first person to say it, but I AM the first person to say it here: humour. It’s that simple folks. We’re all very different people, with very few common traits (beyond an ever necessary dependency on oxygen). One of the few common dominators we have is laughter. Not everyone is funny, but everyone likes to laugh.

It all starts with a chuckle.

Think about it. It’s an easy gift to give to someone. Just make em laugh. Tell a bad joke. Make a stupid face. Poke fun at yourself (or someone outside of earshot!) It’s a nice break from the wars, genocides, poverty, embezzlements, abuses of power, negligence of responsibility, and blatantly negative actions and inactions which we’re bombarded with on a daily basis.

It’s one of the biggest reasons why nine out of ten forwarded emails you get end up being a video of someone doing something hilariously stupid, a joke about three priests and a stripper or a series of images of someone caught in a bad pose in different situations (one of my favourites). No one is afraid to share something with you if they know you’re going to get a laugh out of it.

Viral success? It all starts with a chuckle. Lighten up – your audience’s inboxes will, too.

Life 2.0

2006-10-25T10:36:00.000-04:00

Talk about a brave young man. Jeremy David, 10 months shy of earning his BCom, is taking the lessons learned from the Subservient Chicken and applying it to real life. Not just real life, but his real life.

Jeremy David will spend the next 10 months taking suggestions from readers, and will then outsource his life for an entire year. That’s right – his life, your control.

Jeremy will be embarking on a year-long trip around the world, with most of his decisions being made by a vote. Sounds like fun.

Don’t just travel with Jeremy as he visits the Sphinx, The Eiffel Tower, Ayers Rock… DECIDE if he visits the Sphinx, The Eiffel Tower, Ayers Rock. And hell, decide if he eats a Big Mac or a Whopper along the way.

How ambitious of this young man to do this in an attempt to grow, while helping his faithful audience grow, too. I could never do it. I don’t trust the people I know well enough to let them make many decisions for me. Let alone those who would become a part of my life for the first time via my willingness to adhere to social direction.

For this, I commend the kid with two first names. With so many different options for a human-directed web, it’s a great paradox for someone to become a web-directed human. I just wish him the best on this journey…. And hope that he heeds my request when asked to ride a skateboard along the entire distance of the Great Wall of China… while laying on his stomach… and wearing a wedding dress… and singing “Viva Las Vegas”.

You're On Notice!

2006-10-20T08:59:00.000-04:00

A must for any fan of Stephen Colbert and the Colbert Report. Now you can let those that wrong you know where they stand, with this handy On Notice Generator.

Finally, the Internet is doing us some good! As such, I've removed the Internet from the big board and replaced it with "14th Century Tyranny". It's had it coming for a long time.

You're On Notice!

Headlines and Heartaches

2006-10-19T18:01:00.000-04:00

I left a meeting this afternoon and instinctively hopped onto Netvibes, and this is the first thing that caught my eye.

“Experts Create Invisibility Cloak”.

“Invisibility cloak!” I shout out loud, with little to no regard for those working hard around me. “I knew this day would come!”

October 19 was going to go down as being a better day than any birthday. October 19 was going to go down as being a better day than any Christmas. October 19 was going to go down as the day that my childhood dreams were finally realized.

I was one step closer to becoming invisible. How cool is that!

Sure, that may sound childish, but I don’t care. When you’re nine years old, there’s nothing cooler than being able to go invisible. Nothing. No rare baseball cards, no shoes with pumps in them, no nothing.

You’d never lose another game of hide-and-go-seek. Break a window with a foul ball? Johnny’s gonna take the fall, not the invisible kid. The possibilities were endless, and I still remember what it felt like to imagine those possibilities coming true.

Can I tell you the heartbreak I felt when I got two paragraphs in to find out that this groundbreaking “invisibility cloak” did nothing more than redirected microwave beams, so that they curved around a small object and reconnected on the other side, not unlike water flowing past a rock?

Sure, it’s quite a technological advancement. Think same idea as the stealth bomber, but much more advanced. Anybody in the military has to be pretty much ecstatic, as radar beams are even thicker than the tested microwaves, and just as easy to manipulate using this technology.

Good for them.

Know what? If I were a small object that was trying to hide from microwaves, I’d be jumping for joy today. But I’m not. I’m a nine year old kid trapped in a 20-something’s body, who thought he had just had his childhood dreams come true. Only to realize he was duped by a cleverly deceptive headline.

You got me this time, Paul Rincon, Science Reporter for BBC News. But just this once.

Is Technology Leading to the Decline of Humanity?

2006-10-18T15:22:00.000-04:00

It would appear that the old saying “the rich getting richer, the poor getting poorer” holds more weight than most of us think, at least in theory. In an article recently reported on BBC News, an evolutionary theorist from the London School of Economics, Oliver Curry, believes by the time we have the inevitable Y3K scare, the human species will have peaked and begun on its decline.

Pardon me, but…. huh?

According to Dr. Curry, the human race is on a road that will breed two distinct classes, which goes well beyond just bankrolls.

In the red corner: the genetic upper class. Tall, slim, healthy, attractive, intelligent and creative. Height in the 6’ to 7’ range. Average life span: 120 years. Uniform race of coffee-coloured people.

In the blue corner: the dim-witted underclass. Ugly. Squat. Goblin-like creatures. Height? Probably won’t get close enough to be exact, but I’d guess somewhere in the 3’ to 4’ range, if they’re lucky. Life span: who cares, they’re ugly and goblin like.

For a better understanding of Dr. Curry’s depiction of where the human race is headed, go out and rent the movie (or god forbid, read the book!) The Time Machine, by HG Wells. Odds are Dr. Curry has seen it a few times.

Unsettling? Maybe. What’s even more unsettling? Dr. Curry’s vision for 10,000 years out, in which he feels it will be blatantly apparent that humans have paid a genetic price because of our constant advancement (more specifically, subsequent reliance on) technology.

Dr. Curry’s vision? Social skills and emotions will be lost, with technology creating continuous divisions between direct human interactions.

How about physical health? Reliance on medicines, resulting in weaker immune systems, could bring us all down. We “may” live 40 years longer, but we won’t be any healthier. Diseases won’t recede – our ability to fight them without clinical advancements will.

Damn you, technology and science - false idols if there ever were!

Personally, I find Dr. Curry’s theory intriguing, and not entirely far fetched. The majority of the conversations I have daily do not include the sound of a voice or the sight of a face. They involve an inbox and send button. When I get sick, I head for the DayQuil without a second thought. It makes me feel better, but is it helping me to be any healthier? Probably not.

However, I have one major fundamental qualm with this theory, which I think stands some considerable weight.

Is it really going to take 10,000 years for technology and science to bring us down?

In 1846, could we have fathomed a weapon so advanced that it could wipe out hundreds of thousands in a single explosion? Did anyone believe you could go 100 mph by turning a key and pressing down on a lever? Was anyone in Washington able to compare weather conditions with Beirut, just by writing a few words?

We’ve come a long way in less than 200 years, and innovation and technological advancements are happening faster than ever. Is this really going to subside?

Think about the damage we’ve done to the planet in that amount of time. Think about the damage we’ve done to each other in that amount of time. Are we really on a path that’s going to lead to a 12,006 AD?

Technology is supposed to be about advancements, yet often we’re finding the hands holding the technology to want nothing of the sort.

And really, should technology take the blame? Or should it fall solely on those that hold it? Is it the advancement of our technology that will ultimately lead to our demise, or is it the deterioration of our being that poses the ultimate threat?

If “technology” is going to bring us down, it’s doubtful to wait 10,000 years to do so. Patience isn’t a virtue when “progress” is at stake.

At first glance, Dr. Curry’s theory appears to be extremely pessimistic. Upon further thought, it would appear that he’s actually quite optimistic. Ironic, isn’t it?

Real News, Fake Life

2006-10-16T17:34:00.000-04:00

Not satisfied with being one of the most identifiable news sources on this green and blue floating rock of ours, Reuters has announced the opening of a virtual news bureau in Second Life, one of the newest of the new online explosions.

For anyone who as of yet is unfamiliar with Second Life, think SimCity meets The Sims meets an e-commerce playground…. sort of. Second Life describes itself as “a 3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents.” The virtual world has a thriving REAL economy based on Linden Dollars (named after the creators) that can be changed into US currency through a number of online currency exchanges. It’s nearly four hundred thousand residents interact with one another, purchase land, and can even hock their goods in their new virtual surroundings. Sounds like the equivalent of an entrepreneurial techie’s wildest fantasy.

Companies are starting to take notice to this fantasy world. Coke, adidas, Toyota, Sony BMG… these are just some of the big guys playing in this small world. And now they have somewhere to advertise.

There are plenty of fake news outlets out there that provide fake news to the real world, and often even the real news outlets end up pushing the fake stuff out. But it’s interesting that now a real news outlet is going to push both into the fake world of Second Life, which to be perfectly honest, might not be as fake as it might seem. The interactions are real. The transactions are real. Sure, the 300 pounds banging away at the keyboard, trying to rack up e-t-shirt sales (and I’m not talking about that cute little alien that may or may not have prank called me) might be set up with a bodybuilder avatar, but all in all his activities are all real. Where do we draw the line?

But I’m getting away from my point.

I’m still sitting here in my first life, gazing curiously at Second Life, but I don’t imagine for much longer. It has nothing to do with not understanding the concept, although I still find myself confused at some of the dynamics of this new ones-and-zeros universe.

My concern: one day I’ll wake up and realize I’m more successful in my Second Life than I ever could have possibly imagined in my First Life. How terrifying is it to think that one day your online personality might be so distinguished that, if they were a part of real life, they would have none of you?

What if this fake world turns out to be based on more reality than our real world?

So many questions. It would appear that this Second Life is no less confusing than the first one. Maybe Reuters will do an editorial that will answer some of these questions, which will help to soothe my thoughts while I’m sipping away at my e-coffee and gazing into the virtual sunrise’s reflection over my own private ones-and-zeros lake.

Sounds relaxing.

Significance...

2006-10-12T11:29:00.000-04:00

Just before 3 p.m. yesterday a plane crashed into a condo on East 72nd Street in New York City, conjuring up images of the horrific attack on the city five years ago. This time it was different. It wasn't a terrorist organization attacking the USA. It wasn't an action planned to hurt a single American. It was a case of a small plane flying off course and, with the worst possible result, colliding with a building. All the technology in the world couldn't have stopped it from happening.

The pilot of the plane was a pitcher for the New York Yankees, Cory Lidle. I remember seeing Lidle pitch when he was a Blue Jay, and often jeering at bad decision and earned runs or whatnot by the man. That's what you do when it comes to sports. You cheer the people you like. You jeer the people you don't. You sit back and claim that you could do better, even though you can't last five minutes on a treadmill or break 70 mph on a fastball that throws your arm out.

And then, something like this happens.

As an avid fan of almost any sport, I'm guiltier than most in verbally abusing players which I'll never meet. Players who will never know what I have to say about them and their performance. I rarely think twice about doing it, because I'm a fan and as a fan I feel I have a right to voice my opinion. After all, it's a game, not real life.

And then, it gets real.

Lidle leaves behind his wife, Melanie and a six-year old son, Christopher. The fact that he was 82-72 with a 4.57 ERA over nine major league seasons, with seven organizations, doesn't matter to them. What matters to them is that Lidle was a good husband and a good father.

And then, finally, it matter to us all. As it should have from the start.

I think that Rick Peterson, the pitching coach for the New York Mets (and a former coach of Lidle's) summed it up better than anyone could possibly have. When interviewed by ESPN, he said "I think it just goes to show how insignificant some of the things that we think are significant really are. We're about to play a baseball game, and how important is that, really?"

Those words go well beyond baseball.

Truer words are rarely spoken.

RSS For The Masses

2006-10-11T14:40:00.000-04:00

For those who have been reading blogs and utilizing online news sources for any extended period of time, this might not be big news. But the fact that the newest update of Internet Explorer will feature a handy integrated RSS feeder is HUGE for the adoption of this feature amongst the rest of the online world. Granted, Mozilla and others have done this for a while now, but lets face it: the mass majority had IE on the computers when they got the thing, and to this day still know it's where to go to get their goods online.

While plenty of people have heard of NetVibes, Newsgator, MyYahoo, etc. I still think that the majority of online users have little to no understanding of what an RSS readers is or what it can do. As well, I don't know if many are jumping to go scouring webpages to find RSS feeds when they're only casual users. But an integrated feeder? Golden.

Now I haven't had the opportunity to try it out yet, so don't know exactly how it works. But frankly, regardless of the specific way it functions, I get the feeling it will do a lot for greatly expanding the use of RSS.

It still shocks me that so many people aren't utilizing RSS. In my line of work, not having an RSS feeder constantly keeping me informed of what's going on in the world and the industries that affect my clients is akin to being a surgeon who doesn't know that the knee bone is connected to the leg bone. It's just bad practice.

I think the only downside to RSS is that it can, from time to time, be a bit of a distraction. It's a lot like checking email - you get into the habit of doing it, and often far too frequently. This is one of the reasons I've avoided getting a BlackBerry, regardless of how much I want one. I'd never be able to pull myself away from it. I'm just too weak.

And if (when) I do give in to my urges for the BlackBerry, another problem presents itself. How do I keep myself from checking my RSS feeder from my BlackBerry?

Things could go downhill very fast.

Say Hello to GooTube...

2006-10-06T17:48:00.000-04:00

Sources are telling TechCrunch that Google is in talks with YouTube to purchase the mainstream phenomenon for $1.6 billion dollars. Two parts of this story really caught my attention.

First off, the rumours started floating on the popular blog, and soon enough were picked up by the Wall Street Journal, arguably one of the top news sources on the planet. The cool part? WSJ gave the nod to TechCrunch for the scoop. I think this is a big step in the relationship between traditional and social media. I've seen a lot of stories break in the tech blog tab of my RSS reader one day, and picked up a few days later by mainstreamers like G&M, Yahoo, Reuters, etc. Never do you see a reference to the good people at the blogsites. Now I know that an acquisition such as this is a little more prominent than that of the slimmest LCD screen ever made, but still - round of applause to the team at the WSJ for giving recognition when it is deserved.

The second interesting part of this story: YouTube is still so young yet so successful, and with so much more potential, that $1.6 billion seems like a steal. There's been plenty of talk about the value of the company and its potential selling price for weeks now, and today's figure is right in line with all estimates. However, if I'm the one signing over the company to the good people at Google, who've just opened their brand-spanking new city block offices in the trendy meat-packing district of NYC, I'm not giving it over for what's expected. When News Corp. bought MySpace last year, they paid less than $600 million. I've seen recent estimates that the value of the company could be as high as $15 billion by 2009. That's quite a jump in a four year span.

If Google does buy the company today, will the value spike much like MySpace? How much credit should the News Corp. purchase get for juicing the value of the social networking champion? What would YouTube's value be three years from now if they don't sell to Google? Why didn't I come up with one of these sites years ago?