OK, its time to wake up. Here is why it's different this time. In the 90s, the capital was there. The excitement was there. And the big picture was there. But, the infrastructure was not. And as such the revenue models didn't work. Here is what is different now:
We've had 8 years of infrastructure getting put into place. Web applications and software are doing things we couldn't even imagine in 1999. And they are doing so cheaply and efficiently.
The revenue models are working. With cheap, efficient, highly sophisticated technology in place, revenue models are suddenly working. Google has proven that monetization works in the internet advertising model. But the internet is more than just advertising, unlike television.
What technology? Search technology. Transaction technology. Networking technology. Server technology. All at screaming high speed and cheap. The internet is the place where the transaction is actually occuring. You don't just see what you want? You look for what you want, and in an instant, you find it, and you buy it.
The people are coming. Television, and newspapers are faltering. Everyone is leaving for the internet. Its instant media now, unlike the 90s. The infrastructure is now in place for instant news, commentary, watching movies, listening to music, sharing photography, etc. etc. and all at high resolution/bandwidth. TV sets? Movie theaters? Newspapers? Film cameras? Anyone remember the eight track tape?
The people are creating content. Unlike the 90s, when you had to hire droves of people to create content for everyone to look at, now individuals can create their own. And they are able to broadcast it themselves to the whole world. You can make your own movies, and look like a $10 million dollar film production. Amateurs can create photographs that only pros could create 10 years ago. And music? How cheap are those home studios making crisp perfect digital recordings? Anyone with a blog can create their own editorial page and tell the world exactly what they are thinking.
Getting left behind are all of those who are simply looking at a new crop of acquisitions, and IPOs, and saying, its a bubble! Just like it was before! Well, its not. And just a little homework will show you a huge difference. The companies getting acquired have revenue and profit, enormous growth rates. low expenses, and are quickly taking leadership positions in their industries. Watch out. Its real this time, and a lot of people will get left behind.
Totally agree. But here's the key to winning...and I know you're going to like this...
The ones who control the distribution point win. that's right, the technology is there and people are coming..but,..but..how are they going to find YOUR site?
The one who has the recognizable site will win. So either own an intuitive domain or start building your brand now so you will rank high on the non-sponsored listing and in people's top of mind.
Posted by: carl | August 14, 2007 at 01:48 PM