Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Biting the Hand That Fed: 'Mere Changes in Delivery Mode' of Content Are Seldom That

Thinkers such as Chris Anderson, Bob Lefsetz, and Seth Godin, whose ideas I consider indispensable to the debate, often lapse into championing new ways of delivering books, music, and video. But many of the delivery modes suggested change the very essence of what made books, music, and video popular in the first place.

The lack of reflection over jettisoning this essence to open Pandora's Box is understandable. These thinkers understand (correctly) that the current delivery system is broken. But they assume it cannot be fixed. So they are anxious for the industry to get on to something that at least might deliver some music to some people.

The essence we’re talking about is ownership. The empires of books, records and DVDs were built on it. The DCE is, of course, "the fix".

I don't usually put much stock in aphorisms, but when three sayings at once readily apply to a situation, I sit up and take notice

1. Don't bite the hand that feeds

2. Dance with the guy/girl you came to the dance with

3. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

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