The Content Life Preserver
May 13, 2010
I read “How to Save the News.” Interesting. Like the write ups that find ways for Apple to save magazines, the Atlantic story finds goodness on Shoreline Drive. The essay is an upbeat discussion of Google’s role in this noteworthy effort. Please, read the story. Make your own decision. My view is that companies like Apple and Google want to make money. If that goal requires tossing life preservers, administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (oh, my goodness), or finding ways to create National Public Radio-like entities—Apple and Google will sign up. Maybe Apple and Google will write checks? My view is that one must be sure to take “reality distortion field detectors” when Apple and Google executives begin to sound altruistic. I like both companies’ products and services. I am, however, not inclined to believe for one New York minute that either company will take any action unless it snaps into their respective visions. I enjoy looking at the toe bags, flashing logo pins, and mouse pads some folks cart away from the pilgrimage to either Apple or Google. Keep in mind that the folks in those ancient temples used a variety of means to extract money from those who wanted to get close to the gods. The methods included beverages, special passages, and night sojourns in chambers available to the privileged. Maybe I am a skeptic? Your mileage may vary. If Apple was “into” magazines and Google “into” news, would either company be working with incumbents? Both companies just “do it”. The approach to traditional media seems somewhat less direct, even cautious, maybe part of a marketing positioning play. How can one discern the boundary between public relations and intent? Tough job in my opinion.
Stephen E Arnold, May 12, 2010
Freebie.
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