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 Getting and Paying for What You Want. The advent of the internet has brought it, and from the looks of it, the concept will stay. Ever since we have been specifically been searching for songs, TV shows, and newspaper articles, companies now are starting to focus on selling us only what we want, and not the rest of the items.
What does this mean?
i-tunes has been selling music on a per song basis, you can buy specific articles, and you can watch only TV programs you want to watch. The new generation will dictate that we will get articles we subscribe for (imagine a newspaper the size of Wall Street Journal containing only your specific industry and interest from different newspapers, all digitally uploaded to a digital paper with E-ink, do not be surprised, it is close to becoming a reality), new upcoming broadband digital systems where we can choose what to watch, when and where. They are all not too far away, even clothing can have better variety online than on the retail store because more varieties can be stored on a warehouse with lower per square meter cost on land and maintenance compared to going to a shopping mall. The world is now understanding new rules. We want only what we want, and as much as possible, we want to get it now.
What do we entail out of this concept?
We reduce wastage that we all constantly go through and ignore. If we are all thinking of where do we waste the most, think of newspapers everyday and how big of a percentage do we really read. Having more of what we do not need has always been a main issue and cause of a pollution, this is a no brainer, but by reducing to only what we need.
But at the same time, we would not recognize other ideas, unless we look for them. We will be trapped in the notion that in order to recognize what else is out there, we actually do have to go out, or watch something different from what we want. Marketing people will now have to bug us in the middle of our activities and tell us there are actually other things out there. Perhaps this is why Blogs are doing so well, they have authors whose main focus has been nothing else but a specific line or topic. Even if we do want to be focused on what we truly want and are interested in, we still need to be presented with the available variety. We do have to go to the buffet line once in a while.
Where does this all fare? Where are we heading? Things will definitely become more focused, and even introduction of new things will become more focused. Those who plan to attract people on the other team will realize that in order to do so, they have to speak the language others will understand. Do not be surprised why everyone is trying to hound your internet usage habits, they want to know you, and get your attention. It is no longer about how many, but who, are visiting the different sites.
Things will still have to correct itself, as they always do. The new external evolution entails that our dissatisfaction or problems will lead to new solutions, which might not necessarily solve the core problem, but lead to a change in habits and lifestyle, and give us greater knowledge of what is really happening around us. Knowledge requires that we err to learn a vital new component. We will have to let this new concept run and let its issues stink the room, before a new correction concept will emerge.
As it is, the very adventure is in venturing and looking for gaps. Evolution has also taught that to correct something, that something has to be wrong first, and we shall forever be doing so. While we're at it, enjoy the ride, and look for those gaps we can fix, who knows what we will find next. |
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