NONE: Re: ONLINE-ADS>> future of newspaper websites
Re: ONLINE-ADS>> future of newspaper websites
Eldon Sarte (eldon_at_e-factory.com)
Wed, 12 Aug 1998 13:46:07 -0500 (CDT)
>I understand that newspaper editorial is a wonderful way to receive
>information,
>but wouldn't it be more engrossing to watch a news program on, for example, a
>webTV and have control over whether or not you want deeper information.
Again,
>this scenario is probably two or three years out, but it is a reality and
>something we newspapers should be considering.
>
>Comments?
You are speculating under the assumption that this is what users/viewers
want. Now, is it really? I don't know. I really don't care about the
technology; very little impresses me anymore tech-wise because I've come to
_expect_ innovation as a matter of fact. Which means that yes, tech as
you've described will be available, no doubt about it.
But, again, is it what viewers want? I would be much more interested to see
a study on that. My initial gut feel is no, they don't want it. The two
factors that influence this feeling is my observation that TV/movie/cable
viewers are _passive_ and couldn't really care less about interaction
beyond the illusion of control that a TV remote control provides. Witness
what I call the "dumbing down of the Web," as publishers strive to
accommodate WebTV and make their interfaces as easy and decision-free as
possible. This particular audience just doesn't want to read or be
presented with a myriad of options.
I think there will be a level of interaction implemented into TV, but not
to the extent you've described. The tech will allow for what I call
"no-brainer choices" (e.g., see an ad, click here to order; see a Dateline
segment, click here to vote yes or no; see Michael Jordan dunk, click here
to see a whole bunch of video clips of him dunking, etc. etc. etc.). But
nothing more. They really don't want to think; they want to be spoonfed and
entertained.
Nothing wrong with that. I indulge in it myself. But the last thing I want
when I sit in front of the TV is to be active. I get on my PC and the Net
to do that.
Similarly, as for newspaper readers, do they want in-depth options, or do
they just want to spend a relaxing hour or two reading the previous day's
events spoonfed to them by journalists? Do they even have the time to go
in-depth?
This leads to my conclusion that the technology you've described will
indeed be used, but it will not supplant existing media. Business as usual.
Of course, I'm guessing...
cheers
e
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Eldon Sarte, founder (mailto:eldon_at_e-factory.com)
e-Factory: Practical Do-it-Yourself Website Design (http://www.e-factory.com)
Serious Business Web Hosting (http://www.e-factory.com/info/host.html)
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