Framing – Free

“If digital Free de-monetizes industries before new business models can re-monetize them, then everyone loses.” (pg 132) As a search engine Google indexes, organizes, and packages information. The book says that Google would like newspapers to stay in business because without a professional source of information it makes their job more difficult. Right now there are hyperlocal alternatives but they have not filled the information gap. Because this information is from alternative sources they (Google) can not use the fact of where it came from as an indicator of quality because it is not coming from a professional news outlet. Is Google doing anything to help newspapers, magazines, and other professional news outlets? They have gotten in trouble before with publishing books on their site and I have seen it before with newspaper articles. Sometimes you can get around the paywall by Googling an article.

If its easier for the newcomers than the incumbents when it comes to Free does that mean that businesses should in a way start over? What kind of business model is necessary to adapt without going bankrupt in the process?

Anderson says that these days Free really does mean Free. I am not sure that I believe that completely. I think the connections are just more diverse and spread out. If the cost of the digital world is being cut in half constantly and getting closer to zero everyday how do we put people into the equation. Anderson says its great when things get cheaper, but not if you are the employee that is no longer needed. How do we balance the Free digital world with the costly real world?

Tags: framing