A little good news

Hey, I love Google Video! I know, Google is the new Microsoft, and a pretty scary big monster. In my capacity as Chief Visionary of Alertspace (what in holy hell does that title mean, you ask? Later later...) I'm very worried about Google as the competitor that's eating the web.

But as a consumer, citizen, person, etc... Google Video is definitely the next big thing. Way more than viral Youtube and others, although those were the key first steps.

Suddenly, I now have access to high quality programming on whatever I want, whenever I want. I am no longer hostage to broadcasters. A whole universe of new and wonderful content (because people can now PRODUCE this stuff easily, at low cost, with great content) is available to me on demand... when and where and why I want. It's an enormous step forward.

Way more than Tivo, this could be incredibly disruptive to network broadcaster's power. What am I missing here?... the new spectrum of delivery systems are all in place (DVD-R cameras, reasonable bandwidth, Google Video, reasonable bandwidth, iPods). I left out a few elements of the supply chain -- easy video creation software (keep buying Apple stock!), the emergence of new video content-oriented advertising models, the whole Google search & ads & massive archiving & replication resources, etc. But you all know that stuff.

This will be a killer. My prediction.

Just today, I've greatly enjoyed The root of all evil, Part 1, and
How to avoid being arrested by cops.

I can't figure this one out though... this seems to me like Netscape whacking Microsoft all over again. The big TV/movie/ad industry players may be in for a giant shock. And I don't think any of them have Bill Gates to figure it out for them and respond fast enough. Disney has Steve Jobs now, sort of, but I don't think Disney corporate can move that fast.

All the same, it won't be a straight ride to the top I don't think... some major new elements will emerge as this goes mainstream over the next 5-7 years. My crystal ball is hazy. But I'd bet the frikkin farm that the current broadcast network model is going away.