Real Problems

Universal Nerd writes "Could Real be its own downfall? According to 'Find the Download in a Haystack', it could be. The difficulty folks have in reaching the free version of RealPlayer is forcing Minnesota Public Radio to look towards Windows Media Player as an alternative. I prefer good old MP3 or OGG streaming like the feeds offered at WCPE but I'm sure no 'serious' company would consider it because they don't have their digital rights preserved." See the CarTalk story from yesterday.

Comments

Time for something new?

[Sheetrock]

Real has simply grown past the point of obsolence. I see it happening with many products -- my virus scanner/firewall combination, for example, has the idea that it knows better than I do about what settings I should be making in its configuration, and has taken to advertising newer versions relentlessly.

I used to think that the larger companies like this pave the way for the smaller companies in the software industry -- driving innovation through their own stagnation, perhaps. Similarly, I used to think chopsticks originated in Asia, at least until someone made me aware of their creation as an enticing gimmick by immigrant restaurant owners in American mining communities in the 1800s and subsequent exportation to the Far East as a unique dining tool. Opened my eyes to the potential of reexamining the current to design the future; especially so after I factored in the sizable lumber export market that has become necessary to meet such demand.

The point is, it's simply impossible to spot where the next trend or emerging market will be, but the potential for wealth creation by expanding the marketplace is great. The end-user must decide who the winners will be by their choices, and there's still room for the small players to win by simply not bugging the living hell out of their customers.

Did the editors all go out for mexican last night?

[Neil Blender]

Because they seem to have a severe case of story diarrhea today.