Cable Exec Suggests Changing Consumer Behavior, Not Business Model

Techdirt has pointed out yet another cable exec that just doesn't quite get it. Comcast's COO, Steve Burke, recently urged the TV industry to find ways to "get consumers to change" rather than figure out better methods to cater to demand. "'An entire generation is growing up, if we don't figure out how to change that behavior so it respects copyright and subscription revenue on the part of distributors, we're going to wake up and see cord cutting.' How many consumers, in any market, are focused on 'respecting' vendors' revenue streams? How, exactly, does he propose to effect this sea change? And why not just develop products that consumers will willingly pay for, rather than trying to change consumer behavior in such a fundamental way?"

Comments

Good luck with that

[mcgrew]

Why in the hell should anybody respect anyone else's revenue streams? How about Comcast respect MY revenue stream by giving me free cable?

FUCK their revenue stream. Fix copyright and I'll respect that, otherwise they can fuck off. Legalize and regulate marijuana and I'll respect those regulations, otherwise they can fuck off too.

I'm not going to respect the disrespectable or the disrespectful. WTF are these guys smoking, anyway?

Re:It's both

[Vlobulle]

On the other hand, there's no real ethical or legal excuse for pirating something, simply because you don't like the price of it.

Maybe.

But we don't really need them, since there are plenty of ethical reasons to pirate something for the very sake of pirating.

Re:It's both

[CapnStank]

Unfortunately your argument holds as little ground as the ones you shunned in your post.

The fact of the matter is if:
A) No sales are lost because of pirating (disputable)
and B) Nothing is being destroyed

Then why is it unethical? Digital reproduction isn't killing babies (despite what 60 minutes will have you believe)

Now I agree with you. While something is still illegal we are not to break that law citing that it is 'ethical' or 'not hurting anyone'. Our job, as the citizens of a country, is to have it changed through legal matters. Consult your local representative and let them know your position. This online 'revolution' is just digging a hole.

I am against the current copyright laws because they are out dated. They were designed to prevent illegal copying and profit of one's work. This inspired people to create original content and not copy others. Unfortunately this is used to stop people from accessing media they enjoy.

Re:Perspective

[spidercoz]

Diversions from the responsibility of being a decent parent? Do you know how much of a twat you sound like?

Re: say exactly what my bosses wanted to hear

[Archangel Michael]

Yup. Exactly.

And the same can be said of BHO as well.

Actually come to think of it, I think GWB actually ran things before he became president, Texans Baseball Team, State of Texas, and at least one other corporation.

What has BHO done, besides "community organizer" and live in an ivory tower? He was spoon fed the Presidency. I mean jeez, anyone could have beet McCain.

The funniest thing about stupid Liberal Democrats, is they insult themselves all the time with their own hypocrisy. And Stupid Republicans are just plain stupid.

Oh, and in my opinion, GWB is looking like a freakin genius next to BHO. AND that my friends is something to marvel at.