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Why the Web Mustn't Become the New TV
An anonymous reader writes "This article argues that Rupert Murdoch's bid to own complete control of BSkyB is only part of an ongoing process to make the internet a totally 'linear' experience. The increase in the use of paginated content and the proliferation of video over transcribed interviews are, the author argues, part of a tidal shift from a browsable internet experience to a linear one that will move the user's experience of media from genuine choice to a series of locked-down 'information rides,' in order to re-secure advertising exposure. The author also writes, 'Current worries among publishing houses that magazines and newspapers will succumb to the digital written word on the internet are perhaps analogous to Victorian fears about mechanical horses taking over from real horses in the drawing of carriages. The point is being missed, the wrong fear being indulged.'"
As with the mechanical vs. real horses, the ultimate choice will be left to the consumer, and either Mr. Murdoch will be right and win, or he will be wrong and go out of business.
It's the ultimate in democracy - people voting with their dollars what kind of web they want to see.
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall
I just imagined an "MS-NBC Internet". Imagine this - a web portal and search engine that will give you just Microsoft and GE/NBC/Comcast narrative. Watch Maddow and she mentions something and she says, "Don't believe me! Read for yourself!" So you search on BING.net and come across MSwiki and it says The Constitution is a CONSERVATIVE myth created as an excuse for wealth transfer and for more corporate monopolies.
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall
Murdoch's lies are affecting US policy. He's having a substantial impact, increasing partisan politics, preventing Washington from doing -anything-, encouraging ignorance, pushing us towards more of a police state, and distracting people while our rights get sold to corporations.
You mention "Murdoch" but I think "Obama" better fits your description. Or "Pelosi". In just 3 and a half years of a Democrat-run Congress we have:
- increased our national deficit from 1/2 trillion to 1.5 trillion per year
- renewed the Patriot Act, and also expanded it with new spying powers
- taken away Citizens of a Member State ability to self-police/arrest criminals (arizona)
- okay'd a single man (whoever is current president) having a kill switch to interrupt free speech on the net
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- taken away the right to buy health insurance (or be fined if you choose not to)
- given police power to track people via GPS on cars
- redefined cell companies as "financial companies" enabling the FBI to obtain your cellphone bills/records without requiring a warrant (just passed last month)
I'll stop there because you probably assume I'm lying to you, but it's all true. '
Just look-up what Congress did in 2007,8,9, and 10. You fear Murdoch?
I fear the US Congress (D) more.
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall
You use your mouth purdier than a $20.00 whore.
That sucking sound you hear is my bandwidth.