|
|
-
Business Insider carries a great story explaining how easy-peasy blogging platform Tumblr is outperforming its rival Posterous. According to the article it comes down to the simplicity of the Tumblr UX which is even clearer than its rival's pages. Of course designers and developers have been pleading for simplicity for years. And every now and again you come across a great example of UX design that really does follow this principle. Here's the home page of UK rail enquiries:  It really doesn't require any explanation. Except that it does one thing extremely well without sacrificing advertising or other classic design features. Now take a look at the equivalent pages from DeutscheBahn (Germany) and SNCF (France).   Did you find the timetable widgets? I'm no developer, and I'll let Andrew Martin pick up the conversation here if needed. But with the UK site I know where I am immediately. And I don't feel like I'm working through a database or an overengineered spreadsheet (drill further down and the pages are equally effective). The more you look at it, the more it looks like a Tumblr or Posterous stream, especially when you scroll further down. Granted, not every business has such a simple offer. But www.nationalrail.co.uk works on principles that most consumer and retail sites should aspire to.
|
-
|
The moment I got Foursquare? About midday on Saturday when I checked in
at a department store in Cologne. I've been using the service for a
month or so, checking in, looking at reviews, adding places. But I
hadn't quite worked out the real commercial possibilities of the
software.
So why Cologne?
As soon as I checked in, up flashed a 'nearby offer' sign, which
linked to a message from Vodafone. Here's how it worked. In the same
street there's a Vodafone retail outlet, which was giving away netbooks
and other prizes to its Mayors at midday and 3pm.
There's more to this than neat marketing on a slow January weekend. Remember
cybersquatting? When you could register the name of a big business and
negotiate, if you were savvy enough, a payout for your URL? Much the
same is happening with Foursquare. Except now it's smart web and gadget
users who are grabbing online real estate by becoming Mayors or
simply visiting frequently and posting reviews.
The implications for pretty much any consumer facing business are
enormous. Imagine Twitter, but with all that chatter about your company
organised coherently around multiple locations and outlets. No need to
invent tools like retweeting or hashtags, when the work is done for you
already.
As far as I can tell, anyone can add a place, make it visible to other
Foursquare users and start the conversation. Imagine trying to exercise
any control over such fragmented ownership. At least a URL has one
owner.
Which brings us back to Cologne and Vodafone, a company that's already
started to engage with visitors and which understands the implications
for its business. I doubt very much that it's the first to turn
Foursquare to its advantage and it certainly won't be the last.
A final thought. For all the hype, Foursquare has just 100,000 users
worldwide. If you want to go get some of that there online real estate,
now's the time to get moving.
|
-
It's good to see that in the run up to the season of goodwill, Google, The New York Times and The Washington Post have cosied up together in a Labs project called 'Living Stories'. According to Google, the site is "an experiment in presenting news, one designed specifically for the online environment." What's exciting here is that Google is prepared to offer a very clever service to established newspapers, which consolidates content from an ongoing story into one page. It's also noteworthy that when you return to a story, updates are highlighted and older news is summarised. I also like the use of timelines and interactive charts. It's clear evidence that newspaper publishers get the new world of content driven by words, images and data, and it's perfect for coverage of the Copenhagen summit, or the US healthcare debate. Noticeable for its absence is advertising. But although this is still at the demo stage, you can see the potential for high-end spots targetting a more affluent demographic. While the markets are different, Living Stories is also an elegant alternative to the Sports Illustrated e-magazine, for example. While I loved the gadgets and the touchscreen gizmos, here's a minimalist alternative from the grand old warriors of journalism with just a bit of help from the new kid on the block. Classic with a twist indeed.
|
-
Anyone interested in the face-off between the old word of content and the new should be reading theUK Financial Times today. First off, a fabulous article on MySpace (the News Corp Years) and the demise of one of the hottest online properties ever. Whether or not anything could have been done to prevent Facebook from opening up such a huge lead in the social networking marketplace is up for debate. But it's clear that cultural issues hindered the deal almost as soon as the ink dried on the acquisition in 2005. Nothing illustrates this more than the contribution from a News Corp spokeswoman: "The suggestion that News Corp held back the product innovation at MySpace is flatly incorrect...MySpace would come to us with a list of hundreds of product requests. We simply asked them to prioritise and couch them in some sort of strategy, which probably felt foreign to them." Ouch. As if to emphasise the distance between the traditional media and the new, there's an interview with U2 manager, Paul McGuinness, on the next page. Once again the talk is of 'cultural collisions': "I find I'm often talking with [technology] executives who are really careless and frequently arrogant about the cultural impact of what they are doing. I wish there were an atmosphere of nurturing and respect, which I really don't see." Behind the posturing, of course, both sides need each other as much as the other. McGuinness, after all, negotiated the deal to stream a U2 concert live via YouTube and sponsorship with Blackberry. But this painful merger between the new world and the old is like so many others. Plenty of loud words in public, but you can be sure that the important stuff is going on behind closed doors.
|
-
Following on from yesterday's post where the Sun newspaper poked fun at all things e-reader, here's the perfect riposte, this time from Sports Illustrated, published by Time Inc. What I like about this demo is that while hardware manufacturers remain remarkably tight lipped about new devices, publishers are increasingly setting the agenda for the new world of content. Sport is obviously one of the killer apps with the potential to wrench a mass audience from paper to e-ink, and there are some great features here: a dynamic cover, embedded photographs and crucially the opportunity to personalise content. Another important reason why sports will succeed in this environment is that they come with ready made communities of fans, eager to share news and connect with one another. So no surprise that the share feature is highlighted during the clip. Whether or not this was produced in tacit agreement with an e-reader manufacturer behind the scenes is another matter. But in the meantime, enjoy this clip. It's what you'll be watching in 12 months time - or less.
|
-
Hats off to the Sun newspaper. It's just started broadcasting the UK's cleverest and funniest media ad for many a month. The spot makes some great points about the convenience and versatility of print newspapers versus handheld devices, while taking a pop at features such as pinch and scroll, sideways reading and others. But, but, but. How many print newspapers could get away with this? The Sun, with its innovative graphics, layouts and eye-catching content looks great from page to page. Easily the print equivalent of a colourful online display. I can't think of many others. Maybe The Guardian in the UK, or Germany's Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper perhaps? Great ad, very funny. But once again the exception proves the rule: print newspapers are falling behind their online cousins when it comes to compelling design, versatility and choice. And the gap is only going to grow.
|
-
You can always count on Harold Evans for a smart take on the current state of journalism and content.
Currently doing the rounds promoting his autobiography, the former London Times editor was cautiously optimistic about the future of journalism when speaking on the BBC yesterday: "Smaller newspaper circulations and a very vigorous web," was his assessment.
Also standing up for traditional journalism (if not newspapers) this weekend was Eric Schmidt. Speaking to Search Engine Land, the Google CEO said: "Well-funded, targeted, professionally managed, investigative journalism is a necessary precondition...to a functioning democracy."
And later: "Name a blogger who today has the kind of deep embedded reporting that a newspaper does."
Both Evans and Schmidt are speaking up at a time when more and more publications are getting onto the paid content bandwagon. As well as the WSJ, The Radio Times (UK TV listings), The Spectator (UK current affairs), and the Financial Times all offer subscription based mobile apps. The Guardian is lining up to do the same.
Meanwhile the London Times is offering something called Times+, a deal whereby readers can add on packages of print and online content to their existing subscription. It's all very reminiscent of banking, with content suppliers targeting a new class of high value customers. The New York Times is already on the way, with The Guardian (again) following behind.
|
-
What's the wow factor of Microsoft's Courier 'Tablet' prototype video?
From a marketing and perceptions standpoint it speaks volumes, especially compared with the secrecy surrounding Apple's long-awaited Tablet.
Courier is in line with the company's attempts to promote itself as a device maker (Xbox, Zune etc.). And it makes Microsoft appear open and visionary, without over committing. Although with its hinged dual-screen and stylus, Courier already differentiates itself from what we know about most other anticipated devices.
This announcement also steals a march on everyone else trying to shape the future of monetized content in a busy week: Google (Fast-Flip), News International (charging for WSJ on mobile) and Amazon ('Lost Symbol' Kindle sales matching hardback).
And it's got legs. Take a look at the demo and note how it cuts out suddenly at the end. If this isn't 'chapter 1' I don't know what is. Don't be surprised to see more clips in the coming weeks. We've had business today, so my money's on e-reader and then education.
(Disclosure: Microsoft is a client but not this division)
|
-
Hey presto.
I love the way that the Derren Brown lottery trick illustrates how a single event can generate fast flowing real-time information that slowly crystalises into hard fact.
Here's how one of the biggest viral events of recent times has evolved so far.
1. Turbulence (Real time/near real time): Tens of thousands of comments, Tweets, status updates containing wonder, hope, slander and plenty of possible explanations.
2. Consensus (12 hours): Emergence of Facebook groups, Twitter streams and others that are gradually drawn to the split screen consensus, based on discussion and an element of ‘follow the leader’.
3. Explanation (24 hours): A static blog (although it does contain well-edited, embedded footage of the trick) explains how it was done.
4. Replication (48 hours): A short video clip replicates the trick in Cyriak’s front room.
5. Revelation (Eternity): To be confirmed. All really depends on explanation promised later this evening. Expect a repeat of (1) and (2) above.
The time lag between the original show and the explanation is critical. The real wonder is how Brown and Channel 4 have left enough space for people to fill in the gaps, and create an inescapable mass of viral content that will reach pretty much any online audience.
Disclaimer: Brown’s biggest trick will be to convince the world that there was more to this than a camera trick. If he manages that, I’ll be really impressed.
|
-
Whether or not it's got long term viability as a business model, you have to admire the vision of the New York Times for offering readers the chance to take a course hosted by a celebrity writer, as reported at the Nieman Journalism Lab.
Courses cost up to $185 and can be attended in person or online. While the financial possibilities seem a little limited, it shows how publishers are starting to make better use of the community model.
A current recruitment advertisement for The Guardian (also posted on the Nieman Journalism Lab) also speaks volumes:
"Increasingly we believe our future resides at the centre of a community of engaged readers and users, whose relationship with us will be much closer and more involved. The Guardian Club will be our transformational next step in bringing these customers to the centre of our business, rewarding loyalty while growing our reach and revenues. We want members of the Club to feel that they are genuinely part of our organisation, and as close as it is possible to get to the editorial heart of our company."
I really like this because it shows that rather than bemoaning the rise and rise of blogging and citizen journalism, publishers are taking advantage of their marquee writers to reach out to readers and connect in both real and virtual worlds.
It also suggests another way in which newspapers will offer a series of pick and mix services from free (text only, advertisements, delayed delivery) to premium (real-time, advertisement free, multimedia) and everything inbetween.
Of course we're still waiting for a strong pool of e-readers and tablets to make this possible, but perhaps we'll see this diversification emerge around a sporting event in the next couple of years. Next year's soccer world cup is probably too early. Are the 2012 Olympics too late?
|
-
Rupert Murdoch has played with the idea of paid content for a while, but now it looks like News Corp is actually going ahead with the plan. Probably within the next 12 months, if yesterday’s analyst conference call is anything to go by. The company lost $3.4bn (£2bn) in the year to the end of June, which the chief executive said had been "the most difficult in recent history".
The response so far has been fairly sceptical. Commentators point out that while subscribers are willing to pay for the Wall Street Journal, for example, they do so not just because of what Murdoch calls ‘quality journalism’.
Instead they are attracted by daily, in-depth financial analysis, a customisable, personal portfolio, and up-to-the-minute market data. The WSJ works because it puts everything in one place.
So where does that leave The London Times and The Sun? In Murdoch’s words, the challenge is to "just make our content better and differentiate it from other people". Which means there’s still a lot of work to be done to make the current delivery model stand out. Murdoch did suggest that exclusive celebrity gossip could be a killer app of sorts. And perhaps well-executed sports coverage could do the same.
During the call he also asserted that News Corp was working with software and hardware developers, and other publishers to develop a model that works for consumers. Hardware? Back in May, News Corp said that it wasn’t an appliance maker. Although that doesn’t rule out a looser hardware partnership. Think Microsoft and HTC perhaps.
So here’s another take on the story. With profits plummeting, what News Corp fears most of all is an upstart IT industry dictating terms. That’s why Murdoch is sticking his head above the parapet now in an attempt to set the agenda and put Amazon, Apple, Twitter and others on notice that the news industry is about to bite back. The announcement will also inspire other publishers to ramp up their plans to charge for content.
And perhaps that’s the point. In the end we’re left to speculate on a publisher shedding profit by the millions, a commitment to transform online subscription models, and a cunning reference to a new technology platform. No precise details but enough of a smokescreen to get rival technologists and publishers into a cold sweat.
Now that’s what I call news.
|
-
Nobody anticipated the stunning success of the mobile app store. Not even Apple. The iPhone, by all accounts, is a pretty average voice device, while MMS has only just been added. Yet the app store, since its launch little more than a year ago, has already inspired RIM, Nokia and Microsoft to launch their own versions. That's an entire industry holding up its hands and howling 'no-brainer'.
It's also transforming the way that we consume content. Having had nothing less than an almightly kicking since the first news pages went online, it's hardly surprising that publishers are trying to get their retaliation in early this time round.
First of all the Editor of the London Financial Times, Lionel Barber, speaking in The Guardian , asserted that most online news organisations will be charging for content within a year. As if to back this up, the newspaper has launched a new mobile application, heavily trailed in this weekend's edition of the Financial Times, offering a subscription based service (three articles per month for non-subscribers). Other applications including The New York Times, The Daily Telegraph and Le Monde offer a reasonable selection of current and archived stories for free, although for how long is anyone's guess.
There's no doubt that apps add value to the mobile reading experience, while the new generation of netbooks, e-readers and tablet computers expected before the end of this year will further encourage readers to go electronic. Amazon may be offering painful terms to US newspapers who want to offer content via the Kindle, but in a year's time the market will be awash with portable devices and app-based readers that will break this market wide open.
Conclusions? The business models are getting as smart as the technology. Publishers have sniffed a half-chance of making some money from subscriptions at last. And with mobile devices finally catching up with the expectations of newspaper addicts, more and more of us will pay for highly personalised content, wirelessly updated in real time - this writer included.
|
-
Three important announcements from Twitter in the past 24 hours:
1. Rids its database of spammers. This was long overdue. Trending topics were hopelessly compromised, for example.
2. Launches 101 business page. A good guide to microblogging for the business community: 'how to' pages (check), case studies (check), benefits (check).
3. Announces new home page to be launched next week: Speaking to All Things Digital, Co-founder Biz Stone says: "We need to do a better job of explaining ourselves to people..."
It's clear that Twitter is more determined than ever to promote itself as a serious business/marketing/advertising platform. Why? It looks as if Stone and the Twitter team have passed up the latest opportunity to sell the business. By all accounts there was plenty of flirting at Sun Valley earlier this month, but Murdoch and others kept their wallets to themselves.
At the same time, Yahoo has revamped its home page and the much touted merger with Microsoft looks more likely than ever. We've also seen the demise of much-hyped start-ups such as Joost, while the big names behind Hulu are quietly smiling. There's a general sense that the old order is reasserting itself. No wonder Twitter is keener than ever to be taken seriously.
|
-
Just a couple of content snippets today around advertising.
Forrester predicts that interactive ad spending will double in the next five years. Sounds positive, but here's the catch - overall advertising budgets won't change that much. Meanwhile All Things Digital reports that the New York Times has posted Q2 results that include a near 32% fall in advertising, a figure that will send shivers down the spine of any print giant and any local newpaper - just in case any are still in circulation.
Yes, it's a mixed bag. And expect more results and opinions as the Q2 numbers fly over the Web. But there seems to be a shared idea here. Like swine flu and the economy, maybe the worst is over. Or perhaps things are still getting bad, just more slowly. Keep watching the tickers.
|
-
|
Who does Twitter's PR? Not a day goes by without another story linking the micro-blogging site with a major world event. Last month the Iranian election, this week the first weekend's taking for Bruno. Skipping over Michael Jackson, Torchwood, and (possibly) how Twitter helped fake the moon landings.
Today, social media hacks from The Guardian get in on the act: http://tinyurl.com/n7wdge
And they've managed to do something pretty remarkable - strip through the hype and still come up with an article that describes the origins of Twitter, what it's like to work at the company and how it might one day actually make some money.
Stuart Jeffries and Laura Barton also chip in with some sharp observations on Twitter etiquette for new starters.
Footnote 1: No, Twitter doesn't actually have a PR company. Not much need really.
Footnote 2: Apologies for the Tiny URLs. My current browser doesn't support embedded links. It will be sorted next time.
Footnote 3: Torchwood wasn't a really a major world event, but that's what happens when you spend too much time listening to the hype.
|
|
|