I think the analogy means that you have to be at the source to catch the product: the only way to get a book is to be at the bookstore and the only way to catch a stream is to be there when it flows — they are both location-and-time-specific events. But, maybe I need a cup of coffee, too.

That might be the case. But if it is the case, it’s a really stupid thing to do all the same. It would be perfect guerilla marketing to promote themselves through competitors sites.

okay, maybe i just need a cup of coffee, but can someone explain this analogy to me? there’s gotta be an easier way to say whatever you’re trying to say btw, i agree with the rest of your points.

I can’t wait.

Now if they can get Howard Stern to shill whoopee cushions, we’ll be all set.

I think I know why Amazon doesn’t want to make their Fishbowl programs available as downloads. I talk about it more here on GumpRants.com.

Amazon figures that the Fishbowl program is an opportunity to increase visit lengths and more importantly ensure a CAPTIVE sales audience. You’ve got to be sitting there in front of an Amazon sales page while you’re listening to the program.

If it’s a podcast, they’ve lost that immediate sales conversion opportunity and immediate “call to action” that I am sure Mahr will make several times during the sales pitch - I mean, entertaining interview program.

But I agree with you - there should be SOMETHING - a teaser perhaps - that is available for download. It would drive a lot more traffic.

More on GumpRants.com.

-aB

Great commentary on the rise and demise of CNN.

Excerpts:

“The Most Trusted Name in News” has become the Most Mismanaged Name in News. The company now known as something like AOL/Time Warner Turner/CNN NewLine Pictures and Broadcasting Bros, Inc., should be called “AWOL Bros.” for short.

Sure, they no longer have a monopoly on instant news as they did during the first Gulf War. And, yes, they’ve lost some good people like Bernard Shaw and Judy Woodruff to attrition. So they needed to shake off the cobwebs and bring some talent – both management and on-air – and retool the network for the new millenium. And they blew it. Big Time. Cheney Time.

Say hello to the new CNN and say good-bye to cable news as we once knew it. By adding all these conservative commentators to their line-up, CNN now makes a dramatic and unnecessary dive downward and to the right. Perhaps they think they can outfox FOX. Perhaps they think that by eliminating any journalistic integrity, the NSA will stop eavesdropping on Christiane Amanpour’s phone calls. My guess is that the red hue you will soon see on CNN will be the color of embarrassment.

because Amazon is operating under the false sense of security that things that stream cannot be downloaded and/or captured and then distributed.

good luck with that, fellas.