Media predictions from TMT Trends 2009 series

Link to these 2009 predictions here --> http://www.deloitte.com/view/en_AL/al/industries/technologymediaandtelecommunications/article/6cf0bf2733101210VgnVCM100000ba42f00aRCRD.htm


Well, that's a rather bleak view.

Look, here's one quote from the article linked above: "The markets get anti-social with social networks. Social networks with their millions of users have been the toast of new media in recent years—despite their inability to fully monetize those users. But a harsher financial outlook in 2009 combined with contracting online advertising will likely bring this free ride to an end."

Okay, now wait a minute. Let's look at this in perspective. Is this really a negative thing? Certainly if this prediction becomes reality, for those cashing in on social networking, it might be beneficial to have a small barrier to the current infiniate amount of freemiums on the web.

If the fees are kept extremely modest, it would still allow easy access, plus it would help weed out mere lurkers and rubber-neckers. The result would be that mostly people serious about social networking and special interests will be soaking up the content.

If you're great at blogging, selling great content, monetizing your on-line brand. No worries. Cream rises to the top, and you'll probably be handed a more motivated audience, though reduced. This will make it more difficult for mediocrity and newcomers, but that's supposed to be difficult.

What's much more to the point, I have not been able to find any trending data to support this prediction. Monetization ratios through social networking are on the rise for both the social net hosts and hustlers (those who have figured out how to mobilize social net monetization for their business... err, I mean, cash in on social net). So, I'll keep an eye out, but I'm not so sure about this prediction.

In any case, while I'm all about reducing all barriers and keeping this stuff free to all who want to join the social net party--I see positives either way.

Keep your glass half full, and all shall be well.