Economics/Freakonomics/Geekonomics:
Was the US debt problem caused by trying to keep up with the effects of wealth concentration? An analysis of a much headier read. If the author's information bears out, some social shifts will be needed.
Anime:
Crunchyroll gets yet another simulcast. We haven't had any Crunchynews, and they just keep going – and no rivals so far. I'm wondering when even more VC gets poured into them because they know what they're doing. I saw this as a user.
Publishing:
Ganett lays off 1400 people – 3% of their workforce. It's been relatively stable on the news/publishing scene lately, so not sure if this means a new wave or if it's an isolated incident.
Social Media:
A look at how social media maps to communications. A heady read. Take it slow, but it makes some good points.
Facebook makes some changes to privacy and settings – and some twitterlike additions. Facebook seems to be continually evolving, and this appears to be done to make communication – and indexing – easier. Note that with vanity URLs, etc. Facebook seems more than glad to take cues from other social media, which may explain their success – but also suggests what is the norm in social media . . .
Technology:
In two years iPhone startups have gotten $100 million from Investors. Exciting, but remember some of this is probably only a few million for some companies.
Television:
SyFy may remake the Alien Nation TV series. I was a fan of the series before the movies, very well acted and well done. A remake makes me wonder what else is being considered for remake on the smallscreen – or the internet. Even more remakes on the way since they're safe? Is that good or bad for media careers?
Video:
Hulu is working on it's UK launch. They'll be even more relevant when they get this – so where's the inevitable rival? Their competition seems to not be doing too hot. Now where will their jobs be . . .
As Hulu marches on, here's a great analysis of what went wrong with Joost. A great acutionary tale.
– Steven Savage