Ive been thinking about the different media economic models out there, especially games and e-books. I think I've discovered a barrier to customer involvement that is often not explored.
Fear of commitment.
Culture
Progreek Pride: Communication In The Geek Nation
Halo action figures once made my job easier.
I had to get to know a team operating several servers on a project I worked on at a past employer – and being the Project Manager I had to get to know everyone. This included people who I'd never met, on a team I didn't know existed. I needed to get to know them – and get some things moving project-wise.
Fortunately, someone had Halo action figures. Sensing a fellow geek, I struck up a conversation with that team member, and had an instant in to the team.
Being an unrepentant geek helped my communications with others.