News and Analysis

Career:
Want to start your own business? The ever-reliable Jason Alba has a book reccomendation that may be up your alley.

Economics/Freakonomics/Geekonomics:
To big to fail is over? I've been seeing this from several sources – that future banking and corporate rules will be stricter, and even require companies to plan for their own failure, and accelerate corporate sell-off and deconstruction. This could obviously make it much better for companies to stay smaller and more focused. I think there will be a lot less adversity to such regulations, so watch what happens – it may affect your company, but it could lead to more economic stability. I'm concerned about a second round of corporate collapses in 3-5 years, and this might head that off (if of course I'm right).

Social Media:
Social Media and class – An informative read on the fact that social media has class divisions in it as well – and often reinforces them. If you're remotely involved in social media, take a read.

Facebook is still on a roll – Yeah, I know, nothing new. More information from the same sources, including a projection Facebook could be making revenue in the billions in 5 years. Pretty sure that's 55% hype.

Video Games:
TV Networks are interested in the mobile game market. Provides some insights of just how many are getting interested. The branding opportunities have to be heady as well. With mobile gaming expanding this fast, it's something to watch – as is good synergy.

Onatrio putting huge amount of cash into new Ubisoft studio over ten years. Anyone still thinking gaming isn't recognized as a legitimate industry anymore?

Yes, the Japanese game market is slumping.

Writing:
Want to break into writing? Michael Stackpoole says you're going to want to go online. A good read for future writers. Stackpoole has a lot of insights I hadn't thought of – how the rapidity of payment changes income, the internet can bring back the serial, etc.

And finally, a robot to make ramen. How many more geeky things can combine here?

– Steven Savage

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