Concern about the clout of the internet giants is growing. But antitrust watchdogs should tread carefully
THE four giants of the internet age—Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon—are
extraordinary creatures. Never before has the world seen firms grow so fast or
spread their tentacles so widely. Apple has become a colossus of capitalism,
accounting for 4.3% of the value of the S&P 500 and 1.1% of the global
equity market. Some 425m people now use its iTunes online store, whose virtual
shelves are packed to the gills with music and other digital content. Google,
meanwhile, is the undisputed global leader in search and online advertising. Its
Android software powers three-quarters of the smartphones being shipped. Amazon
dominates the online-retail and e-book markets in many countries; less well
known is its behind-the-scenes power in cloud computing. As for Facebook, if the
social network’s one billion users were a country, it would be the world’s third
largest.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Technology giants at war - Part Two
Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon are at each other’s throats in all sorts of ways
Nor has the industry ever seen such young and feisty firms—Apple, the oldest of the quartet, was founded in 1976—with so much financial firepower. Each of the companies has developed a powerful business model. Google has turned search into a huge money-spinner by tying it to advertising. Facebook is in the process of doing something similar with the way people’s interests and relationships are revealed by their social networks. Amazon has made it cheap and easy to order physical goods and digital content online. And Apple has minted money by selling beautiful gadgets at premium prices.
Nor has the industry ever seen such young and feisty firms—Apple, the oldest of the quartet, was founded in 1976—with so much financial firepower. Each of the companies has developed a powerful business model. Google has turned search into a huge money-spinner by tying it to advertising. Facebook is in the process of doing something similar with the way people’s interests and relationships are revealed by their social networks. Amazon has made it cheap and easy to order physical goods and digital content online. And Apple has minted money by selling beautiful gadgets at premium prices.
Fifty shades of data-visualisations
WHIPPING up good data journalism can involve painful research and number-crunching. The hacks at Delayed Gratification, a quarterly magazine that produces a slower, more reflective type of journalism, have achieved this with striking results
The idea was to provide an antidote to increasingly speedy “fast” media by producing a beautiful print publication which looks back every quarter on the events of the preceding three months and revisits them with the benefit of hindsight. We’re interested in the final analysis not the knee-jerk reaction, and pride ourselves on being “Last to Breaking News”. We also pick up on a lot of quirky stories the rest of the media missed, and publish a lot of beautiful infographics which bring out new patterns in three months’ worth of data. Ultimately, you can see Delayed Gratification as either a very slow magazine—or a very fast history book.
The idea was to provide an antidote to increasingly speedy “fast” media by producing a beautiful print publication which looks back every quarter on the events of the preceding three months and revisits them with the benefit of hindsight. We’re interested in the final analysis not the knee-jerk reaction, and pride ourselves on being “Last to Breaking News”. We also pick up on a lot of quirky stories the rest of the media missed, and publish a lot of beautiful infographics which bring out new patterns in three months’ worth of data. Ultimately, you can see Delayed Gratification as either a very slow magazine—or a very fast history book.
Key to career success - know your TV catchphrases
New research finds television gossip can help you win at work
It appears that mentioning certain television programmes at work will not
just win friends, but also influence people, resulting in a fast-tracked
promotion. So much so, that one in five of us are prepared to fake our knowledge
of these shows to create a good impression.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Pirelli calendar covers up
The world's most beautiful women, including Karlie Kloss, Petra Nemcova and a heavily pregnant Adriana Lima, cover up for photojournalist Steve McCurry's Pirelli Calendar
Alongside Terry Richardson, the Pirelli Calendar has, in recent years, been the preserve of the biggest names in fashion photography, from Mario Sorrenti and Karl Lagerfeld, to Patrick Demarchelier and Mert & Marcus, so McCurry's appointment was clearly meant as a deliberate gear shift.
Could this signal the end of naked women in the Pirelli Calendar? Some certainly feel the usual format is a gratuitous hangover of a bygone era, but while McCurry's images are strikingly beautiful and thought provoking, we can't help but wonder how many disappointed faces there will be when the postman comes.
Alongside Terry Richardson, the Pirelli Calendar has, in recent years, been the preserve of the biggest names in fashion photography, from Mario Sorrenti and Karl Lagerfeld, to Patrick Demarchelier and Mert & Marcus, so McCurry's appointment was clearly meant as a deliberate gear shift.
Could this signal the end of naked women in the Pirelli Calendar? Some certainly feel the usual format is a gratuitous hangover of a bygone era, but while McCurry's images are strikingly beautiful and thought provoking, we can't help but wonder how many disappointed faces there will be when the postman comes.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Global adspend forecast downgraded
Warc, the marketing intelligence service, expects global advertising spend to increase by 4.3% in 2012 and by 4% in 2013 according to its latest international ad forecast
Russia (+14.6%) and China (+12.5%) are expected to be the fastest-growing ad markets in 2013, followed by Brazil (+9.5%) and India (+9%).
The US – the world's largest ad market with predicted revenue of $153bn in 2012 – is expected to expand at a slower rate of 2.5% next year without the benefit of certain big events.
Suzy Young, Warc's data editor, explained: "The global ad market has been boosted this year by quadrennial events, namely the Olympics, the US presidential election and, to a lesser extent, Euro 2012. Next year will suffer by comparison, with advertisers having fewer incentives to spend when the underlying mood is generally one of caution."
Russia (+14.6%) and China (+12.5%) are expected to be the fastest-growing ad markets in 2013, followed by Brazil (+9.5%) and India (+9%).
The US – the world's largest ad market with predicted revenue of $153bn in 2012 – is expected to expand at a slower rate of 2.5% next year without the benefit of certain big events.
Suzy Young, Warc's data editor, explained: "The global ad market has been boosted this year by quadrennial events, namely the Olympics, the US presidential election and, to a lesser extent, Euro 2012. Next year will suffer by comparison, with advertisers having fewer incentives to spend when the underlying mood is generally one of caution."
11 Biggest Social Media Disasters of 2012
The calendar year wouldn’t be complete without a few social media fails.
In 2012, plenty of big brands and organizations suffered serious backlashes on social networks like Twitter and Facebook for offensive tweets, questionable ad campaigns or controversial company statements. Some, like McDonald’s, attempted good-natured social media campaigns that simply took unexpected turns. Others, like StubHub’s and KitchenAid’s Twitter accounts mistakenly send out shocking tweets.
If there’s one lesson to take away from this year’s fails, it’s that brands need to be particularly careful when it comes to tying a promotion or post to a big, public event. Several of the businesses on our list were heavily criticized for posts relating to the presidential election and Hurricane Sandy, for example
In 2012, plenty of big brands and organizations suffered serious backlashes on social networks like Twitter and Facebook for offensive tweets, questionable ad campaigns or controversial company statements. Some, like McDonald’s, attempted good-natured social media campaigns that simply took unexpected turns. Others, like StubHub’s and KitchenAid’s Twitter accounts mistakenly send out shocking tweets.
If there’s one lesson to take away from this year’s fails, it’s that brands need to be particularly careful when it comes to tying a promotion or post to a big, public event. Several of the businesses on our list were heavily criticized for posts relating to the presidential election and Hurricane Sandy, for example
Monday, November 26, 2012
Skyfall - Billion-Dollar Bond...?
Who's Making What From 'Skyfall'
MGM, the Broccoli family and Sony all have fingers in the pie as the extraordinary worldwide grosses come just in time for a flashy IPO.
Many Hollywood observers now believe the Sam Mendes-directed picture could be the first Bond -- and only the 14th film ever -- to pass the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office.
MGM, the Broccoli family and Sony all have fingers in the pie as the extraordinary worldwide grosses come just in time for a flashy IPO.
Many Hollywood observers now believe the Sam Mendes-directed picture could be the first Bond -- and only the 14th film ever -- to pass the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office.
Boom-bang-a-bust Glitz of Eurovision proves too costly
Portugal and Poland drop out because winning would be disaster
In recent years former Soviet countries have shown how seriously they take the contest.
The Moscow Eurovision, which at the time was thought to have been the most expensive in history, was estimated to have cost around £25m to host, while the following year in Oslo came in at around £23m.
Last year's tournament in Baku dwarfed these figures, however. Unofficial estimates said the Baku government may have spent up to £500m.
In recent years former Soviet countries have shown how seriously they take the contest.
The Moscow Eurovision, which at the time was thought to have been the most expensive in history, was estimated to have cost around £25m to host, while the following year in Oslo came in at around £23m.
Last year's tournament in Baku dwarfed these figures, however. Unofficial estimates said the Baku government may have spent up to £500m.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Girl Power 1 - Movies, Bella beats Bond
Films featuring weapon-wielding teenage girls are dominating Hollywood's fantasy output. But in the real world men still hold power in the industry
One thing that has struck many observers of the trend is that the young female characters emerging in post-Twilight Hollywood are not overly sexualised. Instead they wield weapons, lead other characters and exist in film genres – such as horror, dystopian science fiction and post-apocalyptic settings – where strong male characters have usually dominated. Again The Hunger Games is a classic example. The character of Everdeen is dominant and strong, including over her putative love interests. "These girls are not all wearing bikinis. It is not just about showing skin," said Noah Levy, senior news editor at celebrity magazine In Touch Weekly.
One thing that has struck many observers of the trend is that the young female characters emerging in post-Twilight Hollywood are not overly sexualised. Instead they wield weapons, lead other characters and exist in film genres – such as horror, dystopian science fiction and post-apocalyptic settings – where strong male characters have usually dominated. Again The Hunger Games is a classic example. The character of Everdeen is dominant and strong, including over her putative love interests. "These girls are not all wearing bikinis. It is not just about showing skin," said Noah Levy, senior news editor at celebrity magazine In Touch Weekly.
Girl power 2 - Music
Ke$ha is one of the vibrant group of feisty female pop stars who now dominate the charts. Have women finally seized control of the music industry?
Ke$ha, 25, is one of a vibrant group of female pop stars who dominate today’s charts. Each projects a distinctive personality: the self-styled “black Madonna” (Rihanna), the arty weirdo (Lady Gaga), the middle-American sweetheart (Taylor Swift), the cheeky girl-next-door (Katy Perry). Their male counterparts are colourless in comparison. You can’t really imagine Justin Bieber’s entourage planning visits to “weirdly sexual” burlesque clubs.
Ke$ha, 25, is one of a vibrant group of female pop stars who dominate today’s charts. Each projects a distinctive personality: the self-styled “black Madonna” (Rihanna), the arty weirdo (Lady Gaga), the middle-American sweetheart (Taylor Swift), the cheeky girl-next-door (Katy Perry). Their male counterparts are colourless in comparison. You can’t really imagine Justin Bieber’s entourage planning visits to “weirdly sexual” burlesque clubs.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Gangnam Style breaks YouTube record
Psy's song poking fun at South Korea's bourgeouisie leapfrogs Justin Bieber's Baby to become most-watched video ever
The camp video, which has spawned a growing number of spoof and tribute clips, wrested the title from Canadian singer Justin Bieber's Baby, which has more than 803m views.
Psy, whose real name is Park Jae-sang, has become an international star since Gangnam Style's release in July.
Psy's song, which pokes fun at the fashion-conscious residents of an upmarket neighbourhood in Seoul, has topped charts around the world, selling more than 4m copies worldwide.
The camp video, which has spawned a growing number of spoof and tribute clips, wrested the title from Canadian singer Justin Bieber's Baby, which has more than 803m views.
Psy, whose real name is Park Jae-sang, has become an international star since Gangnam Style's release in July.
Psy's song, which pokes fun at the fashion-conscious residents of an upmarket neighbourhood in Seoul, has topped charts around the world, selling more than 4m copies worldwide.
The Future of Football
On-pitch drama at a London derby sparks a global Twitter frenzy. Technology is changing the way we watch football
Initially, it’s not the emotions of the thousands of spectators present that appear the most powerfully felt but those of the millions of people watching TV broadcasts around the world, streaming the games online and commenting on social networking sites such as Twitter. They include US-based Arsenal fan and television host Piers Morgan, his Twitter sparring partner and Tottenham fan Sir Alan Sugar, golfer Ian Poulter, and what seems like a large number of Arsenal’s 1.9m Twitter followers – the most of any team in England (Chelsea are second, with 1.6m). From Spain, Cesc Fàbregas (@cesc4official), a former Arsenal midfielder now playing for Barcelona, posts his own good luck message before Arsenal go 1-0 down: “Come on @Arsenal!!!!” It is re-tweeted more than 10,000 times during the game.
Initially, it’s not the emotions of the thousands of spectators present that appear the most powerfully felt but those of the millions of people watching TV broadcasts around the world, streaming the games online and commenting on social networking sites such as Twitter. They include US-based Arsenal fan and television host Piers Morgan, his Twitter sparring partner and Tottenham fan Sir Alan Sugar, golfer Ian Poulter, and what seems like a large number of Arsenal’s 1.9m Twitter followers – the most of any team in England (Chelsea are second, with 1.6m). From Spain, Cesc Fàbregas (@cesc4official), a former Arsenal midfielder now playing for Barcelona, posts his own good luck message before Arsenal go 1-0 down: “Come on @Arsenal!!!!” It is re-tweeted more than 10,000 times during the game.
Lunch with the FT - Martha Stewart (née Kostyra)
The former stockbroker who built an empire out of American domesticity talks to the FT’s fashion editor about surviving prison - and Christmas
It was Stewart (as Stewart will tell you) who understood media and commerce would soon be one and the same thing, decades before Net-a-Porter launched a magazine and magazines launched their own storefronts; it was Stewart who suffered a public fall from grace in 2003 when she was indicted for making false statements and obstruction of justice in relation to a stock trade – she was convicted by a jury and spent five months in prison in West Virginia; and it was Stewart who re-emerged blonder and tougher and, product-wise at least, more ubiquitous than ever, with 8,500 Martha Stewart-branded items sold everywhere from Macy’s to Home Depot to PetSmart and Staples.
It was Stewart (as Stewart will tell you) who understood media and commerce would soon be one and the same thing, decades before Net-a-Porter launched a magazine and magazines launched their own storefronts; it was Stewart who suffered a public fall from grace in 2003 when she was indicted for making false statements and obstruction of justice in relation to a stock trade – she was convicted by a jury and spent five months in prison in West Virginia; and it was Stewart who re-emerged blonder and tougher and, product-wise at least, more ubiquitous than ever, with 8,500 Martha Stewart-branded items sold everywhere from Macy’s to Home Depot to PetSmart and Staples.
Simon Kuper - A Question of Identity
The nation-state is shrinking to just a flag, some sports teams and a pile of debts
I view nationalism as an outsider. Living in Paris with my American wife and my British passport, supporting Holland at football and South Africa at cricket, I’m baffled that anyone would want to die for their country. And, in fact, for most of history they didn’t. Nationalism – the notion that people who shared a culture and language should govern themselves in one state – is a fairly new idea. To quote the opening words of Elie Kedourie’s book Nationalism: “Nationalism is a doctrine invented in Europe at the beginning of the nineteenth century.”
I view nationalism as an outsider. Living in Paris with my American wife and my British passport, supporting Holland at football and South Africa at cricket, I’m baffled that anyone would want to die for their country. And, in fact, for most of history they didn’t. Nationalism – the notion that people who shared a culture and language should govern themselves in one state – is a fairly new idea. To quote the opening words of Elie Kedourie’s book Nationalism: “Nationalism is a doctrine invented in Europe at the beginning of the nineteenth century.”
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Taking the Long View
The pursuit of shareholder value is attracting criticism—not all of it foolish
Are the critics really right to argue that modern capital markets invariably put short-term results before long-term ones? Amazon has never found it hard to attract investors, despite the way it ploughs its profits into long-term plans for world domination. Plenty of other tech stocks are wildly popular despite negligible short-term returns. And are companies always foolish to react sharply to short-term warning signs? Nokia, a Finnish telecoms firm, would be much healthier today if it had reacted more swiftly to market warnings, rather than keeping a second-rate boss in place while Apple destroyed its business.
Are the critics really right to argue that modern capital markets invariably put short-term results before long-term ones? Amazon has never found it hard to attract investors, despite the way it ploughs its profits into long-term plans for world domination. Plenty of other tech stocks are wildly popular despite negligible short-term returns. And are companies always foolish to react sharply to short-term warning signs? Nokia, a Finnish telecoms firm, would be much healthier today if it had reacted more swiftly to market warnings, rather than keeping a second-rate boss in place while Apple destroyed its business.
Manufacturing - The New Maker Rules
Big forces are reshaping the world of manufacturing
Add to that another 1.8 billion consumers who will join the global marketplace in the next 15 years and “Manufacturing the Future”, a new report by the McKinsey Global Institute, has good cause to be optimistic. Demand will grow not only for basic goods (which are typically made in developing countries) but also for the costly, innovative gadgets and high-tech products that rich countries make. McKinsey reckons that rich countries will keep making such products better than anyone else.
Add to that another 1.8 billion consumers who will join the global marketplace in the next 15 years and “Manufacturing the Future”, a new report by the McKinsey Global Institute, has good cause to be optimistic. Demand will grow not only for basic goods (which are typically made in developing countries) but also for the costly, innovative gadgets and high-tech products that rich countries make. McKinsey reckons that rich countries will keep making such products better than anyone else.
#Susanalbumparty: Top 5 Twitter hashtag PR disasters
Following the most recent addition to the Twitter hashtag wall of shame – here's a roundup of the best and add your own
Causing great mirth on the social network on Thursday, the unfortunate choice of hashtag #Susanalbumparty to promote the singer's new album event has spawned a wealth of mock invites to the party and ridicule. Gawker reports the rumour-bashing site Is Twitter Wrong (run by @flashboy) managed to track down the original tweet from Susan's account, which was hastily changed to #SusanBoylesAlbumParty.
Causing great mirth on the social network on Thursday, the unfortunate choice of hashtag #Susanalbumparty to promote the singer's new album event has spawned a wealth of mock invites to the party and ridicule. Gawker reports the rumour-bashing site Is Twitter Wrong (run by @flashboy) managed to track down the original tweet from Susan's account, which was hastily changed to #SusanBoylesAlbumParty.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Schools Kill Creativity - Sir Ken Robinson
"We are educating people out of their creativity"
Creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson challenges the way we're educating our children. He champions a radical rethink of our school systems, to cultivate creativity and acknowledge multiple types of intelligence.
Creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson challenges the way we're educating our children. He champions a radical rethink of our school systems, to cultivate creativity and acknowledge multiple types of intelligence.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Lucy Kellaway - As Not Seen on TV
It’s hardly ever like real life, so why are we so fascinated by workplace drama on television?
The second way in which TV fails to resemble office life is in its lack of restraint. How thrilling for us, for whom workplace indulgence is a cappuccino in a paper cup and a bar of Kit Kat, to fantasise (or feel scandalised) about the drinking and smoking in Mad Men. Even after watching five seasons of it, I haven’t tired of the cigarette lighters and the whiskey decanters on the G-plan-style sideboards. In fact, I rather regret that the writers are moving us into the late 1960s and LSD instead, where the wish fulfilment element is less obvious. I have no desire to be, like Roger Stirling and his friends, crawling around on all fours hallucinating.
The second way in which TV fails to resemble office life is in its lack of restraint. How thrilling for us, for whom workplace indulgence is a cappuccino in a paper cup and a bar of Kit Kat, to fantasise (or feel scandalised) about the drinking and smoking in Mad Men. Even after watching five seasons of it, I haven’t tired of the cigarette lighters and the whiskey decanters on the G-plan-style sideboards. In fact, I rather regret that the writers are moving us into the late 1960s and LSD instead, where the wish fulfilment element is less obvious. I have no desire to be, like Roger Stirling and his friends, crawling around on all fours hallucinating.
Micropayments: Would you pay 20p to read an article?
After reading the first few lines, would you pay a bit of money to read the rest of it?
It's a system called micropayments, and some believe it is the future for supporting journalism, and other creative content, on the internet.
The likes of Google and Paypal have begun to roll out and promote their technologies, and there are a number of smaller players hoping to break-through.
It's a system called micropayments, and some believe it is the future for supporting journalism, and other creative content, on the internet.
The likes of Google and Paypal have begun to roll out and promote their technologies, and there are a number of smaller players hoping to break-through.
Monday, November 19, 2012
HBO channels hit programmes for 40 years
Cable channel made its early reputation as a niche channel for boxing fans before hitting its stride with original shows
Even the most cynical among us have to admit that sometimes a promotional statement gets it right. Take HBO's most famous slogan – "It's not TV, it's HBO" – a phrase that sums up the enduring appeal of the cable channel which was launched on 8 November 1972 and celebrates its 40th birthday this month.
Think of your favourite shows of the last 20 years and chances are at least one of them, probably more, is an HBO creation. From Oz to Boardwalk Empire, Sex and The City to Girls, HBO has consistently demonstrated a knack for creating shows people talk about, even if it's only to say how much they don't care.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Tobacco - Look what they’ve done to my brands
Cigarette-makers will weather the spread of plain-packaging laws
Plain packs may chime with a global back-to-basics mood. Some analysts think they could even help brands in their endless quest for differentiation. Faced with rows of identical boxes Aussies will ask for their favourites by name. New brands will find it hard to break in. Incumbents may find the new regime rather cosy.
Plain packs may chime with a global back-to-basics mood. Some analysts think they could even help brands in their endless quest for differentiation. Faced with rows of identical boxes Aussies will ask for their favourites by name. New brands will find it hard to break in. Incumbents may find the new regime rather cosy.
Company museums are not as dull as they sound
The SPAM Museum in Austin, Minnesota, is the Guggenheim of pork products. The Kohler Design Centre in Kohler, Wisconsin, is the Frick of bathroom fixtures. The Cumberland Pencil Company’s museum in Keswick, England, is the British Museum of old pencils. But now company museums are going mainstream.
A corporate museum is a shrewd way to bolster a brand. If it’s good, people will actually pay to hear your story. So companies have been transforming stodgy old-fashioned museums—collections of company artefacts and documents—into corporate theme parks. And they have started using their histories to enrich their brands and deepen their relationships with customers.
A corporate museum is a shrewd way to bolster a brand. If it’s good, people will actually pay to hear your story. So companies have been transforming stodgy old-fashioned museums—collections of company artefacts and documents—into corporate theme parks. And they have started using their histories to enrich their brands and deepen their relationships with customers.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Berezovsky vs Abramovich - Vanity Fair
This year Boris Berezovsky and Roman Abramovich, two of Russia’s most prominent oligarchs, squared off in a London courtroom—former business partners turned bitter enemies. At stake were billions of dollars. And a constant presence in the courtroom was a man who wasn’t there: Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin.
“But your witness statement says, ‘For me, O.R.T. is not only the first step into mass media, it is also good business,’” objected Sumption. “Is that wrong?”
“It’s correct.”
“So you used connections for business?”
“No. I want to stress it was not for business at all.”
“You needed $200 million for funding O.R.T. And you thought that an oil company would be a good source?”
“I took O.R.T. under control only to help with election coming 1996. I don’t want to give the impression that I was not interested in business. I was very interested. But I was interested to make money only to create political stability.”
“But your witness statement says, ‘For me, O.R.T. is not only the first step into mass media, it is also good business,’” objected Sumption. “Is that wrong?”
“It’s correct.”
“So you used connections for business?”
“No. I want to stress it was not for business at all.”
“You needed $200 million for funding O.R.T. And you thought that an oil company would be a good source?”
“I took O.R.T. under control only to help with election coming 1996. I don’t want to give the impression that I was not interested in business. I was very interested. But I was interested to make money only to create political stability.”
Vevo prepares for European launch
Music video website, founded by Sony and Universal, aims to attract fans who currently watch clips on its YouTube channel
Vevo, the music video website founded by music majors Universal and Sony, is to break into mainland Europe, launching in France, Spain and Italy.
Vevo, which launched in the UK last year, is launching country-specific versions of Vevo.com, as well as free mobile and tablet apps in each territory.
Vevo, the music video website founded by music majors Universal and Sony, is to break into mainland Europe, launching in France, Spain and Italy.
Vevo, which launched in the UK last year, is launching country-specific versions of Vevo.com, as well as free mobile and tablet apps in each territory.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Victoria's Secret latest label to offend Native Americans
The Victoria's Secret show, which sees some of the world's most beautiful women saunter down a runway in sparkly underwear, received plenty of attention last week. But it wasn't always for the right reasons
In October, Gap withdrew a line of T-shirts with the slogan "Manifest Destiny", a reference to the 19th-century belief held by Americans that they should expand across the continent, which resulted in the occupation and annexation of Native American land.
Last year, Urban Outfitters came under fire for using "Navajo" to describe and market a collection of products, knocking off the aesthetic (not to mention trademark) of an actual Native American tribe. The tribe filed a lawsuit in February.
In October, Gap withdrew a line of T-shirts with the slogan "Manifest Destiny", a reference to the 19th-century belief held by Americans that they should expand across the continent, which resulted in the occupation and annexation of Native American land.
Last year, Urban Outfitters came under fire for using "Navajo" to describe and market a collection of products, knocking off the aesthetic (not to mention trademark) of an actual Native American tribe. The tribe filed a lawsuit in February.
Conference Speaker - Owen Matthews
In 1995 he moved to Moscow and became a correspondent for Newsweek Magazine, covering conflicts in Lebanon, Afghanistan and Chechnya.
From 2006 to 2012 he was Newsweek's Moscow Bureau Chief. Owen's first book on Russian history was Stalin's Children, a family memoir, which was published to great critical acclaim in 2008. The book was shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award and the Orwell Prize for political writing, and selected as one of the Books of the Year by the Sunday Times, Sunday Telegraph and the Spectator. It has been translated into twenty-six languages
From 2006 to 2012 he was Newsweek's Moscow Bureau Chief. Owen's first book on Russian history was Stalin's Children, a family memoir, which was published to great critical acclaim in 2008. The book was shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award and the Orwell Prize for political writing, and selected as one of the Books of the Year by the Sunday Times, Sunday Telegraph and the Spectator. It has been translated into twenty-six languages
Evgeny Lebedev pulls plug on Journalism Foundation
Initiative to train journalists, promote 'free and independent journalism' and expose corruption, to close after less than a year
Last year Evgeny, head of the UK publishing operation including the Independent and the Evening Standard, said he envisaged that the "biggest titles around the world ... pool resources to uncover the schemes and money flows used to sustain massive corruption".
But the Lebedev family has been under political and financial pressure after it emerged in September that Alexander had been charged with hooliganism and battery a year after punching a business rival in the face live on television. The hooliganism charge is the same one levelled against Pussy Riot, the punk protest band jailed for two years after performing anti-Putin songs in a Moscow cathedral.
Last year Evgeny, head of the UK publishing operation including the Independent and the Evening Standard, said he envisaged that the "biggest titles around the world ... pool resources to uncover the schemes and money flows used to sustain massive corruption".
But the Lebedev family has been under political and financial pressure after it emerged in September that Alexander had been charged with hooliganism and battery a year after punching a business rival in the face live on television. The hooliganism charge is the same one levelled against Pussy Riot, the punk protest band jailed for two years after performing anti-Putin songs in a Moscow cathedral.
Cyrillic Web Domain Ranked World's Largest
Russia may not be the world champion in terms of computer use or Internet access, but when it comes to non-Latin domains the patriotic .рф is the name to beat.
Registration for .рф opened in November 2010. As of Tuesday, there were more than 845,000 addresses registered, which makes it the biggest internationalized domain name in the world, according to the coordination center.
The domain's growth rates are also impressive. Monthly growth rates have been comparable to those of Russia's Latin-script top-level domain .ru, the EURid report states.
The .рф domain grew 54 percent between December 2010 and December 2011, and it has collected 5,973 new registrants since the beginning of this month alone.
Registration for .рф opened in November 2010. As of Tuesday, there were more than 845,000 addresses registered, which makes it the biggest internationalized domain name in the world, according to the coordination center.
The domain's growth rates are also impressive. Monthly growth rates have been comparable to those of Russia's Latin-script top-level domain .ru, the EURid report states.
The .рф domain grew 54 percent between December 2010 and December 2011, and it has collected 5,973 new registrants since the beginning of this month alone.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Beware the tweeting crowds
In the online world, it’s possible to purchase a crowd of fans. One thousand cost only $18 on average, according to estimates by Barracuda Networks, a network security company.
Yet these friends won’t meet you for drinks after work. In fact, they don’t even exist. They are pixels on a screen.
Yet these friends won’t meet you for drinks after work. In fact, they don’t even exist. They are pixels on a screen.
For start-ups a strong social media following can
boost business. A small mom-and-pop shop struggling to sell its wares can look
like a booming upstart thanks to a swollen Twitter account, or an artificially
high number of Facebook likes. For major international companies, an
underwhelming number of followers in the early stages of engagement with social
media can be galling at best and damaging to brand perception at worst. Buying
crowds of fans—even if they aren’t engaged with the brand—can give an artificial
boost to a business.
It's retail, but not as we knew it
Retail itself isn't withering – buyers are simply moving away from the high street, but where do the latest trends lead?
The volume of transactions where the entire purchase cycle is completed in store will continue to fall, but the need for consumers to interact with goods physically will, however, continue to be met through the traditional store; the desire for consumers to touch, feel and even smell is universal from China to Australia, the US to Spain – quality is just too difficult to assess in the virtual world. But more importantly the traditional store will provide the channel through which the consumer can complete the last mile of the retail journey when they just cannot wait for their goods to be delivered, or when delivery to a physical address is just not practical.
The volume of transactions where the entire purchase cycle is completed in store will continue to fall, but the need for consumers to interact with goods physically will, however, continue to be met through the traditional store; the desire for consumers to touch, feel and even smell is universal from China to Australia, the US to Spain – quality is just too difficult to assess in the virtual world. But more importantly the traditional store will provide the channel through which the consumer can complete the last mile of the retail journey when they just cannot wait for their goods to be delivered, or when delivery to a physical address is just not practical.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
'Skyfall' fetches £55m in new US box office record
James Bond's 'Skyfall' has fetched a franchise record $87.8 million (£55 million) in its first weekend at the US box office.
That lifts the worldwide total for "Skyfall" to $518.6 million since it began
rolling out in Europe in late October.
The third instalment starring Daniel Craig as British super-spy Bond,
"Skyfall" outdid the $67.5 million US debut of 2008's "Quantum of Solace," the
franchise's previous best opening. "Skyfall" more than doubled the $40.8 million
debut of Craig's first Bond film, 2006's "Casino Royale."
Dasha Zhukova’s next move
Dasha Zhukova is expanding her Garage arts centre in Moscow, and now has designs on St Petersburg. Her critics in the art world may still not take her seriously, but they can’t ignore her
The Garage Center for Contemporary Culture, Zhukova’s initial cultural foray into her birthplace, which opened in Moscow in 2008 – housed in a vast former bus terminal designed by the constructivist architects Konstantin Melnikov and Vladimir Shukhov in 1926 – was an encouraging first move on her part. It announced an approach, which now seems to be her modus operandi, of taking over ruined Soviet architectural masterpieces and working with world-class architects to create sympathetic restorations. That Garage lease has come to an end, and the exhibition space is now moving to Gorky Park.
The Garage Center for Contemporary Culture, Zhukova’s initial cultural foray into her birthplace, which opened in Moscow in 2008 – housed in a vast former bus terminal designed by the constructivist architects Konstantin Melnikov and Vladimir Shukhov in 1926 – was an encouraging first move on her part. It announced an approach, which now seems to be her modus operandi, of taking over ruined Soviet architectural masterpieces and working with world-class architects to create sympathetic restorations. That Garage lease has come to an end, and the exhibition space is now moving to Gorky Park.
Simon Kuper - How to handle the media
An interview is like a seduction: the journalist aims to charm you into giving him your best stuff. Sometimes the seduction is literal
Usually, I am the journalist asking people stupid questions. But because I have a new book out in the US, the roles are temporarily reversed: now other journalists are asking me. I like the situation. Because I’m the enemy myself, I know how to deal with him. Media savvy typically costs a fortune (which is why PRs outnumber journalists six to one in the US) but here is some free with your FT.
Usually, I am the journalist asking people stupid questions. But because I have a new book out in the US, the roles are temporarily reversed: now other journalists are asking me. I like the situation. Because I’m the enemy myself, I know how to deal with him. Media savvy typically costs a fortune (which is why PRs outnumber journalists six to one in the US) but here is some free with your FT.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Newspapers versus Google
As newspapers’ woes grow, some are lobbying politicians to make Google pay for the news it publishes
The real issue behind all this, however, is the decline of traditional media. In France not a single national newspaper is profitable, despite around €1.2 billion ($1.54 billion) in direct and indirect government subsidies. Google can hardly be blamed for the recession, declining readership, and slumping advertising revenue. Online advertising has not offset the decline of print ads in newspapers. In 2011 newspaper advertising globally amounted to $76 billion, down 41% since 2007, according to the World Association of Newspapers. Only 2.2% of newspapers’ advertising revenues last year came from digital platforms, and even these are vulnerable to ad-blocking software (see article).
The real issue behind all this, however, is the decline of traditional media. In France not a single national newspaper is profitable, despite around €1.2 billion ($1.54 billion) in direct and indirect government subsidies. Google can hardly be blamed for the recession, declining readership, and slumping advertising revenue. Online advertising has not offset the decline of print ads in newspapers. In 2011 newspaper advertising globally amounted to $76 billion, down 41% since 2007, according to the World Association of Newspapers. Only 2.2% of newspapers’ advertising revenues last year came from digital platforms, and even these are vulnerable to ad-blocking software (see article).
Forget the Christmas TV shows, what are the ads like?
Festive adverts have become so celebrated that they are now being previewed by 'teaser’ commercials
Channel 4 has beaten its rivals to one of the festive season’s most hotly
anticipated events. It’s not the television première of the new James Bond
movie, or the Queen’s Christmas message, or even an exclusive chat with Santa
himself. No, it’s got the big one: the John Lewis Christmas advert.
So excited is the broadcaster that it is running ''teasers’’ plugging the
forthcoming advert. Yes, that’s right. The John Lewis advert is now deemed such
a major television occasion that it gets its own adverts. More than that, it
will be “premiered”. The channel will give over a whole commercial break on
Saturday night and introduce the advert as though it were a mini feature film.
Voters Take to Social Media
On Tuesday voters did not just turn out in droves to cast their votes for the next president of the United States. They also took to social media and let the world know which candidate they voted for
22 percent of registered voters let others know how they voted on a social networking site, primarily Twitter or Facebook, reports the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Interestingly, there was a stark generational divide, with young voters more vocal about their voting choices than older voters.
29 percent of those under 50 announced on their social media networks how they voted or planned to vote, while only 17 percent of those 50 and older revealed their voting choices on social media.
22 percent of registered voters let others know how they voted on a social networking site, primarily Twitter or Facebook, reports the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Interestingly, there was a stark generational divide, with young voters more vocal about their voting choices than older voters.
29 percent of those under 50 announced on their social media networks how they voted or planned to vote, while only 17 percent of those 50 and older revealed their voting choices on social media.
Moscow Times Founder to Head RBC
Derk Sauer, founder of The Moscow Times, was appointed president of RBC Information Systems media group Thursday but will stay on as chairman of Sanoma Independent Media's supervisory board.
“[RBC] is an interesting company with a strong core website and television,” Sauer told The Moscow Times in a phone interview. “It has had a few turbulent past years, but has a lot of potential.”
The Independent Media founder said his leadership position at RBC will not clash with the role at his old publishing house because at the latter he is not in a management position and is not responsible for daily business operations.
“I had a lot of free time on my hands, so I wanted to start something new and interesting,” he said.
“[RBC] is an interesting company with a strong core website and television,” Sauer told The Moscow Times in a phone interview. “It has had a few turbulent past years, but has a lot of potential.”
The Independent Media founder said his leadership position at RBC will not clash with the role at his old publishing house because at the latter he is not in a management position and is not responsible for daily business operations.
“I had a lot of free time on my hands, so I wanted to start something new and interesting,” he said.
More than just a game
Video games are behind the latest fad in management
As video games have grown from an obscure hobby to a $67 billion industry, management theorists have begun to return the favour. Video games now have the dubious honour of having inspired their own management craze. Called “gamification”, it aims to take principles from video games and apply them to serious tasks. The latest book on the subject, “For the Win”, comes from Kevin Werbach and Dan Hunter, from the Wharton Business School and the New York Law School respectively.
As video games have grown from an obscure hobby to a $67 billion industry, management theorists have begun to return the favour. Video games now have the dubious honour of having inspired their own management craze. Called “gamification”, it aims to take principles from video games and apply them to serious tasks. The latest book on the subject, “For the Win”, comes from Kevin Werbach and Dan Hunter, from the Wharton Business School and the New York Law School respectively.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Hug photo makes social media history
A photograph of Barack Obama embracing his wife Michelle has become the most liked and re-tweeted post ever
Obama posted the image at 0416 GMT, effectively claiming victory over Mitt Romney in the US presidential race. Since then it has been re-tweeted nearly 700,000 times. More than 3.23 million people have liked the image on Facebook, with over 400,000 shares; more than 100,000 today were liking it every hour.
Obama posted the image at 0416 GMT, effectively claiming victory over Mitt Romney in the US presidential race. Since then it has been re-tweeted nearly 700,000 times. More than 3.23 million people have liked the image on Facebook, with over 400,000 shares; more than 100,000 today were liking it every hour.
'Wired' is pointing the way to the future of publishing
Wired’s offering of expert insight goes beyond tired awards ceremony formats based on dinners
Wired doesn't go in for cosy discussions. "There are no panels, they don't work – I go to 30 conferences a year," said Rowan before the opening of the event.
Businesses with even deeper pockets can buy a "Wired Consulting" service, with prices typically in five figures. For this the magazine's events team will tailor an internal conference for an individual company. "We are hired by you and we will explain some of the stories and some of the trends that we know from our connections," says the editor.
Wired doesn't go in for cosy discussions. "There are no panels, they don't work – I go to 30 conferences a year," said Rowan before the opening of the event.
Businesses with even deeper pockets can buy a "Wired Consulting" service, with prices typically in five figures. For this the magazine's events team will tailor an internal conference for an individual company. "We are hired by you and we will explain some of the stories and some of the trends that we know from our connections," says the editor.
Politics and Statistics - March of the Nerds
The 2012 presidential election went exactly as predicted by the leading quantitative analysts.
"...it is inevitable that media coverage of politics will eventually follow the path taken by sportswriting, and that traditional pundits will be left out in the cold—just as there are ever-fewer members of the old guard, like the recently retired Joe Morgan, in baseball broadcast booths. After all, the campaigns have already been using advanced statistics for years. But it’s up to individual news outlets to determine the speed of progress. I hope to see many more references to weighted poll averages, quantitative win probabilities and betting-market odds in the pages of The Economist in the years to come."
"...it is inevitable that media coverage of politics will eventually follow the path taken by sportswriting, and that traditional pundits will be left out in the cold—just as there are ever-fewer members of the old guard, like the recently retired Joe Morgan, in baseball broadcast booths. After all, the campaigns have already been using advanced statistics for years. But it’s up to individual news outlets to determine the speed of progress. I hope to see many more references to weighted poll averages, quantitative win probabilities and betting-market odds in the pages of The Economist in the years to come."
Exclusive: Louis Vuitton TV ad teaser
An exclusive preview of the first ever Louis Vuitton TV ad, starring model of the moment Arizona Muse, which is set to air this weekend.
Louis Vuitton airs its first TV ad this Sunday, bang in the middle of Homeland - and it gives Carrie Mathison and co a run for their money in the intriguing stakes. In a midnight-swathe Louvre, Arizona Muse dashes through its deserted corridors, Monogram Empreinte bag in hand. What is she looking for in this temple of culture infused with the shadows of the past?
Louis Vuitton airs its first TV ad this Sunday, bang in the middle of Homeland - and it gives Carrie Mathison and co a run for their money in the intriguing stakes. In a midnight-swathe Louvre, Arizona Muse dashes through its deserted corridors, Monogram Empreinte bag in hand. What is she looking for in this temple of culture infused with the shadows of the past?
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The role of the media during the US presidential race
Could the US presidental election contest of 2012 be remembered for the lack of imagination from candidates' media strategists?
The incumbent President Barack Obama has had the edge in social media since he started engaging through Twitter whilst still a candidate in 2007. Media consultant Alan Stevens from Mediacoach.co.uk gives him a lot of credit for it. "[Obama] has gathered 21.5 million Twitter followers, whereas his challenger has fewer than two million," he says. "In addition, he (or his campaign team) is more active, having so far delivered over 400 tweets in this campaign to a mere 16 from the Romney camp. Obama scores more highly on YouTube too, with 21 campaign videos to Romney's 10."
The incumbent President Barack Obama has had the edge in social media since he started engaging through Twitter whilst still a candidate in 2007. Media consultant Alan Stevens from Mediacoach.co.uk gives him a lot of credit for it. "[Obama] has gathered 21.5 million Twitter followers, whereas his challenger has fewer than two million," he says. "In addition, he (or his campaign team) is more active, having so far delivered over 400 tweets in this campaign to a mere 16 from the Romney camp. Obama scores more highly on YouTube too, with 21 campaign videos to Romney's 10."
The Death of Traditional Advertising...?
The list of companies venturing into the content creation space is long: GE, Coca-Cola, Walgreens, Red Bull, Citi Bank, to name just a few.
A new report by Forrester’s Darika Ahrens confirms this trend and advises more brands to jump on the content bandwagon. Forrester forecasts that the number of online content buyers in western Europe will jump by 8 to 12 percent in the next few years. By 2017 in Europe, 20 percent of tablet users will pay for news, 60 percent of video buying will be digital and the number of music subscribers will double. Europeans are willing to pay for content, avoiding traditional advertising such as commercials and banner ads in the process.
A new report by Forrester’s Darika Ahrens confirms this trend and advises more brands to jump on the content bandwagon. Forrester forecasts that the number of online content buyers in western Europe will jump by 8 to 12 percent in the next few years. By 2017 in Europe, 20 percent of tablet users will pay for news, 60 percent of video buying will be digital and the number of music subscribers will double. Europeans are willing to pay for content, avoiding traditional advertising such as commercials and banner ads in the process.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Max Keiser on Russia Today
Some call Max Keiser a 'traitor' but America's most outrageous political pundit is about to become the most widely watched newscaster on the planet. Here, he explains why he won't be voting in Tuesday's US election.
His most popular outlet is The Keiser Report, on Russia Today (RT), and its international viewing figures, as Keiser (not a man plagued by self-doubt) isn't slow to point out, are huge.
"Well, you have to make an impression quickly. Most people first see The Keiser Report at an airport or hotel. RT has 450 million viewers. It goes into more hotel rooms than the BBC and it has more YouTube views. Everywhere I go, people stop me in the street. And remember I'm broadcasting about global financial corruption; not so long ago, everyone used to say, who could be interested in that?"
His most popular outlet is The Keiser Report, on Russia Today (RT), and its international viewing figures, as Keiser (not a man plagued by self-doubt) isn't slow to point out, are huge.
"Well, you have to make an impression quickly. Most people first see The Keiser Report at an airport or hotel. RT has 450 million viewers. It goes into more hotel rooms than the BBC and it has more YouTube views. Everywhere I go, people stop me in the street. And remember I'm broadcasting about global financial corruption; not so long ago, everyone used to say, who could be interested in that?"
Monday, November 5, 2012
FT backs Obama as 'better choice' president
Business title joins the Economist in supporting incumbent and criticises Romney's 'fiscal alchemy'
The New York Times (for Obama), The Los Angeles Times (for Obama), New York Daily News (for Romney), The Des Moines Register – the biggest newspaper in swing-state Iowa (for Romney), The Houston Chronicle – the biggest daily newspaper in Texas (for Romney)
The New York Times (for Obama), The Los Angeles Times (for Obama), New York Daily News (for Romney), The Des Moines Register – the biggest newspaper in swing-state Iowa (for Romney), The Houston Chronicle – the biggest daily newspaper in Texas (for Romney)
The internet is not free in Azerbaijan
Today Baku will host the Internet Governance Forum. Today the president ignores the truth about the lack of freedom in Azerbaijan.
"Finally, I realise that you may ignore my letter. You have behind you a large army and powerful police. I have only words and the internet. I will continue, though, in my civic duty to remind you and our society of the truth about life in Azerbaijan. I believe that our country will become a better place to live once we all accept the truth of our situation and act together for change. Only then will we be able to hope for a free internet, perhaps it will herald a free country"
"Finally, I realise that you may ignore my letter. You have behind you a large army and powerful police. I have only words and the internet. I will continue, though, in my civic duty to remind you and our society of the truth about life in Azerbaijan. I believe that our country will become a better place to live once we all accept the truth of our situation and act together for change. Only then will we be able to hope for a free internet, perhaps it will herald a free country"
Web Agency Fields 5,000 Ban Requests
The Communications and Press Ministry was inundated with more than 5,000 requests to ban various websites on the day a new Internet restriction law took effect.
Yet only 190 of the requests were deemed suitable for “expert” review, and fewer than 20 sites have so far been placed on the blacklist, the Federal Mass Media Inspection Service, the ministerial agency responsible for maintaining the list, said on its website Friday, a day after the program began.
Ten websites were banned by Friday, adding to the six that had been blacklisted a day earlier.
Yet only 190 of the requests were deemed suitable for “expert” review, and fewer than 20 sites have so far been placed on the blacklist, the Federal Mass Media Inspection Service, the ministerial agency responsible for maintaining the list, said on its website Friday, a day after the program began.
Ten websites were banned by Friday, adding to the six that had been blacklisted a day earlier.
Friday, November 2, 2012
The Cyber War - Obama vs Romney
Voters are being targeted in new and powerful ways
Sasha Issenberg, author of a new book, “The Victory Lab”, says the innovation in this election cycle is that the campaigns are able to link online and offline data. Voter-registration files have been merged with vast quantities of bought consumer data, on top of which come bought or acquired e-mails, mobile and landline numbers, as well as data gathered through canvassing, phone banks and social-media pages. The campaigns are also making use of cookies, the crumbs of data people leave behind when they browse the net. It is these that allow Mr and Mrs Sixpack to be sent different advertising.
Sasha Issenberg, author of a new book, “The Victory Lab”, says the innovation in this election cycle is that the campaigns are able to link online and offline data. Voter-registration files have been merged with vast quantities of bought consumer data, on top of which come bought or acquired e-mails, mobile and landline numbers, as well as data gathered through canvassing, phone banks and social-media pages. The campaigns are also making use of cookies, the crumbs of data people leave behind when they browse the net. It is these that allow Mr and Mrs Sixpack to be sent different advertising.
Lessons from TED
What a nonprofit events group can teach business
WHEN it started in 1984, the TED conference (an abbreviation of “Technology, Entertainment, Design”) brought together a few hundred people in California. It has since grown into a global craze. It will soon pass a milestone: the one-billionth download of an online TED speaker video.
How did it get so popular? The internet played an important role. So did social media. But part of the success is the result of untraditional management. Instead of controlling the most valuable parts of the business, the group took the riskier path of opening them up to everyone. The method may hold lessons for other companies.
WHEN it started in 1984, the TED conference (an abbreviation of “Technology, Entertainment, Design”) brought together a few hundred people in California. It has since grown into a global craze. It will soon pass a milestone: the one-billionth download of an online TED speaker video.
How did it get so popular? The internet played an important role. So did social media. But part of the success is the result of untraditional management. Instead of controlling the most valuable parts of the business, the group took the riskier path of opening them up to everyone. The method may hold lessons for other companies.
Wishing upon a Death Star
Disney buys out George Lucas, the creator of “Star Wars”
Lucasfilm gives Disney material for fresh hits in tough times. Studio bosses complain that the only films that pull crowds to cinemas are familiar franchises such as Batman or James Bond. People are spending more time watching small screens and shelling out less to watch features on large ones, even when studios are spending more to make them. Around 1.28 billion movie tickets were sold in America last year, the fewest since 1995. This summer would have been dismal without the success of “The Avengers” and “The Dark Knight Rises”. Studios have kept revenues stable only by raising ticket prices.
Lucasfilm gives Disney material for fresh hits in tough times. Studio bosses complain that the only films that pull crowds to cinemas are familiar franchises such as Batman or James Bond. People are spending more time watching small screens and shelling out less to watch features on large ones, even when studios are spending more to make them. Around 1.28 billion movie tickets were sold in America last year, the fewest since 1995. This summer would have been dismal without the success of “The Avengers” and “The Dark Knight Rises”. Studios have kept revenues stable only by raising ticket prices.
Penguin and Random House
The merger of two big publishers shows the book business’s challenges
The book industry has felt more pain than pleasure in the past few years, largely thanks to technology. Many physical retailers, such as Borders, have shut down after losing out to cheap online sellers, particularly Amazon.
In only three years the page has turned for electronic books; American publishers generated $2.1 billion in revenues from them last year, up by more than 3,200% from 2008, according to BookStats, which tracks the industry. In theory e-books offer better margins, because they are cheaper to produce. But publishers fret that customers will soon expect to pay less for all books. That won’t be so good for profits.
The book industry has felt more pain than pleasure in the past few years, largely thanks to technology. Many physical retailers, such as Borders, have shut down after losing out to cheap online sellers, particularly Amazon.
In only three years the page has turned for electronic books; American publishers generated $2.1 billion in revenues from them last year, up by more than 3,200% from 2008, according to BookStats, which tracks the industry. In theory e-books offer better margins, because they are cheaper to produce. But publishers fret that customers will soon expect to pay less for all books. That won’t be so good for profits.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
What Does Disney’s Acquisition of Star Wars Mean?
“We could go on making Star Wars for the next 100 years.”
You can also expect Disney to wring every profit possibility out of the iconic empire, which hauntingly spans 17,000 characters, via amusement-park rides, television shows, action figures, books, and games.
You can also expect Disney to wring every profit possibility out of the iconic empire, which hauntingly spans 17,000 characters, via amusement-park rides, television shows, action figures, books, and games.
Online paid-content market threat to traditional advertising
Rise of tablet computers and smartphones could help paid-content market rise to £8bn a year by 2017, says report
The Forrester report found that over the next five years, the amount spent on music, games, film, TV and news content by consumers in western Europe will surge by 65% from €6.2bn (£5bn) to €10.2bn.
However, the knock-on effect of the rise of paid-for services is the loss of digital "pure advertising" opportunities for companies.
"Although content consumption across connected devices is on the rise, the very services driving digital content growth are limiting pure advertising opportunities for brands," she says. "Payment models don't require brand advertising for revenue and … are driving consumer appetite for more ad-free content."
The Forrester report found that over the next five years, the amount spent on music, games, film, TV and news content by consumers in western Europe will surge by 65% from €6.2bn (£5bn) to €10.2bn.
However, the knock-on effect of the rise of paid-for services is the loss of digital "pure advertising" opportunities for companies.
"Although content consumption across connected devices is on the rise, the very services driving digital content growth are limiting pure advertising opportunities for brands," she says. "Payment models don't require brand advertising for revenue and … are driving consumer appetite for more ad-free content."
More Mummy Porn...
Sylvia Day – another star of self-published erotica – scores huge hit for Penguin at the tills
The Bookseller's charts editor Philip Stone also points out that more money – £420,000 – was spent on Day's novels last week than on the works of Iain Banks, Ian McEwan, Philippa Gregory, Marian Keyes, Sebastian Faulks, Philip Pullman, Cathy Kelly, Jackie Collins, Tom Clancy, Henning Mankell, Yann Martel, Alexander McCall Smith, Harlan Coben, Linwood Barclay, Victoria Hislop, PD James, Pierre Dukan, Stieg Larsson, Ian Rankin, Zadie Smith, Karin Slaughter, Paulo Coelho, and Salman Rushdie combined.
The Bookseller's charts editor Philip Stone also points out that more money – £420,000 – was spent on Day's novels last week than on the works of Iain Banks, Ian McEwan, Philippa Gregory, Marian Keyes, Sebastian Faulks, Philip Pullman, Cathy Kelly, Jackie Collins, Tom Clancy, Henning Mankell, Yann Martel, Alexander McCall Smith, Harlan Coben, Linwood Barclay, Victoria Hislop, PD James, Pierre Dukan, Stieg Larsson, Ian Rankin, Zadie Smith, Karin Slaughter, Paulo Coelho, and Salman Rushdie combined.
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