There are a lot of things about American society that you can't understand when you are outside of the culture, and in some respects can't really appreciate while you are there.

Tivo and Sling Media are two that come to mind…. For anyone who lives there, they are absolutely fantastic tools. (I just got back from another trip, so have a fix on this from the outside for a moment) Both these products make are just incredible. It just seems that with Tivo you can do absolutely anything. Check the weather round the planet, download podcasts, digitally record your favourite TV shows. And when the option of going outside to the shops means visiting yet another strip mall featuring endless me too stores of GAP, and Sears, and Sharper Image you might as well escape back into your lounge room and watch TV.

America is a society that is totally obsessed with ease of use of entertainment. It's no wonder that people are obese there. And as the tools to enjoy entertainment become ever more powerful I can't help but wondering if Homer Simpson isn't the norm…..

Don't get me wrong. I have been going to America since 1974 and loved the concept from before then. But the reality is becoming so monocultural, it is really scary.

But all is not lost. The rise of the new entrepreneur on line is changing everything. Some of the most significant brands in America – and therefore the world – are in the process of being challenged by some very able newcomers….

Think Engadget, TWIT, Rocketboom – establishing a new media landscape…. so at least within the media we may see some new things. And who knows, perhaps we will see some new stores along the line in the mall

This entry was posted on March 13, 2006 at 12:58 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Posted in Main Page by Chris Gilbey No Comments Yet