Waist Deep in the Media Swamp

While many are bashing Prince for his comments about the Internet ‘being completely over,’ Karen Swisher of  BoomTown has it right – “From music to movies to television, the biggest minds here still sound perplexed as to what will finally be the golden ticket to carry them through to the inevitable next era of digital distribution.” (full post here).

That doesn’t mean it’s over, but the ‘Net has not yet evolved into something talent can be comfortable creating for.

Many create and post their works for free in the hope that it will lead to a paying gig, selling merch, a deal… something that generates revenue. But tales of success are still few and far between. Hope is not a strategy.

And it may still be while before it all gets figured out. As Karen concludes, “Or, as Prince might sing–He was dreamin’ of being paid when he said the Internet was over, so sue him if he went 2 fast.”

Yet, there is always the possibility for a successful model. Gawker Media is now paying their writers more when there is an increase in unique viewers. Results oriented rewards….what a concept!

There is still this tried and true model (from Gaping Void):