Speaking of Freedom

Mark Cuban paraphrased on Slate in an article worth reading:

(Cuban) argues that movies should be made available simultaneously on cable television, DVD, and in movie theaters, letting consumers decide whether they prefer to see it at home (even if it means paying a premium for a new release) or in the theater.

Well, duh. But it ain't happenin' because of more anti-consumerism from Wal-Mart. If our society wasn't so controlled by mega-corporations that call the tune we all follow, it would be a much better place. (Update: Upon rereading this last line, I think I came off a little more lefty than I really am. It's true that I think many of the giant corporations that run the country don't have what's best for the consumer at heart...like oil companies...but there are true innovators out there that DO have customer focus and are making the rest of the world stand up and take notice...Apple, Google, hybrid manufacturers like Toyota).

Seems like we're just creeping down the adoption curve for truly transformational technologies and until we hit critical mass, we'll be spoonfed the same ol' crap. Not only is Blockbuster already a relic, so is Netflix. They're all on borrowed time and better think about a "harvesting" strategy.

So speaking of transformational technologies, I firmly believe DVR/Tivo is at the head of the list. But not far behind will be the small device that combines all the little devices we now carry around. Phone, MP3, Email, Camera, GameBoy, Radio w/RadioTivo, and probably Video. The hybrids that I've seen so far are pretty clunky.