Oh, the advent of free content. There has been free content available on the interweb for ever (in terms of the web). Blogs, Videos, Stories – whatever. Unfortunately it has spawned free thinking for other parts of the web.
Music and Movies – the internet helped to create the reluctant thief – the person that starts to think – well, it’s just one copy – who could it hurt. The difference for this person versus the older Bootleg Thief is that the new and improved thief dosen’t have to leave their screen – whether it be desktop or mobile. There is no one to be in cahoots with – no accomplice. Services like iTunes are trying to combat this – but a lot of the damage was done long ago – it’s already in the mindset of Joe Q. Public.
News – has become the new arena in free content – but in reverse. It is the powers-to-be that are now utilizing free content to supplement their programming (and bottom lines). Now, granted, most of the time they’re not lifting it from the Web without permission – they usually give credit, list the link, etc. Some news outfits not only use street reporters – but have it as a part or their news division – for instance CNN’s iReporters – which has just boosted about their 1 millionth iReporter. It is the ultimate – free content – for what someone, somewhere will consider news.
It’s fascinating that consumers can be on both sides of the same fight. Turner Broadcasting (and others) would likely go after any other news outlet poaching reports from it’s shows – like CNN’s 360° – and yet has no qualms about using free content to fill it’s schedule. Hard to tell people not to take stuff for free when in turn they’re being asked to supply content without compensation.
What’s your take on free content!
