I read with interest this article on the Times Paywall (HERE) and found it fascinating how the media world is waiting to see the outcome of this move. I’m not convinced about the capability of forcing a mass media subscription model on the public, when we reside in such an interconnected, open world of communication, media, marketing and news. Yes, there are exceptions like the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times, but these are exceptions rather than the rule – and they could be considered to operate in more narrowly defined niche than the Times. Other sources have estimated the Times has lost up to 90% of its online readers… and it’s not just the Times that should be worried, it’s their advertisers too… paying to be seen by 1/10th of their former audience? I’d expect a tenth of the price as a result, no matter how much someone says the readership now has a much better demographic breakdown. That’s just my opinion though!
I don’t know why I just bought some new coconut shampoo…
I haven’t even got any coconuts.
I read about this in Men’s Health whilst on holiday and thought it’d be a great challenge to get stuck into.
I’ve not started it yet – but plan to do so soon…
Unlike The Times that has recently moved behind its paywall (http://thefrontline.v3.co.uk/2010/07/the-times-onlin.html) there are still some excellent resources available online for free news.
The Guardian is one of the best available (http://www.guardian.co.uk/) and also offers the ability to interact through posting comments on some of its stories. I’ve been actively involved in the Environmental section (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment), specifically commenting on issues to do with energy efficiency.
The BBC News site is also an excellent resource (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/) but controversial in the UK, because its competing commercially, yet funded by the tax payer through the licence fee. It doesn’t stop it being a great resource though.
Google News is another great resource (http://news.google.co.uk/nwshp?hl=en&tab=wn) but another controversial one, mainly because it’s aggregating news from other providers. It’s great for the end user, but it’s not so good for the news companies that are effectively funding it and providing it with the information it collates.
Other good news sites include:
Rick Astley asked me if he could borrow my collection of Pixar films.
“Okay,” I said. “You can have Toy Story, Cars and Finding Nemo, but I’m never gonna give you Up.”
Very funny… I think I’ll see what other funny clips I can come across and add them too!
The sneezing panda is such a funny clip… well worth a watch!
The remaining fixtures for Chester Races 2010 are…
Sunday, 1 August 2010 Family Funday
Saturday, 21 August 2010 totesport Summer Festival
Friday, 10 September 2010 Autumn Festival
Saturday, 11 September 2010 Autumn Festival
Saturday, 25 September 2010 Autumn Finale