Alternatives
It seems to me that we are at an inflection point where a few alternatives get mainstream attention:
- alternative energy (i.e. electric car, solar power)
- alternative music (i.e. indie)
- alternative communication (i.e. facebook, text messages, etc.)
- alternative entertainment (iTunes, Hulu, Netflix)
- alternative screens (iPod, computer screen, cell phone)
Why? Well, each of these alternatives offer something their mainstream competitors don’t, whether it be choice, convenience, easy access, environmental benefits, or economic benefits. And, each of these alternatives are either at the point or close to the point where they aren’t seen as too exotic. And finally each of these alternatives are a part of a larger movement:
energy -> environmental awareness
music -> longtail content demand
communication -> always on, constant contact, lifestreaming, blah
entertainment -> longtail content demand and penny pinching
screens -> on-demand access
thoughts?
