Innovation moves at a snail's pace in the computer industry. The handful of major improvements during my 22 years using pc's is balanced by the wonderful hardware and software that did not succeed and is no longer available.

I'm sure you've noticed that the quantum jumps in processing power have not translated into noticeable improvements in the everyday ways we use our machines. For example, my 68 mHz Mac SE30 running Quark 3.3 still provides journeyman desktop publishing services for my and several friend's small businesses. In fact, its output surpasses anything I've seen from a WinTel machine yet.

Yet, we do recognize good stuff when we see it ... it's the legendary "wow" factor. And, believe it or not, that "wow" sometimes is information we ourselves offer.

One of the great rides at Universal's theme park in Orlando is E.T., the Extra-Terrestrial. When first getting in line, you're asked for your first name, which is encoded onto a plastic card that is given to you. After a very entertaining wait in line (in a pseudo-forest at twilight), you step on your ride vehicle and give the attendant your card. The less-than-ten-minute ride ends with you passing a life-sized E.T. who says goodbye to you personally ... using your name!

Of course, you've forgotten that you gave your first name at the ride entrance and carried the card to the ride start. But the look on the face of a child (of any age) when E.T. says goodbye to him or her is a "wow" of a high order ... not to mention that the enabling technology is 20 years old!

Favorites: MacWizards Music vs. RIAA * Joe Bob Briggs * Dan Bricklin * Bob Frankston * Larry Lessig * Breaking Microsoft Reader * Endian 1,2,3 * Worldwide Institute of Software Architects * about.com * howstuffworks.com * Janis Ian * GPS Tracker * New Yorker cartoon * David Coursey/Time * More ...

Everyone has heard that the sales of recorded music are declining. What are the real reasons for this? The five major companies that have more than 90% of the market speak with one voice through their Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). They have one view, which puts much of the blame on the downloading of free music over the net.

An opposing view is from a company called MacWizards Music and its spokesperson George Zieman. He uses the RIAA's own published statistics to show that the major recording companies: 1.) Reduced supply; 2.) Reduced investment; 3.) Reduced marketing; and, 4.) Raised prices.

According to Zieman's take on the RIAA stats, the number of new releases offered for sale has fallen roughly 25% over two years. During the same period, the amount of investment per release has also declined roughly 25%. The industry has essentially abandoned its primary marketing tool, the single recording. And, the average price paid per unit has gone up.

All this in the face of the worst economic conditions in a decade ... and the total dollar sales declined less than 5%. Zieman links to the RIAA numbers and invites critique of his methods at "RIAA Figures Don't Add Up To Piracy". It's a refreshing take on the prevailing wisdom (as shaped by those with a vested interest).

Favorites: Joe Bob Briggs * Dan Bricklin * Bob Frankston * Larry Lessig * Breaking Microsoft Reader * Endian 1,2,3 * Worldwide Institute of Software Architects * about.com * howstuffworks.com * Janis Ian * GPS Tracker * New Yorker cartoon * David Coursey/Time * More ...

Whenever I run across clear, sharp, concise writing that really puts a topic in perspective, I want to let everyone know. Check this out. It's from John Bloom (aka Joe Bob Briggs) and ranks with Janis Ian's take on the recorded music industry and Dan Bricklin's patent learning article: "Assignment America: Wrong copyright laws". I'm sure it will whet your appetite for more Joe Bob.

Favorites: Dan Bricklin * Bob Frankston * Larry Lessig * Breaking Microsoft Reader * Endian 1,2,3 * Worldwide Institute of Software Architects * about.com * howstuffworks.com * Janis Ian * GPS Tracker * New Yorker cartoon * David Coursey/Time * More ...