DISQUS

Blair Enns · 3 months ago

Can't wait for part II, but I want to comment on your friend's remark, "I know I need smart content, but I don’t want to pay for it."

Really, the conundrum is, "I know I need smart content, but I am unable to create it. So I want to..." There are content creators, then there are aggregators/dispersers (distributors really) but re-distribution of others content is still just distribution in a world where content is king.

You've really got two choices: 1. create content (which among other benefits, makes you smarter) or, 2. distribute the content of others. 1 is better than 2 but 2 is better than buying content. That's as hollow as buying followers. It's not really a long term option.

DougBTX · 3 months ago

> I promise there will be no math involved.

This reminds me of the article about kids not being able to walk to school because of scared parents, very sad state of affairs.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/13/fashion/13kid...

Elaine · 3 months ago

Melissa, I am very interested in learning more about your comment that "Content makes money. Content saves money. And, ROI of content can be measured. " We know that content costs money (as your friend realizes) and many people only see the cost side of the equation. Can't wait for your follow on post.

WordGeek · 3 months ago

The I-can-do-that Problem.

The "difficulty to replicate" issue tends to be at the core of my troubles as a content producer. Developers write in code which virtually no one understands, so very difficult to replicate (read: do on your own). Graphic artists use computer applications that have a high learning curve which makes replication difficult as well. But, not impossible. The ubiquity of cheap/free apps and cameras tends to make people think they can do it on their own.

And, then there's writing. Ability to replicate...depends on what you mean by replicate. Since virtually everyone in the business world is literate replication seem easy. "Who needs a professional writer? I can write." But, for those of us that produce content we know the difference. We feel like driver for NASCAR or even shipping that hears someone say, "Driving racecars and 18-wheelers...no problem. I can drive."

Adding value to written content may have to start with warning people:

"Please step away from the keyboard. If you are not a professional writer, creating your own content could be dangerous."

melissarach · 1 month ago

WordGeek. Good point. I was actually talking about replicate as in: I could cut-and-paste published content into my email and send it to you. Thanks for pointing out another aspect of it.

Theresa Putkey · 3 months ago

I'd also like to hear part II!

Blake N. Cooper · 3 months ago

The success of Web 3.0 (I can't stand this label; you would think the collective Interweb masterminds could come up with something better that x.x or Semantics) lies in (1) the quality of content produced and (2) the delivery system. Laptop and desktop computers? Too complex (hardware and software); their time is passing fast. Bundled tree shavings? Ask the once proud paperboy now boxing thighs at KFC.

The device that will take us into the future? The Newspaper 2.0 (the yet to be created digital paper you can roll up and stick a rubberband around). We're almost there! In the mean time: keep teaching the masses the value of content.

Great post--looking forward to Part II.

kevincesarz · 3 months ago

Well done. Waiting for episode 2.

Lois Nilsen · 3 months ago

Very interesting, and spot on about the paradox of the online economy. It's an interesting time to be alive.

Dave · 2 months ago

that photo of the home computer is a ho-ax.

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/hoaxes/computer.asp

melissarach · 1 month ago

Excellent. Now I can use myself as an example when I give presentations and advise that people check the accuracy of their content. Do as I say, not as I do. Thanks, Dave.

Scott · 1 month ago

It just so happened that I found your post at a time when I will need to present a business case for content development (creating teams and a process)... so, I'm going to have to demand that you provide part II... soon. =)

staffpower · 3 weeks ago

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