The Best Online Resources
Austin Convention Center, Wednesday, March 12Words like “Best” tend to get over used, but this fast-moving and well-attended discussion fit the description. With all the major online players represented, from MySpace and YouTube to up-and-comers Bebo and iLike, there were lots of options and opinions offered, although a true novice might have been overwhelmed by some of the terms thrown around. Moderator Brad King, media professor at Northern Kentucky University, kept things brisk and on topic, asking the right questions with sharp wit. Panos Panay of Sonicbids offered that one needs to “have a clear vision of what you want and how to get from point A to B,” while iLike’s Ali Partovi asserted, “You have to realize that you’re not just in the music business but in the online business, as well.” The bottom line was addressed last, with each panelist describing the variety of ways they offer for generating revenue. With the music business, specifically record labels, decrying technological changes, it was refreshing to hear a room filled with a positive attitude from those actually applying the new tools revolutionizing the way things are done.
This article appears in March 14 • 2008.