The problem with old media is, well, it’s old. It’s the same problem with our government. I watched the State Of The Union last night and I saw people who run this country who looked like they needed assistance getting to their seats. Some of the biggest companies out there are run by people who are no longer in touch with their customers. They are short sighted and thinking about their own financial windfall and not the longevity of their industry or company. Most people don’t care one bit outside their sphere of issues, so innovation is stifled by people who “don’t get it”.

I think they face other challenges, like how fast they publish in the age of instant news and citizen journalism. They don’t have a choice but to compete with that. And I’m in the camp that believes people will pay for quality content. So these companies do have an edge, if they are willing dig into the technology that’s available to them and innovate. The Sports Illustrated video looks amazing. The New York Times app for the iPad was also a very strong showing of how to break out of the box.

I’m with you on the hardware issue. It’s all about experience and great content. I’m excited about all the changes because, as you said, books and great content are going anywhere. They’ll have to evolve or risk extinction, just like the rest of us.