I read an interesting article in today’s weekend WSJ. It showed that the future is here when it comes to who owns content, broadcasting, and distribution in all industries in the age of community. In short, todays web 2.0 technologies and social networks are enabling the crowd to become the king of content and distribution regardless of the source and industry. The only question I have is when will the traditional purveyors of content -- be they management consultants, market researchers, tv and radio broadcasters, movie producers, book and magazine publishers or newspaper editors -- get on board.

For me, it started years ago. I watched my middle school boys create and produce content in real-time using their phones and computers and then distribute it on the internet using sites like text america, youtube, the facebook and myspace Now that my boy's favorite activities are impacting all industries, adults (and to a lesser degree, organizations) are finally using today’s mobile and desktop devices to create, produce, and distribute quality content of all types on a scale equal to (and sometimes greater than) traditional providers. And you see it everywhere, be it consumer and auto advice, photos, movies, books, as well as management and industry best practices and market research. This is great news for us all.

In short, as a result of web 2.0 technologies and the emergence of large, well-connected social networks -- quality programming, institutional education, management knowledge and scientific research -- will become more widely available and affordable. The result, human productivity will increase as everyone gets access to the insights and opportunities they need to enhance their personal and professional lives. What could be better I ask? Not much in my book (which will soon be online as a wiki called We are Smarter than Me).

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The only people I worry about are the employees of organizations and their leaders who don’t participate in this revolution. But the solution is simple -- use today's technologies to power your existing social networks of customers, employees, suppliers, partners and investors to succeed. As the old proverb states, the only thing to fear is fear itself. - Barry 7/29/06