What's Wrong with Free?

It seems like in the current economy that more and more people are trying to get on the do-it-yourself, cheap-as-possible, "can we do it for free" bandwagons. This bit explains it better than I ever could: http://radar.oreilly.com/2008/10/effect-of-the-depression-on-te.html

Depressions/recessions are GOOD for innovation and acceptance of the "low cost solution."

Do you know anyone considering jumping on to Google Apps or perhaps already using cheaper/free alternatives like Open Office?

The most common reaction to those notions are "well, you are going to get what you pay for." However, as the freemium model is becoming more and more prevalent, we've created a consumer mind set that is going to EXPECT something for nothing. Sure, you can do business the "old way," but freemium isn't that old. The backlash against offering stuff for free as way of operating exists, but for the bootstrapping soul who just wants to make a few extra bucks, find a new career, or just try something to see if it could done on the cheap- why not use the free/cheap implements?

I'm not trying to make money online, but my list of free software, apps and tools for using the internet grows every day.

The case can easily be made for paid options once you are making the money, but until you have capitol to make your model work and so long as loans and other options don't exist, why not economize by using free?

Slow Death or Rebirth for Myspace?

Are we really watching the slow inevitable death of Myspace? With the integration with Facebook complete and the push towards what appears to be a mobile only function , isn't it time to call this one? One report says that Myspace is making $200 million less this year. They are functionally giving up on Myspace Music , which was always their bread and butter. Without the music tie in, why would people BOTHER with Myspace? I'm talking about it because my wife's band has used every medium known to mankind to promote themselves online and Myspace has been nothing but dead weight from the very beginning. Only bands and their most ardent fans go there. The rest are on Facebook. There is talk of selling Myspace, but who in their right mind would consider it? This will have some interesting implications for bands down the road. Many use Myspace as their de facto website, just pushing their domain name onto the customizable site. Now apparently, Reverbnation , a North Carolin

Being a Parent

While back, I wrote a post on Father's day about being a father and how being a parent is a job. I wistfully look back as I look forward to another school year quickly approaching and the evidence of my "work" is becoming less and less my handiwork. Our youngest has just moved on to middle school. Josh has moved into high school and the oldest has graduated from high school and about "start" her life. We've had a tacit arrangement with the kids. We do NOT want boomerang kids coming back to haunt us. So they have always been told, they are staying with us until they are REALLY ready to go out and that includes the joke that college has become. Sadly, despite the fact that I have spent a good chunk of my career working in higher education, I know that it is a folly to think that sending a child off to college is preparing them for much other than to have a lifetime of loans. Thankfully, Amanda has gotten the message. She has a plan to go to local c

Check out my appearance on the The Toddcast Podcast

Click and watch the podcast recording of my appearance on the Toddcast Podcast Such a fun time!

Todd Lyden

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