What is your take on Digital Distribution and it expanding?

Asked by EnzoX24 (1991

) July 27th, 2008

For those who don’t know, Digital Distribution is when certain types of media is “purchased” over the internet. The most popular so far is, of course, iTunes. Now other companies are following suit, like Comcast On Demand, where you can rent movies without leaving the couch. There is even speculation that the next generation of video game systems would run entirely off Digital Distribution.

Do you feel like this is the next step towards the future, or is Digital Distribution just making it easier for powerful corporations to screw its loyal customers?

Observing members: 0

Composing members: 0

2 Answers

On one hand it provides a level of portability that makes things easier for users to choose what they want, when they want it but really, the companies stand to reap the greatest profit, financially. Eventually, I think customers will notice that they are left with less choice rather than more as market drivers force out more alternative and independent media.

littlefish (9

)“Great Answer” (0

) Flag as…

I think it is the wave of the future. Why would netflix spend money and energy shipping me a DVD when they could let me click my mouse and watch it instantly. They save money. they pass some of it onto me (I hope), then I save money because the service is cheaper, I am more satisfied as a customer because I don’t have to wait, and as an added bonus, save the environment (the last part is tongue in cheek). I don’t see anything wrong with this. In fact, I think it’s pretty cool.

I am intrigued by your question, that seems to suggest a “dark side” to my happy fantasy. Am I being naive? How does digital distribution “screw” loyal customers?

La_chica_gomela (12594

)“Great Answer” (0

) Flag as…