Along with the huge amount of content available there is an ever-increasing number of access points. The home entertainment system is merging with the desktop computer to create a single portal for both information and entertainment. Mobile device advancements have taken the information access to an instant exchange regardless of time or place.

The opportunities that are presented to the marketplace are huge and the competition is great. Everyone is jockeying for the users time. This creates the “Language Games” that Lyotard covers. If “to speak is to fight” then what will the user fight for? Will they be willing to sacrifice their time and or money?

What will make information marketable to the producer of the content? Is it the ability to win the fight with the user? To capture the users time and integrate sponsorship or have them pay for the privilege to access the information.

A knowledge economy that puts emphasize on the monetary value of information puts the responsibility in the hands of the receiver or end user. If the user is to be the judge of value, because it is their money or time that will end up supporting the information, they then must approach evaluations with a critical eye. It’s the informed user who will get the most bang for their buck. But in an age where presentation is surpassing the nuts and bolts of knowledge delivery, how can the receiver make informed decisions.

What does this mean for information that does not fit into a pretty package? There is pressure to deliver information with substance and to create the package that will win the war with the receiver. Whether it is scientific or narrative I believe the receiver will have high expectations of knowledge and not settle for second best.

With such a large amount of options to choose from, it has never been more important that the sender prepare their argument in the best possible manner.

Originally written for:

September 6, 2005

MD23: Theories of Electronic Communications II
Sean Carton