You may have already been nearby during one of my informal soapbox talks on open communications and implications of the Internet model on services in general. Every once in a while I read an article which offers not only an interesting analogy but also serves to capture the issue in a what I think is a unique perspective.
If you missed this month's issue of Von Magazine, then you probably did not see Bob Frankston's column. Here's the link to one of my favorite authors most recent diatribes:
http://vonmag.com/editorial/columnist/voip-visions-a-fine-way-to-run-a-railroad-but-not-an-internet
Comments (1)
I think Frankston got it wrong with this premise:
"Telecom is about maintaining relationships with each customer, but with the Internet those relationships have become a limitation rather than a benefit."
It would be nice if Telecom vendors were interested in relationships with customers, but I think that went out when Mabel was replaced with a dial. Wrong bills, wrong services, wrong delivery, wrong business models all lead to a lack of a functioning relationship. The Telecom vendors have become the worst part of a monopoly, rather than a benevolent business that is interested in customer patronage.
The only "limitations" of the required relationship are those of management that would prefer to turn a blind eye towards customer needs; instead, focusing on short-term profits.
Near the end of his article he puts in the comment about a toll booth with no traffic. That is closer to the point than his opening premise on the definition of Telecom, IMHO.
JDB
Posted by John Balogh | September 21, 2007 3:23 PM
Posted on September 21, 2007 15:23