Module 5 Blog Comments

I commented on the following blogs:

Yolanda
Laura

Red Queens and Increasing Returns

When I read the instructions for Module 4 about needing to view a science fiction movie based on a Philip K. Dick book, my first choice was Video-on-Demand, which is offered through my cable provider.  Due to the movies being older, there were none available for viewing on this convenient, at home feature.  My next stop was Red Box but once again due to these films being older, they were not offered there either.  My final choice was, Hastings, which is our only video rental choice in town. 

According to Dr. Thornburg (2008), when two entities are competing for the same cause, it can be considered a Red Queens.  In today’s ever demanding world, it is crucial that all entities keep up with the demands of the consumers.  Overall, consumers want convenience which is why video-on-demand has been such a success.  Another feature that today’s consumers like is the idea of the video rental option Red Box.  As a consumer with a 4 year old, this has proved to be a great idea.  While traveling to the beach this past spring break, we were able to stop in one town, rent a DVD via Red Box, my son watched that movie then in the next town, return that DVD and rent another one.  How is that for convenient?!?

According to McLuhan’s tetrad, DVD’s and Video-on-Demand would fall in Quadrant 2.  These two technologies have pretty much eliminated the need for large DVD retail stores and the need for a separate DVD/VCR device.  When it comes to me watching a movie, I prefer the traditional TV viewing versus watching it on my computer screen!

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). Emerging and future technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Thornburg, D. (2008c). Red Queens, butterflies, and strange attractors: Imperfect lenses into emergent technologies. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.