We've entered a new era in American life. As we inaugurate our first "Internet president" today, there are signs all around us that the Internet is the foundation of modern life.
I follow "TheMediaIsDying" on Twitter, and it's a bit depressing to witness the demise of some print publications, and the dramatic shrinking of others. Even outdoor advertising is suffering under the weight of the recession and the rise of the Internet as a source for information.
The first sign of trouble started long before the recession, when the business model of newspapers started to collapse. Long dependent on overpriced classified advertising, some newspaper executives naively allowed more than half of their total revenue to come from paper ads. When free sites like Craigslist started to take over the ad space, newspapers had no online model in place to combat the competition.
Just the opposite was happening in politics. Smart political pioneers like Howard Dean and Joe Trippi were figuring out not only the best technical ways to use the Internet, but how to connect people using tools like "Meet-ups." It's the empowerment of people to control their own information, surfing, contributions and connections.
Obama's team took this whole concept to a new level by harnessing the contributions of small-dollar donors. He also employed an old fundraising trick: Ask often and ye shall receive more! It's true! The most likely donor is someone who has just recently given. They also shamelessly played on people's love of free stuff. Donate $15.00 and get a "free" t-shirt.
The communications team was on board too. They used every social media outlet imaginable to reach out to a new demographic: Generation Y. This group of young people had never had the opportunity to vote for such a connected candidate, let alone one that had the "cool factor."
It remains to be seen how the Obama team, along with the newly recommended "CTO" (chief technology officer) will use technology and the Internet to harness all the support surrounding the new President. I expect great things!
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