Jeff Jarvis, NYU internet journalism professor claims that the new AP digital wrapper solution makes the AP “ . . .the enemy of the internet because it is fighting the link and the link is the basis of the internet.” According to Jarvis, links are the basis of the internet because: “Links can be exploited and monetized; get links and you can grab audience and show ads and make money. Content is becoming a cost burden, what you have to have to get the links . . .”
Note that the latter quote is over a year ago when no one was worried about declining ad dollars.
The truth is change is happening. So why not work with the AP to explore ways to make money directly from consumers?
Advertisers are moving online dollars from advertising to their own content development. And consumers will continue to doubt the credibility of all content online because they don’t know who the real author is, what their agenda is, and how well researched it is.
It is time to stop hoping the advertising gravy train will continue and to start being consumer oriented. When you think about being paid, you will get to know your customer and then advertisers will beg you for those insights and to borrow your credibility. And, depending on the integrity of the publisher, the cycle will begin again.
