Glenn:
It failed because of technical glitches, user apathy, and apperently most of all, because people actually found cash (and I assume credit cards) pretty convenient enough -- cynic that i am, i think that, like the alleged internet revolution, you quickly hit a point of diminishing returns in terms of utility, ease of use, and cost savings -- besides if these were the only things that mattered, the entire university system would have long ago adopted what many UC schools are forced to do -- broadcast an ec lecture to thousands of students statewide simultaneously. apparently someone out there thinks that human interaction matters, that actually picking up the book, or whatever product you might purchase, also matters -- despite doing a ton of online shopping myself, i am one of those folks who believe that most people don't give a s--t about amazon or the web -- is it here to stay ? yes, and it will have SOME impact on the commercial world, but i tend to agree with paul krugman at mit, in its commerical applications (if not, its information dissemination) it is more of a change in degree than type -- i can just pick up the damned phone (and occassionally still find a semi coherent human being who can answer a question), send a fax etc.
end of bearish screed of the evening. |
